Opportunities

Today I’d like to talk about opportunities. So many people ask me about where to find the best opportunities. My answer is usually the same. The best way to find them (and by opportunities I mean those that will help you move forward in your career) is to make your own! :) I know kinda chincy? Well consider this: This career path we’re all on is filled with them. You can throw a rock and hit one, but you have to go out there and get it!

We talked a little about Validation and Confidence yesterday in reference to Bob Fraser and all he does, and that ties right into today’s topic. If you have confidence, you’ll radiate that and have a higher chance of success with anything you do.. right? Yes.. Confidence is key.

Well, if you actively search out opportunities, and keep your mind open to some things that you wouldn’t normally consider as part of a “safe and steady” approach, you never know what you might get picked for. We’re our own worst critics. As Artists, (and yes we are) we have a tendency to place critical lenses on our own efforts. It’s a story as old as time itself. When we do something, we hear every little thing that went into its’ creation. We hear where the noise gate didn’t expand fast enough, (even though no one else could tell) we hear our voice as an instrument and critique everything we perceive as a “Wrong Note” and make mental notes to improve it next time, we hear how our inflection could have been better here or there, etc.

Why does this matter? Because being self critical is a double edged sword. It’s great if we can keep it in perspective, but if left unchecked, can keep us from seeking out all the opportunities that are available to us. Case in point: If we think that we need to work on emoting before putting in for a narration job and therefore don’t submit an audition, we’ve just taken that decision away from the person making it regarding who to pick. You can’t spell out every qualification for an audition. Even if you do, who’s to say that during the process of sifting through all those auditions, the director says. “Hey you know, this person isn’t what I thought I was looking for, but they’re PERFECT for how this project is developing”

My point is that there are so many things we continually put in our own paths that can sideline us. It’s not really a matter of “A place to find the best Opportunities” it’s a matter of making the best of what we have, and taking chances to grow and expand.

So go out there, stretch your wings and make those opportunities happen for yourself. Get more involved with your social networking, become involved in the discussion, find people to send your demos to and never quit trying to reach your potential.. It’s fun and a great way to expand your horizons and try new things!

Remember, being our own worst critic can narrow what we think we might be right for, let the client make that decision.

You know what they say..

Actors.. Act

Till next time..

Bye For Now

Adam