Really Truly Make Your Performance Dreams Reality [Part 2: Discipline]

Welcome back for Part 2 of “Really Truly Make Your Performance Dreams a Reality”
 
If you missed Part 1 check it out here FIRST!

So today I want to talk about a tricky, maybe not so fun word…  Discipline
 
What comes up for you when you see that word?  Discipline
 
One of my first lessons in discipline was committing to practice time when I learned to play cello at 8 and then trombone at ten.  (I’ll be honest, I wasn’t the best at the practice thing, but I would not have reached All-State status without it.)

I also think of the discipline that went into training for and running my first (and only) marathon.  Multiple training runs a week, completing smaller races (5K,10K and ½ marathon) and straight up building the muscles and endurance needed to run an outrageous distance!
 
For me, the marathon experience was all about discipline.  In fact, I specifically wanted to use the training process and race itself as a tool to develop more discipline.  I could easily see it as an overwhelming, impossible goal, but learned that with small, consistent, daily actions it was achievable.
 
I was actually inspired by an accomplished jazz musician whom I’d met in my travels who was playing with the big guys (Winton Marsalis, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and served as a Global Jazz Ambassador).  He ran several marathons each year amidst his travels and between gigs.  It was clear that he had discovered running marathons once he’d found success as a musician, and clear to me that his discipline from one facet of life transferred to another.
 
Over a few days, while we working on a promotional gig for the Virgin Fest  in Baltimore, MD, he introduced me to his training. We biked, ran, and he was insistent that anyone can run a marathon, even me.  (I would have never considered myself an athlete at that point.) 
 
Recently out of college, and in full pursuit of making my own performance dreams a reality, here I found myself in the presence of an artist who was living the dream---  Staying in shape, creating relationships wherever he went and always pursuing new opportunities.
 
It was clear to me in that moment…  I would take the challenge to run a marathon and then transfer that discipline to my acting career.
 
He said “it’s all about putting in the daily work.  Making that commitment to yourself and the goal.  Anyone can do it.”
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Have you ever heard the phrase “anyone can be an actor?”
 
Is that true?

What does that bring up for you?

Do you have a ton of training but maybe not all of the credits you desire?

Do you feel it unfair that lesser trained actors are working more?

Are you seeing folks on TV or onstage and think, “why is that not ME?”

Why isn’t it?!

Were you at that audition?  Are you meeting the directors, casting directors and writers who are working at that level? 
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If you are unclear where to start, check out my"Top 25 Resources for Actors & Singers" here.

​Finally, you know this is true, but I kind of have to say it:  If YOU are not PUTTING IN THE WORK no one is going to do it for you!  Even if you are working with an agent or manager, they will at most be putting in the 10-15% to help bring you audition opportunities.  It is up to YOU to show up with your best craft, in your best shape, create those relationships and BOOK IT!
 
That’s it!
 
You can do this.
 
I am by NO MEANS saying “Discipline is easy”…  that the daily commitment is easy.  

I am not suggesting you set out to run a marathon this year (though you have my full support if that’s something you’re interested in!) 
 
I’m just saying it is a simple concept, daily consistent action in pursuit of a major, never-before-achieved-by-you goal will bring success.
 
So, let’s put this into action, shall we?
 

If you haven’t already, click hereto download your “Really, Truly” Action Packet. Work through pages 2 & 3-- the steps to create Office/Rehearsal Hours for yourself and tap into the Weekly Action plan. Begin charting out your daily actions and show up for yourself each day.

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Let me know how it goes for you in the comment section below!
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Get your "Really Truly Action Packet" HERE!'`