Showing posts with label Personal Development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal Development. Show all posts

Monday, 20 December 2010

Still Searching

A Guest Blog By Simon Peters

There are certain moments in your life when you realise you’re empty. You have them. It’s not for me to say what they are. It could be looking on Facebook and seeing that your first girlfriend is married with two children. It could be looking at yourself objectively and realising that any task you have so far set yourself has been left unfulfilled. No matter what it is, it’s a mirage. You think you are empty because you think everyone else is fulfilled. You think you’ve failed because everyone else has succeeded (and they can spell succeeedddded). You think being married is a goal you’ve always had, but one that you haven’t managed. You think you’ve always wanted a child, because other people who have a child seem fulfilled. You have a nagging sense that you’ve failed at something, but you’re not entirely sure what at…

The simple fact is that, whenever you feel down, whenever you feel unfulfilled, whenever you feel EMPTY, you have to realise… It’s because you are still searching. Find what you want to do. What inspires you? What are you good at? What do you like? Ask these questions. Answer them. Act on them. Some people need a job/husband/baby/new console…What do you need?

The answer is… Well, that’s up to you. If you genuinely ask the question, you’ll know how you want to spend your life.

Ps: if you can’t answer these questions, it’s because you’re not really trying. Don’t answer ‘What inspires you?’ with ‘I know people are inspired by this…’. Don’t answer ‘What are you good at?’ with ‘People have said I’m good at this…’. Don’t answer ‘ What do you like?’ with ‘Everyone I know likes this’…

GENUINELY answer the questions for yourself, about yourself, using yourself as a barometer.

The strange thing is, that’s once you know the answers about yourself, they aren’t important.

You end up just wanting to help others ask the questions…

Care to share?

Monday, 9 August 2010

JB Glossinger - Interview With MORNING COACH Founder.

JB Glossinger, the founder of morningcoach.com, is an inspirational guy. He runs a podcast, every morning, which is all about giving people positivity, inspiration and ideas to go out into the day with. JB is the most dedicated person I know -- constantly working on new projects and helping people throughout the world. He never stops working and never stops improving himself and, in turn, helping other people turn their lives around and find focus. Although he doesn't work in film, I think his work is hugely relevant; which is why I interrupted his busy schedule and hurled some questions at him.

I'm always amazed by your commitment and perseverance. Dedication is a really difficult thing. How do you keep yourself focused?

By understanding that it doesn't happen overnight. I strive for 1% improvement a day. With that 1% daily goal, I gain clarity and am able to stay focused with a realistic goal. I also write a journal, which assists greatly in maintaining that clear mind.

A common thing with writers is, "I'm just waiting for the right idea," or for an actor, "I just need a bit more training," -- it's like we shelter ourselves for as long as we can from doing the actual work. What's that about?

Its a form of self sabotage. They are so comfortable in their world of lack, that they subconsciously hurt themselves by delaying actual hard work and staying safe in a fake comfort zone. Success is 99% perspiration and I can guarantee there is a less talented writer actually doing the work who will achieve greater results.

There is a big emphasis on having 'marketable' films or the right 'branding' as an actor. These things sit uncomfortably with me. It's a constant battle between trying to have integrity to my instincts and at the same time trying to survive in the industry. How should we facilitate these inner battles?

I would say trust your intuition and absolutely go with your instincts. If you are true to yourself, you will achieve the greatest level of success as you have retained your integrity and played to your strengths.

It's common for writers to have their best ideas when they're not expecting it, when they're busy doing other things, yet most of the time we're going crazy trying to force out ideas. Why is this? What can we do about it?

Because when we are not pushing, we are relaxed and as a result, our thoughts are pure and clear. Always carry a notebook or a journal.

A lot of actors, the minute they step into an audition, all their confidence and feelings of self worth go out of the window. Can you recommend anything for them to do prior to going into the room?

Conscious breathing and meditation. Take 5-10 minutes and practice deep, mindful breathing. Find a quiet place, sit comfortably and take long, deep breaths while mentally repeating a positive, powerful affirmation to yourself. For instance, "I am an amazing actor and I am a gift to the world."

You can find out more about MorningCoach by visiting the website here; and the podcast is also available through iTunes. You can also hear more from JB over at his blog.

Care to share?

Wednesday, 9 December 2009

RIP - Jim Rohn

Nothing to do with film at all, really - but his wisdom is something that has had a big effect on me. Rohn was an author, entrepeuneur and motivational speaker. What I liked about his wisdom is that it was usually quite simple -- but 100% true. He passed away on December 5th. I just wanted to give him a shout out here in the hope that some of you may go and watch his stuff on YouTube, or buy some of his books.


"My mentor taught me that success is a numbers game and very early he started asking me my numbers. He asked, "How many books have you read in the last ninety days?" I said, "Zero"; he said, "Not a good number." He said, "How many classes have you attended in the last six months to improve your skills?" And I said, "Zero." He said, "Not a good number." Then he said, "In the last six years that you've been working, how much money have you saved and invested?" I said, "Zero" and he said, "Not a good number." Then here's what he said, "Mr. Rohn, if these numbers don't change your life won't change. But" he said, "If you'll start improving these numbers then perhaps you'll start to see everything change for you." "
-Jim Rohn



Care to share?