Career Transformation in a Flash
People often ask me, “what is the most effective technique for transforming my career quickly?” OK the truth is, they don’t really ask this exact question but the bottom line is that what they mostly want to know is how to get what they want in this biz faster and easier.
Well I gotta say that after years and years of research, my best answer is to just be a little kinder. What? Huh? No seminar or course or pathway or step by step plan to follow? Bummer. Not really. It’s a lot easier than you think.
This is the paradox of the power of kindness. It doesn’t feel powerful at all. In fact, it almost feels too simple to be important. It’s actually the #1 thing that can transform your career and indeed your entire life. And in the business of show, I say it’s a secret weapon to get where you want in your career faster and with ease.
How can that be? Because simply put, kindness is the foundation of a good heart and with a good heart…a good life will follow. You are a giver of gifts in the form of your talent, but if your good heart isn’t in it, I fear you have a tough climb ahead.
Have you ever practiced random acts of kindness? It was a big thing awhile back and I started this practice when it was a trendy and loved it so much it’s now a part of my everyday existence. Try it!
Buy a movie ticket pass and give it to the girl that makes your coffee at Starbucks. Take out your neighbor lady’s trash. Take that flyer from the guy on the corner with a big smile and a thank you instead of charging by with your head down. Pick up the garbage someone just tossed at the can ahead of you and missed. Keep some quarters handy to put in people’s expiring parking meters. My personal favorite is to clean a public bathroom I’m using by picking up toilet paper and paper towels off the floor and putting them in the trash where they belong or mopping up water around the sink.
Practice kindness toward others, but don’t leave yourself out! Take a bubble bath. Buy yourself some fresh flowers. Get that doo dad or gadget that you’ve been wanting but denying yourself for whatever reason.
But how does simply being kind impact your career so that your transformation from talented unknown to rising star happens gracefully and easily? How can it not? This is a business built on relationships where it’s all about who you know and who knows you. Creatives want to work with people they not only know, but also like, trust and who are genuinely nice. It’s pretty simple really. Just be kind!
I just disagree with this article. There are lots of people in our world who are cruel and inhumane but they still get ahead in life. Look at our current President. I fear it over simplifies life’s complex problems and complex working and professional relationships. There are lots of unkind people in the entertainment world who are cruel but they still have a good job and people wait on them hand and foot. I know this based on personal experience. These articles should be given to people who are in a position of power who feel they can disrespect people based on their lower status level. Such as agents, directors, casting people to name a few.
Hi C, I appreciate your comments. Of course there are unkind people in the world. You’ll find them everywhere you look, if you’re looking for them and often when you’re not. However, there are just as many, if not MORE kind people in this world (and in this business) and you’ll also find them if you’re looking for them and often when you’re not. The difference is where you put your focus. I spend the majority of my time in this life focusing on the kind ones because I prefer to feel good than focus on the ones who make me feel bad. It takes training to see the bright side most of the time. Contrast in life is a given…we’ll never get rid of the bad ones and it’s not my job to do so. If you’re an actor the way you can help brighten the world is through your talent. If you’re a human the way you can help brighten the world is through your kindness. Do what you can to make yourself and others feel good!
Of course by decade of blood drives, saving hundreds of lives came to mind & the union making it part of the health & wellness fair is probably my biggest success.
Continuing to be passionate about acting & performing
Doing student films to expand my range & help them pursue their dream are often wonderfully enjoyable too.
Bill I’ve known you for years and have personally witnessed your career transformation. It is all due to your generosity of spirit and wanting to make a contribution by being kind. You’ve done so much for our community and I thank you, but know you didn’t do it for the thanks. Your passion for ALL OF IT makes you a bright light. So glad you’re in our world!
Lisa,
I’m lovin your posts!! Keep on keepin on!!
Spike
Thanks Spike, you got it!