On Giving Yourself Options (aka What's With all Those Eggs in That Basket?)

I'm getting all motivational around here, and I like it...mostly because it makes me feel really good about telling the interwebz what to do.

Onward!

I was talking to my good friend, Marc, this weekend.  Marc is an incredibly talented actor who understands what it means to work for his dreams.  He is not only educating himself to be a success, but he is also creating his own opportunities, taking calculated risks, and preparing for the future of his career (all steps that we'll talk about a little later).

One thing that has really impressed me about Marc is that a) he knows himself well b) he understands his talent and c) he gives himself options. 

He knows himself

Marc is very well aware that the acting world (theatre, TV, movies) is very much about the right look on the right person at the right time.  Marc has a fantastic voice and sings like a leading man, but he knows he will mostly likely be cast as the funny sidekick for the beginning of his career.  He is okay with this fact because he knows himself and he knows the business. 

He understands his talent

Marc knows he's a kick-ass singer.  He knows that he can act, but he also knows that he may be pigeonholed for awhile as he starts out.  In his studies and preparations, he works for all kinds of roles.  He studies to be the funny guy as much as he studies to play the tragic lead.  He works his voice to carry the first act finale as much as he practices to be a part of the chorus. 

He gives himself options

Marc is waiting to hear about his theatre employment this summer from about five different companies.  He also applied and was accepted to a prestigious NYC acting school summer intensive.  The roles for the theatre companies range from apprenticeships to leading roles, to chorus.  Of course, he has his secret favorites--the roles and companies he'd most like to work for--but because he has options, he knows that he will not be disappointed.

As you're chasing your dreams, are you like Marc?  For your assignment today (do what I say!  Do what I say!), answer these questions (in a journal, your head, in a group discussion, the comments...wherever!):

How well do you know yourself?

• What are your unique strengths and talents?
• How to you fit/break the mold?
• Will realizing your dreams form you into the best version of you?

How well do you understand your talent(s)?

• Are you working toward being both the proverbial leading lady/man, but can also fit easily into the chorus?
• What do you naturally excel at?
• What can you work to improve?

Are you giving yourself options when you create your opportunities? 

• Are you putting all your eggs in one basket and banking on just one thing to realize your dreams?
• Are you ensuring that you are taking multiple steps toward achieving your goal?
• Do you believe opportunities are stepping stones, or walls?

And go!