When I was 15, I saw a documentary called So you Want to be an Actor. It was about the Acting program at the DePaul Theatre School. (To date the DTS is still around and very active). After I watched it, I decided that was where I was going to go to school. In November of my senior year, I auditioned and got into the DTS. I spent my freshman year there and it was an amazing experience.
What I learned from that experience was the importance of being focused. I remember that after I made the decision to attend DTS, it influenced everything else I did in my life between watching the program and going to the school. There were naysayers along the way who tried to “temper” my feelings and prepare me for disappointment. There were also plenty of distractions and obstacles along the way – some very significant ones and mostly out of my control, but my determination never wavered.
I have felt that same thing a few other times in my life, especially around things that were very important to me or things I wanted. I’ve considered what I did consciously created the focus I needed in all of those instances to be successful, especially so I can replicate it in the future. Perhaps you’ve had similar experiences where you’ve been so focused on a goal and you’ve achieved it but you find it hard to do again. See if these insights were a part of your journey.
- Notice the physical sensations associated with the thing that inspires you. I felt a physical shift when I watched that video years ago about the DTS. I remember feeling inspired and I told it to whomever I could with enthusiasm each time, which seemed to only increase my desire to go. I recreated that physical feeling over the next 2 years: it’s like sending out radio waves into the Universe.
- Share your goal with people you know will support you. This step is very important because depending on how far out your goal is, you’ll have to continue building momentum and it’s easy to get talked out of things you really want by others who may feel they are “protecting” you but really you don’t need protecting do you? Be intentional about who you share your deepest desires with.
- Find a few naysayers and let them motivate you. This contradicts step 2, but it can be very powerful motivation to prove to someone you can succeed. “Watch me!” is a powerful motivator. It will also help you measure just how committed you really are. Is this dream, goal, or desire something you can’t live without? If it’s that easy to get thrown off the path, maybe it’s not that important to you. A dose of reality is not a bad thing as long as you hear it as another perspective to ponder and not the absolute truth.
- Visualize yourself already achieving or having what you want. This step is crucial. It’s about becoming the thing you wish to be even before it happens. It’s like trying on an outfit before you buy it. You can picture you in it which will help you stay motivated as you pursue your goal.
- Do not take on other people’s drama. This sounds obvious and it’s so easy to get hooked into other “stuff” that doesn’t belong to us. Be clear about what you can do and what you’re responsible for and trust other people to take care of themselves or ask if they need something from you. This step is about boundaries. If you do not protect what you want- someone else will grab it so don’t let that happen.
- Find a structure to stay focused. There is a lot of research out about the power of meditation. Whatever you choose to do, pray, meditate, spend time walking or exercising, do something that allows you to release negative energy and help you stay healthy so you can be mentally and physically fit and focused. We live in an ever increasing wired world and there is a lot to distract us- don’t let it. Work at being mindful in all that you do and you’ll reach your target- whatever that may be.
If this topic interests you, tune in Thursday night for a preview of a webinar with the same name. Click on this link to register for the webinar.