I spent the first 10 years of my career as an actor in New York City. I remember the day I moved there like it was yesterday. I packed everything I owned in my white Geo Prism, and with $500 in my pocket, I set out to be a star.
My FIRST professional headshot - I was 22 years old!
Photo by Tim Schultes
Photo by Tim Schultes
I had done everything right. I started honing my craft at a young age, attending a performing arts elementary school. I went on to audition for one of the performing arts high school in Atlanta, GA and then received my degree in Theatre (Dramatic Performance) from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Through those years, I could hear various voices whisper-chanting the mantra I had heard all my life - "You can do it. You can be anything you want to be. You can do anything you want to do. Just believe in yourself."
Who knew that over 20 years later, I would be caught somewhere between questioning it and needing to raise the volume on those voices that have become so quiet, they are almost inaudible. If I were to leave this earth tomorrow, some would say I made it. I've done so much in my career that is admirable to most. Some would say I gave up or never quite made it, because they knew me and my initial goals and standards of excellence. I have struggled with this see-saw of perspective over the course my career(s). Admittedly, I still do.
But from where I stand today, the key word has become HUSTLE. The word "hustle" is often associated with illegal activity and money. Why? Because people in those situations tend to feel they have to do whatever it takes to get money as soon as possible in order to elevate their livelihood (and they feel that illegal activity is closer to instant gratification.) Aside from the impatience aspect of it, that is exactly the way I feel about my acting career. I am proud of everything I have accomplished in my career so far, and I know I was able to do it because of the hustle mentality. I learned early on that in this industry, you cannot wait for things to come to you. Every successful person I know in this field understands this, and it shows! Having the Hustle Mentality means treating yourself like a business. Market yourself. Advertise your talents. Change lives with what you have to offer through your gifts. And know your worth. You are the CEO of YOU, Inc. You should be willing to do whatever you have to do to keep the company from going under. Whatever you think your product is worth, never take a penny less. Know your worth, and keep hustling to fulfill your dreams. Hustling turns dreams into goals. And once goals are set, they can always be met and accomplished!
Who knew that over 20 years later, I would be caught somewhere between questioning it and needing to raise the volume on those voices that have become so quiet, they are almost inaudible. If I were to leave this earth tomorrow, some would say I made it. I've done so much in my career that is admirable to most. Some would say I gave up or never quite made it, because they knew me and my initial goals and standards of excellence. I have struggled with this see-saw of perspective over the course my career(s). Admittedly, I still do.
But from where I stand today, the key word has become HUSTLE. The word "hustle" is often associated with illegal activity and money. Why? Because people in those situations tend to feel they have to do whatever it takes to get money as soon as possible in order to elevate their livelihood (and they feel that illegal activity is closer to instant gratification.) Aside from the impatience aspect of it, that is exactly the way I feel about my acting career. I am proud of everything I have accomplished in my career so far, and I know I was able to do it because of the hustle mentality. I learned early on that in this industry, you cannot wait for things to come to you. Every successful person I know in this field understands this, and it shows! Having the Hustle Mentality means treating yourself like a business. Market yourself. Advertise your talents. Change lives with what you have to offer through your gifts. And know your worth. You are the CEO of YOU, Inc. You should be willing to do whatever you have to do to keep the company from going under. Whatever you think your product is worth, never take a penny less. Know your worth, and keep hustling to fulfill your dreams. Hustling turns dreams into goals. And once goals are set, they can always be met and accomplished!
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