NEVER GIVE UP!!! Denzel Washington

Everyday you have to encourage yourself as a person and for sure as an actor.   Work on yourself as hard as you work on your craft.  When ever I tell someone I'm an actor the first thing they usually do is shake their head and say, "Wow, it must be tough"  I remind them it takes up to 16 years to be a licensed doctor, up to  8 years to be a lawyer and then the Bar, It can take up to 6 years to be a licensed plumber. On top of that, no time you put into your education in any of those occupations/careers guarantees overnight success. To be successful at anything requires discipline, perseverance, commitment, dedication, passion and endurance. 

As an actor you will meet obstacles, you will meet disappointment, you will meet rejection and as Denzel says you will suck, but you must take risks and you must not quit.  If one door closes find another door, find a window a crack find something but don't ever give up!  Falling forward means that you're in motion toward your goal so take risks, be willing to suck, get back up and continue on your journey.  You'll hear 1000 no's before you hear a yes.  You have to believe in yourself when the people close to you don't, you have to be your own champion when you feel like you're in last place, pick yourself up when your spirit feels like it can't take a second more.... and yes pray, well at least I do.  The Total Actor knows it not just the craft I must work on it's the spirit of NEVER GIVING UP that'll get me to the finish line!!!

Sally