ladeemahongany asks:

How do you remain motivated to do what you do as a career?

Hooboy. That’s a hard one. First of all let me tell you that I’m not that high up on the totem pole. I’ve only been out of school for 3 years. I’ve been extremely lucky to get consistent work since then, but I am by no means a theater star or anything. I’m sure that people more and less successful would have different answers to this question. But, if you want this particular starving actor’s point of view, then here it is.

The real answer is I don’t always remain motivated. Sometimes I am extremely driven and on the ball and sometimes I’m not. Sometimes it feels like I’m going through the motions and I question what it is that I am doing and if it’s worth it. I think about all the alternate lives I could’ve had by now: Interior designer, successful Lawyer, FBI agent, homemaker, etc. I panic that my biological clock is ticking away. I could have a ten year-old by now for pete’s sake. I dream about living in the country with gobs of children, where I could home school them and pickle my own vegetables. (I’m obsessed with pickling my own vegetables.)

I panic that I’m not good enough. I rue the day that I dropped dance lessons when I was eight. I regret losing 6 years to the Navy that I could’ve used to hone my craft. I beat myself up and think if only I lost 20 pounds everything would be perfect. I mourn the parts that I came so So SOOO close to getting, but didn’t. I swallow my pride again and again. I attempt to not have a panic attack after every single audition and a complete breakdown after a dance call. LOL

This panic usually lasts about a week, and it usually happens two or three times a year. But, after that week I wake up to the sun shining and I get over myself. I remember why I’m here, why I’ve chosen this. I remember the thrill of discovering the key to a character. I remember that pure energy, that is unlike any other high, that you get when you walk on stage. I remember how much I love sharing that experience with an audience and how important they are. I remember how much I LOVE to create and collaborate. I remember all these things and I GET OVER MYSELF. The truth is in this crazy business the only reason to keep going, the only reason to stay motivated, is because you LOVE it.

One more thing: have a good support system (friends, family)

And the most important thing of all: REMEMBER TO LAUGH! Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Remember that everyone has their own path. Don’t get obsessed with comparing yourself with your peers and don’t set any ridiculous time limits for success….just (As my lovely and talented friend Aaron Holland likes to say) FOLLOW YOUR BLISS.

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If you want me to sing about it for ya! (Be gentle. I was losing my voice and I forgot the words! HA!)

Feel free to email me and ask me any questions that you may have!