ACTOR'S TOOL-KIT #4
QUOTES THAT WILL HELP YOU
by Bob Fraser
FAILURE & TRACKS
I'd like to pass along some words of wisdom from seven very sharp people, who
have all made their way up the ladder of success by following their own advice
and probably the wisdom of each of the others.
First up is George Burns who made his living in 'on the boards' for about 85
years (not a bad run), who reminds us of the first law of success, in this
timeless classic:
"I'd rather be a failure at something I love ... than a success at
something I hate." ~ George Burns
This is crucial: You must love what you are doing if you ever hope to be
successful at it. Most actors do not have a problem here. We all love it.
Next is Will Rogers, probably the most beloved entertainer of all time. He
reminds us that loving it is not enough - all by itself - you also have
to do something about it.
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit
there." ~ Will Rogers
Like all great remarks, this one cuts right to the heart of most career
problems. I don't think I'm talking out of drama school when I suggest that most
of us (actors) have a long streak of lazy. It is something we all have to work
to overcome - I know I did.
TIME & DOOR BUILDING
The third important piece of advice comes from Milton Berle, who spent his whole
life in show biz (his mother started taking him to auditions before he could
walk). He imparts another critical factor - a huge piece of the puzzle:
"If opportunity isn't knocking, build a door" ~ Milton Berle
This is about thinking outside the box and doing what it takes to move things
forward.
Then there is this brilliant bon mot from the typewriter of the great playwright
and screenwriter, Ben Hecht.
"Time is a circus ... always packing up and moving away." ~ Ben Hecht
Oh, yes, it goes very quickly - so the sooner you get started the better off you
are. Do something right now. Well, finish reading this article - then do
something. Time is moving away.
Now, comes one of my favorites of all time - from one of the classiest of the
classic movie stars:
"Do your job and demand your compensation ... but in that order." ~
Cary Grant
I love the fact that Cary Grant calls it a job and then he ties it immediately
to the money. For most of us, that is really the ultimate goal - acting for a
paycheck. Keep that in mind every morning when you wake up.
By the way, complaining that it's hard won't make it any easier. Making money
will start to happen when you decide that's what you want - and channel all your
efforts in that direction. Getting paid to act is a big step ...onto the right
ladder.
If you are willing to learn from a school teacher, here's one who became famous
as a humorist some 50 years ago.
"You must learn from the mistakes of others. You cannot possibly live long
enough to make them all yourself."
~ Sam Levenson
What this means in simple terms is read books, watch biographies, make an effort
to find out how others have succeeded - then "copy" their successful
strategies while trying to avoid the pitfalls they stumbled upon, long before
you arrived.
THE HUSTLE
The great thing about copying others yourself is that you will only copy those
methods that fit with your desires and needs. You won't be in the position of
having to accept someone else's version of success. You can customize your plan
for your own comfort level.
Here is my favorite exhortation by one of the great humorists and writers of
more contemporary times:
"Contrary to popular opinion, the hustle is not a new dance step ... it is
an old business procedure." ~ Fran Lebowitz
Okay, I slipped in a writer who isn't really in show business, but please listen
to Fran. Our business is an old business. It's a darn good idea to use that old
business procedure to succeed at it.
Let's review:
Love it.
Do what needs doing.
Build your own door.
Start immediately.
Keep that paycheck in mind.
Learn from others.
Hustle.
And here's one I really like:
"Try, try again." ~ McGuffey's Reader
Hey, I got a million of 'em.
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