Tag Archive for: Lisa Gold

I Rescued a Human Today

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Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.  I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.  I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage.  I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past.  I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.  I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.  Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.  I would promise to keep her safe.  I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.  I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors.  So many more to be saved.  At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Author – Janine Allen

6 Ways to Conquer the Fear of Rejection

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The going price for any worthwhile win is 10 setbacks. If you can handle that failure rate, you have what it takes to succeed.

Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, Alfred Hitchcock and Richard Burton never won an Oscar.  Babe Ruth was never named Most Valuable Player.  Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson all lost elections for the presidency before they won one.  Losers?  No. Legends.

Early in my career, when I was struggling actress, I made a list of all the roles in musical theater I wanted to perform.  Some, I admit, were far out of my reach, (to young, too old, not enough dance skills, wrong color, not the right chops, ugh!), and I wasted tons of time wishing and hoping it weren’t so.

If you’re in the acting game you better get used to hearing the word “no.” If thinking that becoming a successful, heck (really?), even wealthy and famous actor was easy, everyone would want in (ooops…sooooo many do! ). Rejection helps knock out the weak. In my case, those early rejections forced me to really listen to my potential in the marketplace and find out what I needed to do and change in order to transform the “no, thanks” to “where do I sign?”

You can’t escape rejection.  You can only let it go.  Here are some exercises that paid off for me big time:

  • Dissect thoughts under the microscope. When faced with a challenge, what do you tell yourself?  “I’m no good . . . this is too hard . . . I’ll never make it . . .?”  Don’t let negative self-talk sabotage your attitude.
  • Identify realistic fears. Whom do you fear?  What might go wrong?  Who has the power to reject you?  Why would that person say no?  The answers will help you prepare your best, and facing them will help you keep your composure.
  • Focus on the moment. Keep your perspective.  Rejection lasts only a moment, and once it’s over, you’ll be able to move on to the next opportunity.
  • Be more assertive. Most fears of rejection rest on the desire for approval from other people.  Don’t base your self-esteem on their opinions.  Learn to express your own needs (appropriately), and say no when you genuinely can’t be of value or when you know you can’t fulfill.
  • Analyze every failure, but never wallow in one. Harry Truman once said, “As soon as I realize I’ve made one damned fool mistake, I rush out and make another one.”  Failure is a condition all of us experience.  It’s our reaction to our failures that distinguishes winners from losers.
  • Don’t rationalize away the hurt. Turned down for the gig? Didn’t get the contract?  No call back, or even a call period?  Lost out to your biggest competition?  Don’t let your worth be defined by others.  Get back in the game.  It’s not a permanent condition; it’s a short-term setback.

Ten setbacks are the going price for any worthwhile win. I LOVE statistics so look at the major league baseball standings at the end of any season: Out of 30 teams, only eight make the playoffs, and only one winds up winning the World Series. Out of all of the guys on the team (by the way, no women!) how many can you name?  There are the players in the Major Leagues and then there are the STARS.  In the end, the annual standings show that there are 29 losing teams and thusly hundreds/thousands of losers?  Hardly.  Really?  Come on!  Are you in the GAME or not?  In my book the only way you’re not is quitting, and YOU’RE not a quitter, are you?

Lisa’s Moral of the Story:  Don’t get dejected if you’ve been rejected. Just get your skills perfected!

First Thursdays – Oscar Goes to the Dogs! Shhhhhhush, Quiet! 2.27.2012

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What an amazingly wonderful evening we had at our 2nd annual Black Tie, Red Carpet Oscar soiree!  The Best Picture winner wasn’t a surprise if you saw “The Artist” and some notable winners were fan favorites of new and old.  Our own Act Outside the Box community enjoyed the company of Industry Guest Jamibeth Margolis, who I’ve known personally and socially since she was Read more

Directors and Agent attended February 2012 First Thursdays Networking Party

First Thursdays – A warm spot in a suddenly cold week 2.2.2012

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Elana Mudgen, Tracy Costa, and Shirley Faison What a great time we had a February’s First Thursdays!  We had so many newbies show up and each one of them networked with the class and style our industry guests have come to expect.  The room was a buzz with news of the AFTRA/SAG merger and the upcoming Super Bowl (GO GIANTS!!!). I’d like to thank Elana Mugdan for bringing along the FABULOUS Bill Connington and of course Read more

10 Simple Ways to Earn and Save MORE Money

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In case you thought I was going to include winning lottery numbers in this post, I’m not! (aaawwwww!)  The answers I have for you all take work, discipline and good old fashioned ACTion!

I love sharing ways to end the “starving artist” conversation.  So if you want more money, take a good look at these 10 simple (not easy) actions that you can take today that will, in the end, make AND keep money in your pocket.

1. Reduce the number of opportunities you pursue. Focus, focus, focus.  What are your goals? The more opportunities you’ve got, the more likely you are to make mistakes with investing your time (time is money, right?)  If you can’t give ONE opportunity the attention it deserves, you’ll lose money in the end.  This is usually the case pursuing unpaid “opportunities”.

2. Increase the percentage of time you spend marketing yourself.  Let go of the “little” stuff that occupies your mind and efforts.  Reduce the time you spend on paperwork, trade some “craft” time for “marketing” time, and give up other busywork you’re seemingly always involved with. Use the extra time to get yourself in front of as many people possible that can hire you via direct mail, email, social media and in-person networking. Read more

First Thursdays – Kick Off to the New Year! 1.5.2012

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I can’t believe it!  You partied without me and it inspires me to know that the turnover of this event to Tracy Costa was FLAWLESS!   Fabulous industry guests attended and grace us with the present of their presence this new year.  Nadette Stasa, CD with Background/Foreground generously gave every actor in the room the opportunity to qualify to take her 3 week on-camera commercial class for F*R*E*E.  And as a special bonus treat for all, actor Richard Kline, probably most famous for playing gold chain wearing, chest hair baring, neighbor Larry to Jack, Chrissy and Janet on the 70’s hit Three’s Company stole the show, ahem, party!  Way to go Tracy, way to go!  I can’t wait to come back for a visit in February for the Oscars!  Can’t wait and miss you all, Lisa.  CLICK HERE to see all the pics from our Holiday party!

Resistence is Futile

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OK, so I finally, finally, finally gave in.  I bought a GPS for this trip.  I’ve traveled across country by car many, many times.  Early in life with my parents, then again in my 20’s when I moved from FL to LA, a few more times for a few more reasons and again a few years back on a journey to speak at colleges across the country about The Business of Show.  This time it’s to build the Act Outside the Box brand on the west coast.

And always with a map.  And before the last time, without a cell phone.

My friends and other well wishers for my journey said “What? You don’t have a GPS?”  To me it felt like I was going in to outer space or something.  Come on, I-40 is fairly plain and simple.  Hard to get lost.

But I’m one of those folks that prefer to do things the old fashioned way I guess.  I like to use my wits and brain and intention and attention.  Heck, I don’t even use a calculator to balance my checkbook!

Buuuutttt, I gave in.  In Staples the week before I left and with a giant coupon in hand, I bought a Garmin (I’ve named her Sally the Sat Nav) and you know what?  I LOVE her!  She speaks in soothing tones and gives me little updates along the way.

Sometimes it IS better to stop resisting.  Sometimes it’s better to go with the flow.  But I still like knowing in the back of my mind that I can get there with a map!  Lisa Gold

Sunset in Charlotte

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As I leave Charlotte, NC this morning I wanted to share this glorius picture I took outside of Wal-Mart last night.  Getting here on Monday night took about 3 hours longer than expected because of what?  An obstacle of course.  As I often teach in my CEO course, the best laid plans also need to include the certainty, not possibility, of obstacles.

A traffic jam outside of Richmond, VA had me sitting at a standstill for over 2 hours.  When I did get to move at a rate of 2 to 3 miles per hour I got excited.  So why relay all of this to you here?  Because it wasn’t a problem.  I had prepared myself for things to get in the way.  I had snacks, great CD’s and took some mental inventory during the time I was delayed.

It seems to me that perspective is the key to life and as I spent yesterday in the rainy, and as my friend Cindy would say dreary day, I was rewarded for keeping my thoughts and my general outlook on life positive.  After buying a special dog food at the end of my visit here with my friend, who I’ve known for 35 years, I walked out of the store and in to this beauty.  I stood there transfixed at the wonder of it all.

The next time you see something as beautiful as this, take a moment to reflect on all that is good in your life.  You’ll certainly have obstacles, but no problems.  Lisa Gold

Best Laid Plans and Armani’s 16th Birthday

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So this is it!  Last night I pulled out of my parking space in front of my apartment 4 hours later than planned, to start my big adventure driving across the country to Los Angeles.  My car is packed to the gills with only what I think will be needed for the next 6 months and of course, my most precious (hate to say possessions, cause they’re not possessions) furry children.  As I write this, Armani is celebrating his 16th birthday today.  We’re off to Charlotte, NC, again a few hours later than planned, but heck…as I’ve taught many in my CEO workshop, a planned 37 minutes usually takes an hour.

Give your career that extra time too.  Why be in such a hurry?  Enjoy the ride and follow along with me as I journey “outside my own box” to bring the Business of Show to the west coast.

Thanks for all of the good vibes and I’ll see you soon.  Lisa

P.S.  I’d love to hear some stories about your road trips, either to the Big Apple or the Big Orange.  How did you get here?

Box Office Friday – Larry Crowne

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Today’s movie, Larry Crowne, is one of my favorite KINDS of movies.  Romantic comedy, known in the industry as RomCom, is a favorite escape.  Humor, romance, some kind of silly conflict to over come, popcorn and familiar faces as I sit in a dark theater with a big screen.  (I’m not a movie-at-home/Netflix kind of gal!)

What I think I like most about this one is that it is also directed by Tom Hanks.  Now there’s an actor to admire not only because of his acting but for how he lives his life.  He’s managed to have a life and career untouched by controversy, drug or alcohol abuse, has a loving marriage…heck, he’s a GREAT guy and creates an atmosphere on his set of fun, play and ease.  He hasn’t written a tell all, produced any illegitimate children, screwed over any partners or done anything that anyone could call him a bad guy for.  I’ve seen interviews about the atmosphere he created on this movie…playful, easy, and no “struggle” allowed.  He’s loved by cast and crew alike and that translates to what we viewers see on the screen.

And that’s the point – a career filled with joy and pleasure, goodness and abundance, starts with a life that is full of the same.  Many actors seem to think that a successful career is what will have them have a happy and successful life.  I think it’s the other way around.  If  you enjoy what you’re doing in life, then that IS success.  Stop struggling (it’s optional!) and start enjoying the process.

Lighten up, have fun, and like Larry Crowne, make the best out of what some could consider a set back.  Life is what you make it and so is your career!  I’d love to hear how you are ENJOYING the process of pursuing your acting career!  Tips or hints to help other readers take the struggle away would be very much appreciated!  Lisa Gold