I'm really great at Procrastination (or why I need a deadline)

If there was a contest for procrastination, I'm pretty sure I'd win, but I would probably procrastinate entering for so long that I would forget to do it.  Basically, I am easily distracted by things like the internet, television, anything shiny, and cat videos. 

For instance, since writing the last sentence I have checked my email 3 times, looked at everything new on my Facebook feed, read half of a speech Steven Soderbergh gave about the state of cinema, and checked Tumblr- twice.

Writing this doesn't have a looming deadline.  I mean, I could write it now, or write it later, or give up completely and just finish reading that Steven Soderbergh speech instead.  Seriously, when left to my own devices I am amazed I get anything done at all, what with all the articles on Cracked and Buzzfeed I haven't read yet. 

Ugh, I just lost another 10 minutes reading about 5 Ridiculous Health Myths and checking a notification on Facebook.

So, since I know that procrastination is an issue for me - how do I combat it?

I need to have deadlines and they need to be soon.  Deadlines more than a week away make it seem like I have plenty of time to do it later, you know after I rewatch all of the Harry Potter movies. 

It helps if it affects someone other than just me.  I hate letting other people down.  Sure disappointing myself sucks, but I can always cure that with some ice cream and British television.

It's a constant battle for me because much of what an actor has to do can't be quantified and put into deadline form.  I have lines to memorize, scripts to read, a website and reel to update - not to mention a house to clean, toilet paper to pick up, and checks that need to go to the bank.  But, that's just life.  There are always things that need to be done and I can't always get mad when I find myself off track and searching for pictures of David Tennant on the internet. 

I just have to remind myself the things I need to do and not be overwhelmed by it all.  I know it will get done - because it has to.

Now for your procrastinating enjoyment here are The 50 Cutest Things that Ever Happened and an otter who got into a car and wouldn't leave.

The Problem with Rushing

So, here's something I often struggle with in auditions: I rush.  It's a constant battle for me to take my time in auditions and be, you know, a good actor.

I do the things you are supposed to do: I am prepared, I breakdown my sides, know all the moments, know my doings, I take the time in the waiting room to calm myself.  Yet, often I go in there and rush - especially the first time through.  (I tend to relax by my second read - I love those second takes.)

But, you don't always get a second take.  So, how do you make your first try as good as your second?

Well, I've begun to understand why I rush.  Rushing is a symptom of a lack of confidence.  There is a fear that if you take your time, don't constantly fill the space with talking, people watching will lose interest.  Of course, I know logically that this isn't true and that the most interesting acting moments are almost always behavior and not from the lines. 

But, how do I take that knowledge of why I rush and why it's bad, get past my own nerves to bring into the audition room the best actor I know I can be?

Yeah, I don't have the best answer for that.  Except that before I walk into the room I try to remain calm and remind myself to take my time.  Sometimes it works, sometimes my nerves get the better of me.

But, hey, I never said I wasn't a work in progress.

Is it Okay to Take a Break?

I've seen many actors burn out because they don't give them selves a break.  Wanting to go all in makes sense when following a dream that probably took you away from home, away from your friends and families.  I've seen friends take that to an extreme forsaking any kind of social life for classes, workshops, and only their careers.

Of course you should be focused on your career and you all know how important I think classes are, but don't forget to have a life as well.  Remember, your career is a marathon not a sprint.  I've seen friends spend nearly everyday going from class to their day job and then back to class without stopping.  Often those are the ones that give up because they can't maintain that level of energy. 

Beyond not having the stamina to keep up, it's important for actors to experience life.  Recently, John Hawkes gave seven tips to survive the film industry.  He spoke about how much he learned about acting by hitchhiking a thousand miles.  He also said that it's important to loaf occasionally.

I believe that stepping back sometimes is okay.  Get a hobby.  Find something else that you love other than your career.  It gives you perspective.

I love traveling.  When the opportunity came up for me to go to Israel and Jordan, even though it was the middle of pilot season, I jumped at the chance.    The trip was a dream come true (I got to go to Petra, which was a bucket list thing for me.)  I don't regret it.  There will be other pilot seasons, other opportunities to work.

Yes, it's important to work hard, go to class, and do what you can for your career.  But, remember this is also your life.  So, don't forget to live it.