When to walk away

​Removing Yourself From Uncomfortable Situations

I am all for going out of your comfort zone, in fact I challenge you to go out of your comfort zone on a daily basis, because it will help you grow as both a human and artist.  We will definitely explore the subject of “going out of your comfort zone” in a future post …
 
But today let’s talk about UNCOMFORTABLE SITUATIONS… And when it’s time to walk away
 
There have been times in my career where I have lost confidence because I found myself in uncomfortable environments.  A time or two it was clear that I was in a straight up dangerous situation and I hustled to the door as quickly as I arrived.  I was lucky in that all turned out well soon after.  But if I hadn't walked away immediately, I could have been emotionally and physically hurt.
 
This industry is full of hopeful artists trying to pursue their dreams, and sometimes not so nice people will take advantage of our starry-eyed aspirations—taking our money and not fully delivering.
 
When should you get out of a situation that is makes you feel uncomfortable?

1.) If you feel like you will be risking your mental, physical or spiritual well-being by taking part in a project or experience.   

In my career I have had the awkwardness of:

• a casting couch situation (a director coming on to me while I was alone in the room with him)
• having a co-star flirt with me beyond what was comfortable offstage and touch me inappropriately--- NOT OKAY
• working with a director who would yell at actors and demean the company because his communication skills were not fine-tuned enough to get what he wanted out of an actor's performance

These are all UNCOMFORTABLE SITUATIONS--- if you find yourself in any like this, gracefully make your exit.  These are NOT professional environments

2.) When the leadership uses fear-based motivation versus empowering inspiration and collaboration. 

Does the leadership inspire you OR make you fearful?

Keep in mind that there are many paths to success in our industry.  If a certain coach, company, director, actor or writer, is making you feel uncomfortable--- end the relationship.  Walking away is not a career-ending decision.  You WILL find others who are the right fit for you AND who treat you with respect. 
 
I don’t know about you, but I am interested in working with inclusive not exclusive folks who share a similar mindset of inclusiveness and love.  I want to be creating inspiring art that challenges and has the power to change humanity for good!
 
If the method of communication is fear-based, how is that in line with the work I want to create?  We already have enough work to do in this business to keep our mindsets in check---- SO when given a choice, I choose inspiration over fear.​

What kind of work to you want to create?  When looking at a next project or even current projects, are they in line with your goals?  
 
This topic and some of these examples may trigger questions and fears.  I’d love to address your specific questions below. We are each at a unique place in our performing career and if my examples are not quite in line with where you currently are, I’d love to discuss your specific journey and current challenges. 
 
I will be exploring this subject further on Facebook Live, Wednesday, March 1st at 3pm EST/Noon PST.  Please join me with your questions or comments then and check back for a link to the video. 

Click here to see the Facebook Live Video!
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