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Dream, Facebook, Health, Matthew, Matthew 7:7–8, Psychology, Social Sciences, Twitter
I was raised in a Baptist environment. I recall being in church years ago and hearing someone say, “Name it and claim it!” That was in reference to coming out of debt, misery and/or hard times. The suggestion was that you name what you want, claim that it would happen and then wait for a manifestation. I’m not knocking anyone’s beliefs, customs or rituals. But the life I’ve led has always shown me that when it comes to staking claim on anything I truly want . . . genuinely desire . . . I have to put in some work for the manifestation of whatever that thing is. Which is why I have always been fond of the bible verse from Matthew 7:7 – ask . . . seek . . . . and knock. For me, I have never had the personal experience of just merely saying I want something and then being able to wait for it to land in my lap. I had to, at the very least, do some research on “it” to make certain I was in the right area, at the right time and had the right skills for it.
So, as we go into 2014 I would like to make these suggestions:
NAME IT!
Of course you have to identify what you’re pursuing. Do you want to be an actor, singer, model, producer, director, gaffer, water boy . . . what? No one can help you achieve your goals if you are not clear about the goal itself.
Claim it!
Yes. Let’s just go ahead and be very positive and hopeful for the manifestation of that dream. What sense does it make to sit around saying, “I applied for that wonderful position. But I’ll never get it.” Nobody likes being around people like that. Why waste your time applying if you don’t think you have a chance. Those of us in the acting game know rejection like we know the skin on the back of our hands. Yet we don’t go into auditions saying to the director, “I know I’m not going to get it. But I’m so glad to be here.” No! You walk into that thing and rock it like it’s already yours! Let rejection find you (if it can). But it’s not over until the last callback is had. So act like it’s yours until you know different.
Ask
Find a mentor, coach, leadership class or just get a pet rock. But find a medium that will allow you to articulate your dream in a forum where someone can hear you, remember what you said and guide you to the resource that will allow you to live your dream. And don’t be afraid to be bold! If you see someone doing something you think you want to do ask them how they got started. They are either going to ignore you or direct you to their website (www.gailwashington.com). Most actors have absolutely no issues with talking about themselves. Just be prepared to take mental and written notes and follow up on their suggestions.
Seek
There is this wonderful building in many towns across America called libraries. They do exist and they still serve a purpose. Yes. Most of us are walking around with all of the info in the world in our hand. But, in most major metropolitan areas, you will want to go to the actual building because there are people to network with there. They will actually talk with you about career planning, guide you to resources that fit your demographic and share information that will help you to avoid investing your hard earned money into senseless schemes.
Knock
Make yourself visible – website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, sandwich board . . . the world needs to see you. So get out there and be relevant. Whatever you choose as your career volunteer somewhere to do it until you can get a paying gig for it. That way you can say (legitimately) “I’m a _________” and have some creds to back it up.
Stop being your own foe
Get out of your own way . . . out of your own head. That may require getting the voices of your youth out of your head (you’re fat, pimple faced, have a lisp . . .); it may require you to lie about having a real job in order not to freak out the kinfolk who can’t see how living your dream can pay your bills; you may have to eat rice and oatmeal for a few months in order to have the finances to invest in that dream. It’s your dream. Learn the craft and do it in a way that will allow you to sleep well at night. Not everyone can reconcile being on the pole. So find the road less traveled to fund your adventure (there’s no shame in cleaning toilets – projectile vomiting maybe – but no shame).
The east coast is celebrating 2014 as I type this last blog of 2013. Don’t let 2015 sneak up on you without you having even attempted to do the things you claim to love.
#breakaleg and live life strong!!!