Do you ever feel like you’re in a career rut? Boy, I’ve been there. If you’ve been doing the same thing over and over without getting the results you want, then it’s time to shake things up and get yourself moving again.
I thought of 5 ways to shake off old routines and get moving in the right direction, and thought I’d share them with you!
1. Work Those Acting Muscles
If you’re not in an acting class, then it’s definitely time to jump back in and flex those muscles. If you’re already in a class, maybe it’s time to try a different coach and get a new perspective. And if you don’t have the money for class right now, that’s no excuse to not be working on scenes or monologues on your own. If you usually do contemporary work, try rehearsing some classics or vice versa. Commit to working on your craft regularly.
2. Make New Friends
There are so many wonderful entertainment organizations you can get involved with. Learn about the industry and make new friends at the same time! New relationships are a great way to kick you out of your old habits.
3. Support Your Colleagues
Help your friends celebrate their successes, and get inspired. Go to their shows, premieres, and events. I know sometimes the sheer number of things to show up for can be daunting, so commit to a select number every month. This keeps you accountable without overwhelming your calendar.
4. Try Something New
There’s nothing that can break you out of a rut like trying something completely new. How about learning a new dialect? Or taking a dance class? Maybe it’s offering to be a reader for a casting director, or interning on a film shoot or in a costume shop. Pick something that piques your interest and jump in. You never know what will stir your creative juices. Rut be gone!
5. Break Out Of Your Comfort Zone
This is a big one for me. There’s always going to be something you’re not great at, because you’ve never done it before. But you’ll never know your full potential unless you try. What have you been thinking about doing but stopped yourself because you were afraid you’d fail? Whether you want to write a screenplay, start a theatre company, do stand up, or produce a documentary, there’s no better way to break out of a rut than by breaking out of your comfort zone. Will you be successful your first time out? Who knows? But look – you gotta start somewhere. And the only way to get better at something is by doing. And doing again. And hey, you might just surprise yourself with what you can accomplish!
There you have it – 5 ways to shake things up and get unstuck!