Have you ever talked yourself out of taking action because you thought you missed the boat? You may be missing out on some great opportunities that you didn’t even know were there.
Last week I had an experience that reminded me of the importance of following through, even when your mind is trying to talk you out of it. I hired a new intern, and she’s really awesome. Like all my current interns, she is amazing and I’m super excited to have her on board. Right after I hired her, she told me she was this close to not applying. What the…? Why?
It turns out she thought she was too late and was going to give up. Luckily a wise family member pushed her to fill out her application anyway. Thank god! She is the perfect fit for my internship program. And to think it nearly didn’t happen.
what not to do
She is a smarty pants who pays attention to detail. And I was looking for 2 interns. So when she saw me tweet about how excited I was to welcome 2 interns to my company, she thought, “Game over. I missed the boat.”
Seems like a logical conclusion.
But here’s the thing about logic. It can’t take into account serendipity or magic, both of which (at least in my experience) tend to be a necessary ingredient for creating success. Not that you can plan on serendipity, but it nearly always shows up when you take action in service of something you really want.
This girl assumed she missed out. But in reality, she didn’t have all the facts. The reason I posted that I was hiring 2 interns was because I know how freakin’ hard it is to find a good intern. I felt lucky to find one last summer, so the idea of having two actually felt impossible to me. But the fact of the matter was if more than two qualified people came my way, hell yes I wanted to bring them on board. I’m so glad she decided to apply anyway. She overcame her fear that she missed out, and we both ended up with something that we wanted. Yes!
Things are not always as they seem. And they’re almost never the way you or I may assume they are. So if you’re in the habit of talking yourself out of taking action based on appearances, cut it out!
A client of mine started connecting with indie filmmakers and ended up getting offered a role in a movie because of the new relationship he had been developing with the filmmaker. The cool thing about it? This role wasn’t even mentioned in the breakdown of the auditions for the film. My client got a direct offer, no audition necessary. And if he hadn’t put himself out there, he never would’ve known that opportunity existed.
Taking action sets into motion a series of events, the universe conspires in your favor, and doors open to you that you would never have thought of if you stayed stuck in your head. And no opportunities can find their way to you if you talk yourself out of taking action.
Listen to your intuition. Don’t get so hung up on appearances or assumptions. Let the universe conspire in your favor by holding up your end of the bargain which is simply this:
Clarity on your goals.
Consistent action in that direction.
Belief in possibility.
A willingness to receive.
Leave a comment. Do you have a story about an unexpected opportunity that came to you despite discouraging appearances? Write it below!
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I get stuck in that diagram – not just in acting though, in life from time to time. Rarely feel bad about things when I do take the courage and sign up, make a leap or move forward. Even if the end goal isn’t reached, self-esteem boost…priceless.
once again you nailed it of the process of what I was doing.The “what not to” diaghram circle is so right on.like the saying things dont just fall on to anyones lap.
luv it,and luv your work and helping us.
Synchronicity. Yesterday I had this exact conversation. Talking w my counselor. I said, ” I am retrofitting my mind.” I realized that I have no one to envy their talent or achievements . And what I actually Realized is I envy their follow through. ” and that’s all it is.” I have follow through. I need to pay better attention o where I put my attention. That’s all.
Amen, sister. Amen. It is as simply as changing old behaviors and beliefs. That simple and that hard. Depending on what you choose.
Great blog as usual. Thank you for reminding me about serendipity and magic. It always shows up when we do our part. I had forgotten about that.
aarrggghhhhhhh…You are in my head EG! Seriously, I feel like this so often I think my health is taking a hit, and that ain’t good. Was recently told by a very well meaning acting coach that my time was up, and I’d be better in a smaller market — that I could be a staple in the smaller market — I’ve never wanted to be a ‘staple’ anywhere. I want the big time, always have. Although I’m still having issues at least I know I’m not the only one that feels this way. Onward, onward, onward!
Lisa! So glad you shared this because it is an important one that we can always be reminded of. Whatever advice anyone gives you EVER in your life is based on one thing – that persons beliefs, world view and FEAR. No one can tell you what you can or can’t accomplish, only you can decide that for yourself. Back that decision up with persistent action and a belief in what is possible.