Introduction: Why Do Actors Need Resilience?
Hi, I’m Max – A High-Performance Coach.
Let’s get straight to the point: Why do actors need resilience? It’s simple. The reality of the acting world is tough—brutal, even. At any given moment, 99% of actors are unemployed. That’s right, almost every actor you know is grinding it out, waiting for that big break. But even when you get that break, you’re still playing in one of the most competitive industries on the planet with a large volume of talent, and a very small portion of work.
Before that first break comes, you’re likely working low-pay entry-level jobs, facing constant rejection, and pouring your heart into short films that might never see the light of day. It’s a difficult path, and without resilience, it’s easy to get crushed under the weight of it all.
Today, we’re going to arm you with a resilience kit—three crucial tools that will help you flex your resilience muscle and stay strong on your journey.
1. A Regular Training Schedule
First up: Stay in the gym. And I’m not just talking about physical fitness—although that’s important, too. I’m talking about staying in the gym of your craft. Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. Don’t only work on your craft when you feel motivated. The best actors are the ones who show up consistently, regardless of how they feel on a given day.
Take stock in the work itself, not in the outcomes. Whether you’re doing acting exercises, attending workshops, or just practicing lines, the key is to keep working. It’s in this daily grind that you build the muscle of resilience. The process is where the growth happens—not in the rare moments of glory.
I have seen many actors who don’t have a process, they “just feel it out” with each audition, and as a result their results are very mixed. Some auditions and scenes they ace, others fall flat. And in my view, it’s because they are leaving things to chance through not having a process. Athletes who have no training schedule but enjoy playing matches or competing would face the same challenge.
2. A Clear Vision
Arguably the most fundamental question for any human being endeavoring on a big journey – Why are you doing this? What’s driving you? If your vision isn’t strong enough to pull you through the tough times, it’s time to evolve it. Revisit and refine your vision until it reignites your passion.
Here’s a quick test: If you feel like you’re constantly pushing yourself just to keep going, your vision might be off. But if you’re feeling pulled toward your vision, if it’s drawing you in, you’re on the right track. Your vision should be the light at the end of the tunnel, guiding you even when the path gets dark.
3. Find Completeness Outside of Your Art
Now, here’s the tough one—the counterintuitive piece of advice that most actors struggle with: Find completeness outside of your art. I know you have a deep desire to create amazing work, to touch lives, and maybe even to achieve stardom. But here’s the thing I’ve noticed in my practice at least: Your attachment to those outcomes might be the very thing preventing them from happening.
Start by introspecting—do you feel complete right now? If not, why? If you’re seeking fulfillment solely through your acting career, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Not because you won’t make it, but because a core truth of the human condition – nothing outside of ourselves can ever bring wholeness, completion and contentment. Your art should be an expression of who you are, not the source of your worth. Find completeness in yourself first, and let your work flow from that place of wholeness. How? That’s a question that requires turning inward.
Conclusion: The Artist’s Journey Is a Journey of Self-Exploration
The journey of an artist isn’t just about honing your craft—it’s also a journey of self-exploration. Resilience is built through a combination of having a clear vision, committing to your process, and finding completeness within yourself. That, in my experience, is the secret sauce.
If this resonates with you, let’s have a conversation. There’s a lot more to explore, and I’m here to help you navigate the ups and downs of this challenging but rewarding path.
Reach out to me here.
Max, High-Performance Coach
