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Getting Out Of Getting In Your Own Way

Started by Peter Kaufman · 3 months ago

I recently called four actors about a potential gig on a television series.
Only one of them got back to me. Four days later. By email.
All of them, without exception, regularly complain to me about the lack of work in L.A. and now, all of them, without exception, were missing ... Continue reading »

7 comments

  • corine

    7 months ago

    Great post. There are as many ways to self-sabotage as there are stars in the sky.
    reply
  • Jennifer

    7 months ago

    Really good points - reminds me of a line from "Postcards from the Edge" when Delores says, "How do you expect to get anywhere in this business if you don't show up?" (Hope I didn't misquote - it's been a few years!)
    reply
  • Peter Kaufman

    7 months ago

    True. Yet most if not all of us can think of instances where we simply don't (or can't) show up. I think that a new paradigm is required to break this kind of thinking. Basically, you have to start enjoying the trip (the process of breaking in the business; or staying in the business) rather than focusing on the destination.
    reply
  • katherine stephens

    7 months ago

    You are always on target...I think it is true of every industry..I think the behavior gave rise to the expression " you snooze, you lose".Love your choice of illustrations.. they make me laugh and your links make me think! many thanks..Katie
    reply
  • Brett

    7 months ago

    This reminds me of an online discussion i was involved with on a screenwriting board some months back.

    Some "new" aspiring screenwriter asked what they surely intended to be a thought-provoking question: "What's the one best trick you've learned that most improved your writing?"

    I was one of the early respondents who offered some variation of "Work harder." Several folks chimed in with similar answers, but the person asking the question kept saying "no, no-- you guys are not answering me! I want to know one tactic or technique I can adopt!"

    Again 8 or 9 people -- including some pros who have penned some of the biggest movies in recent years -- said "work harder."

    No matter how many times this simple and powerful (yet easily dismissed) bit of advice was offered, or who it came from, this new writer refused to hear it. They wanted something else... a book they might read, a program to use, a pill to take.

    ANYTHING but "work harder."

    It's amazing to notice how hard some folks will work to remain lazy.

    Nice post.
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  • PJ

    7 months ago

    I'd also add: work smarter.
    reply
  • Andy Valadez

    6 months ago

    Outstanding post! I have been tryiing to figure out why people don't do more to further their interests. They waste time, don't check out opportunities, and then blame other's for failure. One simple thing that I think would help a lot of people; return your calls, even if it takes a few weeks.

    I have a lot of calls to make and awaiting many returned calls. When success happens, then everyone wants to be your friend (and I will return their calls, but it will cost them).

    Sincerely,

    Andy Valadez
    Marketing Dynamics
    reply

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