By: Brian Gilleece
It's certainly a strange time on our planet but, one of of the most important things in any part of life is FORTITUDE during tough times, no matter if it's in the audition room, personal times, or weird outbreaks that are giving that beer with the lime a bad name. I say it all the time, EVERYTHING IS HARD, so the best thing we can do is make sure we are ready to succeed in any situation!
ACCEPT REALITY.
Acceptance doesn't mean agreement. Instead, it's about acknowledging what is happening from a realistic standpoint. Accepting what is happening right now--regardless of whether you think it's right--is the first step in deciding how to respond.
For example, one person stuck in a traffic jam says, "This isn't fair! Why do these things always have to happen to me?" His thoughts cause him to feel angry, frustrated, and anxious. He starts banging his fists on the dashboard like a maniac, screaming at other drivers etc, while another driver switches one the latest episode of "Brentfast w/ Brent Pope", relaxes and knows there is no sense in worrying about won't they can't control.
Accepting reality is about recognizing what's within your control. When you can't control the situation, focus on controlling yourself.
BEHAVE PRODUCTIVELY.
Unproductive behavior, like complaining or throwing a pity party, will keep you stuck and not improving the situation. Those behaviors will rob of mental strength, stunt growth and your ability to problem solve. So it's important to ask yourself, "What's one thing I can do right now to help myself?" Whether productive behavior involves facing a fear, or doing something you really don't want to do, take action, motion creates emotion.
CONTROL UPSETTING THOUGHTS.
Your mind can be your best asset or your biggest enemy. If you believe your negative thoughts, your self-limiting beliefs will prevent you from reaching your greatest potential. Thinking, "This will never work. I'm not good enough," or, "I can't stand one more minute of this," will derail you from your goals weather you can actively see it or not. Recognize when your inner monologue becomes pessimistic. Remember that just because you THINK something, doesn't make it true.
You can even create a mantra that you repeat during tough times or times of stress, Do you have one before big auditions? Quiet the negative chatter and doubt by drawing it positivity!
BUILD MENTAL STRENGTH BEFORE STRONG IS THE ONLY CHOICE YOU HAVE
Building mental strength is similar to building physical strength. While you may not think about your mental muscle until you need it the most, a crisis isn't the best time to build mental strength. Similarly, you don't want to wait until you have to lift a heavy object to start building physical strength, right? Pumping iron for five minutes before you move a couch isn't going to do you much good. But steadily building strength over time can ensure you have the muscle you need when you have more weight to carry.
Think of mental strength in the same way. There will be times when you're going to need all the mental strength you can muster. So it's important to make mental strength training a daily habit. What are you doing TODAY to be a stronger version of you tomorrow?
WRAP:
Spend this time of "Social Distancing" working on ways to make yourself bigger, faster, stronger.
Want to learn to edit? Get Premier Pro and take Youtube Tutorials (that's what I did)
Want to learn a language? Get on Youtube, or get a book.
Practice an accent that may be helpful in your casting.
Work out more.
Read The Art of War and flip your perspective on challenges and confrontation, there are 1 million ways to stay productive and growing and remember the most important effect on you, is YOU.
Go. Be. Do.
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