Faith as a Business Principle

There are many, MANY things that tend to hold actors back from really leaning into their careers but the number one reason seems to be a lack of faith. Without a solid sense of what you’re capable of and knowing that its value will, in fact, carry you to the finish line, this industry will almost undoubtedly break you.

I am not someone who muses on seemingly esoteric ideas when it comes to this work because I believe it’s more tactile than we would imagine but I have noticed a growing trend towards disbelief in what’s actually possible that does more immediate harm than I had realized.

I want to explore the lack of faith in two specific areas and how we may be able to work past it.

“Am I good enough?”

This is, unfortunately, more common than one may think. Actors know how saturated this industry is and even if they’ve experienced their own levels of success, there tends to be an itching, ever looming question as to whether or not they actually have the goods to meet the demands put in front of them. This is another form of “imposter syndrome”. The lack of faith in one’s own talent stops actors from even beginning the real work necessary to fully commit to the competitive, full throated work of building a plan for themselves.

“Will this work actually pay off?”

While most are excited at the prospect of what Artist’s Strategy is, it is a lot of work. Truly. We ask for a mindset and lifestyle shift in order to maintain a competitive edge on the path to a sustainable future and there is often a question as to whether or not it will pay off the way one hopes. This lack of faith holds people back from fully committing to their fullest potential and while I really do believe everyone who has ever touched any aspect of the work has benefited, this lack of commitment tends to knock people back to the same cyclical cycle they were once in.

Leading with somewhat blind faith is inherently risky but the alternative is much more dangerous. Owning your talent and embracing the building of a strategic, organized plan are two positives that can only pay off… Easier said than done, I know.

“How do we develop a sense of faith (in business)?”

A big part of the work of Artist’s Strategy is managing your own expectations; knowing what your future looks like because you have a “living plan” (aka ever morphing based on the movement of your business and opportunities). Developing that sense of clarity around what’s to come allows you to breathe a sigh of relief and hold on to a sense of faith both in terms of your own talent, having identified your own unique values as part of your plan, and the real control you have over your creative future.

There is no workshop, amount of money or short term gig that will ultimately “fix” a lack of faith. That’s something that takes work both in terms of knowing yourself / what you have to offer and putting in the time to see how you may craft a tangible plan that feels real and makes sense to you. What are you waiting for?

Also by Artist’s Strategy:

A “Series Regular” Won’t Solve All Your Problems

Actor Brand Examples and Guidelines

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