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QUOTES THAT WILL HELP YOU
by Bob Fraser
FAILURE & TRACKS
I’d like to pass along some words of wisdom from
seven very sharp people, who have all made their way
up the ladder of success by following their own advice
and probably the wisdom of each of the others.
First up is George Burns who made his living in ‘on
the boards’ for about 85 years (not a bad run), who
reminds us of the first law of success, in this
timeless classic:
“I’d rather be a failure at something I love … than
a success at something I hate.” ~ George Burns
This is crucial: You must love what you are doing if
you ever hope to be successful at it. Most actors do
not have a problem here. We all love it.
Next is Will Rogers, probably the most beloved
entertainer of all time. He points out that loving
it is not enough – all by itself – you also have
to do something about it.
“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over
if you just sit there.” ~ Will Rogers
Like all great remarks, this one cuts right to the heart
of most career problems. I don’t think I’m talking out
of drama school when I suggest that most of us (actors)
have a long streak of lazy. It is something we all have
to work to overcome – I know I did.
TIME AND YOUR MAIN CHANCE
The third important piece of advice comes from Milton
Berle, who spent his whole life in show biz (his mother
started taking him to auditions before he could walk).
He imparts another critical factor – a huge piece of
the puzzle:
“If opportunity isn’t knocking, build a door” ~ Milton
Berle
This is about thinking outside the box and doing what
it takes to move things forward.
Then there is this brilliant bon mot from the typewriter
of the great playwright and screenwriter, Ben Hecht.
“Time is a circus … always packing up and moving away.”
~ Ben Hecht
Oh, yes, it goes very quickly – so the sooner you get
started the better off you are. Do something right now.
Well, finish reading this article – then do something.
Time is moving away.
Now, comes one of my favorites of all time – from one
of the classiest of the classic movie stars:
“Do your job and demand your compensation … but in
that order.” ~ Cary Grant
I love the fact that Cary Grant calls it a job and then
he ties it immediately to the money. For most of us, that
is really the ultimate goal – acting for a paycheck. Keep
that in mind every morning when you wake up.
By the way, complaining that it’s hard won’t make it any
easier. Making money will start to happen when you decide
that’s what you want – and channel all your efforts in
that direction. Getting paid to act is a big step …
onto the right ladder.
If you are willing to learn from a school teacher, here’s
one who became famous as a humorist some 50 years ago.
“You must learn from the mistakes of others. You cannot
possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.”
~ Sam Levenson
What this means in simple terms is read books, watch
biographies, make an effort to find out how others have
succeeded – then “copy” their successful strategies while
trying to avoid the pitfalls they stumbled upon, long
before you arrived.
THE HUSTLE
The great thing about copying others yourself is that
you will only copy those methods that fit with your
desires and needs. You won’t be in the position of
having to accept someone else’s version of success.
You can customize your plan for your own comfort level.
Here is my favorite exhortation by one of the great
humorists and writers of more contemporary times:
“Contrary to popular opinion, the hustle is not a new
dance step … it is an old business procedure.” ~
Fran Lebowitz
Okay, I slipped in a writer who isn’t really in show
business, but please listen to Fran. Our business is
an old business. It’s a darn good idea to use that old
business procedure to succeed at it.
Let’s review:
Love it.
Do what needs doing.
Build your own door.
Start immediately.
Keep that paycheck in mind.
Learn from others.
Hustle.
And here’s one I really like:
“Try, try again.” ~ McGuffey’s Reader
Hey, I got a million of ‘em.
“Reprinted from THE ACTOR’S TOOL KIT, the email course for
subscribers of Show Biz How-To -The Free Actor’s Newsletter.
