Yes, I said homework. Don't freak out. This is homework that feels good.
(I am stealing this post from myself. It's an update to last year's Thanksgiving Homework post. I am doing that because first, it was a good post if I do say so myself, and second, I'm short on time this week because I'm shooting a super fun guest star role on a Nickelodeon show. Remember when I said nothing is shooting in December? I meant ALMOST nothing.)
Here we go.
When it comes to acting, I'm not big on books. I don't want to read about it, I want to DO it. But there are two books that are so fantastic, exceptions must me made. One of those Books is "Your Best Year Yet." It's not specifically for actors, but it's a perfect companion to the work we do in coaching, and contains an exercise that's perfect for Thanksgiving the end of the year.
In our quest to push ourselves ever farther in our careers, we often forget a critical step -- giving ourselves credit for how far we've come. We get so focused on the To Do list that we skip the part where we celebrate what we've Done. In "Your Best Year Yet," readers are asked to spend some time answering a simple question; What Did I Accomplish?
Take a pass at answering that question for 2013 2014. Think beyond result-oriented things (auditions, representation, etc.) Did you get in front of decision-makers through mailings or workshops? Did you inspire your creative self by seeing great theater, film, tv, music, or art? Did you make it easier to focus on your career by finding a better roommate, apartment, or survival job? Did you take a class that made you a stronger actor? Did you get new headshots? Do a student film? Conquer a fear? Improve a skill? Get some coaching? Join the union?
It all counts, and it's really important to give yourself credit for that stuff; Even if it feels icky and weird. ESPECIALLY if it feels icky and weird. The career we've chosen is notoriously difficult, so we need every bit of encouragement to help us keep going; yet so often we deny ourselves.
Ok, 2014 me is back. Here's what jumps out when I think about what I've accomplished this year... It was my first without a day job. That's been a goal of mine since I moved to Los Angeles, and this was the year I did it. It's been a little terrifying, and Maude wants me to think it isn't even really true because I have been doing some freelance work. But Maude loses. Because to me, not having a day job means not having a boss and never feeling guilt or pressure about taking off for an audition, rehearsal, or job. And in the year I've been doing that, I've booked more and better acting gigs than I ever did with a day job. That feels pretty phenomenal.
I'd love to know what you accomplished. Share!