The Industry Coach® Blog

Are You Lying to Yourself?

2010-10-11T11:51:00.005-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I had a conversation with my own life/career coach who challenged me to stop “beating around the bush” with you and really challenge you to either get serious about your career or “go home.”

So my question to you is this: Are you lying to yourself about how serious and committed you are to your career? Truth be told, I have no doubt that you think you want to be an actor. However, when it comes to the actual work involved in pursuing your career, I’m going to challenge you to be honest with yourself about how much you really want this.

Why do I say this? Because based on what I’ve experienced in working with my coaching clients over the past five years, as well as the five years I spent as a Hollywood agent, ninety-percent of them [actors] say they want this, but only ten-percent of them actually get down to business and do the work they need to do to make things happen.

If you are someone who calls yourself an actor but has nothing to show for it, here are just a few ways you may be sabotaging your career:

1) You don’t market yourself on a daily basis
2) You don’t take any acting classes
3) You don’t network with other actors
4) You don’t attend any industry events
5) You don’t go on any auditions
6) You don’t read the trades
7) You don’t have current headshots
8) You don’t have a professionally formatted resume
9) You don’t use Facebook

If you want to succeed in this business, you need to get serious about your career … Otherwise, go home and do something else with your life.

Now I’m sure I really ticked some of you off by that last sentence. But let’s get real: you HAVE to be doing all of the things I’ve listed above if you expect to have any success in this business. Here’s why:

1) Sending out headshots every couple of weeks isn’t going to cut it in this business. You need to be marketing yourself on a daily basis, otherwise you’re living in a dream world if you think one headshot submission is going to get you the audition or the job.

2) In order to be honing your craft, you need to be in class on a regular basis. It may take you a while to find the right class for you (i.e. the one you “click” with), but even celebrities go back to class on a regular basis just to tune up their skills.

3) Taking class will also enable you to network with other actors, and quite honestly, this business is less about how talented you are and more about whom you know.

4) Along those lines, you need to be attending industry events (like Actor Fest) on a regular basis. Join organizations like Women in Film so you can get out there and meet people. Again, this business is all about whom you know!

5) Go on auditions! I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen actors pass on audition, thinking that they should just be offered the part. However, unless you’re a very well known actor, or one with celebrity status, you need to be auditioning on a regular basis. Not only does it give you the chance to showcase your talent but you also never know what other projects a casting director is working on, for which you may be right.

6) The next thing you need to do is read the trades on a regular basis, because this is where you’ll be able to find our what projects are coming up, what shows have been canceled and the like. Reading the trades is the best way for you to know what’s really happening in the industry.

7) My next question for you is this: How current are your headshots? Honestly, there’s nothing that ticks a casting director off more than an actor who walks into an audition looking nothing like their picture!

8) Your next responsibility is to make sure that your resume is formatted to industry standards, and that you have one resume for theatre and one for film and television. The thing to remember here is that a professionally done resume makes you look like the professional that you profess to be, not an amateur with stars in their eyes.

9) Finally, get on Facebook and utilize it to let people know what you’re up to! Thank God for social media, as it’s a great way to connect with other industry professionals that you can’t meet in person. Casting Directors, Studio and Network executives, agents and managers are all on Facebook, so do yourself a favor and start utilizing this great tool!

Food for Thought: Pursuing a career in the entertainment industry involves a lot of hard work. Remember, this is a business and as such, you need to treat it that way. So, unless your commitment level is 200%, I would encourage you to be honest with yourself about how much you really want to do this. Honestly, it’s okay to quit this business if your heart really isn’t in it. I can’t tell you the number of actors I’ve worked with who, once they were honest with themselves, discovered that the happiness and fulfillment they thought they would get from being an actor was just not there, and so they left the business to pursue different careers and they couldn’t be happier!

Remember: Life is short, so make every moment of yours count!

P.S. Based on all of the requests I’ve received asking for help with the marketing piece of pursuing an acting career, I’ve decided to put together a very affordable program ($9.97/month) to help you, so stay tuned because I’ll be telling you more about it in the very near future!

Copyright © 2010 Sharon Moist, The Industry Coach. All Rights Reserved.

Quote for the Day

2010-09-17T12:27:00.004-06:00

"Only by coming to grips with difficulty can you realize your full potential."
-- Charles de Gaulle, president of France

Dare to be Yourself

2010-09-14T18:45:00.002-06:00

I recently received an email from a business colleague that really annoyed me. The problem wasn't that he sent me an email. The problem was that his email was "pitching" a seminar that he was attending, and he hadn't even written the email himself - someone else wrote it! (The reason I knew that is because I received duplicate copies of the same email from other business colleagues who travel in the same business circle.)

When I asked him about it, he told me that he just wanted to let me know what he was doing with his business. The problem with that is that the email he sent me had absolutely no personalization in it whatsoever. The opening line said "Hey There!" (as opposed to Hi Sharon, Dear Sharon, etc.), and after that it was nothing more than a generic sales pitch, with a personalized link that I could use to register for a seminar (from which he would then earn a commission).

In life, people seem to fall into two categories: leaders and followers. Leaders dare to be different and pave the way for change. Followers don't make waves; maintain the status quo and support the leaders whose visions they subscribe to. You can't have one without the other. However, there are also times when leaders need to maintain the status quo and followers need to make waves. The challenge often comes in discerning which time is which.

Each one of us was born with our own unique gifts and talents, so why are we so eager to be like everyone else?

When it comes to your career, there are times when you do need to conform to industry standards. For example: your headshot and resume need to be 8x10; you need to look like your picture and your website needs to be very easy for casting directors, agents and others to navigate. Beyond that, however, your look is your look, your audition is your audition; your talent is your talent; and so on and so on.

As I said earlier, the fact that this gentleman sent me an email wasn't the issue. The issue was that there wasn't one ounce of him in it!

For the next week, I would like to offer you a challenge, and my challenge is this: I dare you to be yourself every single day, no matter what! Are you up for it? I hope so!

And, for those of you who take me up on my challenge, drop me a note and let me know how it goes!

Quote for Today

2010-09-05T11:15:00.001-06:00

"The successful man is the one who had the chance and took it."
-- Roger Babson

Quote of the Day

2010-09-03T16:56:00.000-06:00

"My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition."
-- Indira Gandhi, Indian prime minister

Acting Success Tip

2010-08-23T12:36:00.003-06:00

101 Tips for Actors:
Secrets for Success Every Actor Must Know

Designed to provide you with practical information for pursuing your acting career, 101 Tips for Actors gives you an insider's look at how to be successful in this business. To learn more, go to: 101 Tips For Actors

Tip #43. Less Isn't Always More

Have you ever gone on an audition and watched the casting director dig through a pile of headshots as you walk in, before looking up at you and asking you if you have an extra headshot and resume with you?

All of a sudden, your heart stops and you find yourself with a lump in your throat as you shake your head "no," and lose all of your focus before you even say your first line.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, a casting director ends up not having your headshot in front of them before you audition. It's not the ideal situation, but it does happen and it could even happen to you.

That doesn't mean that you don't have a chance to get cast in the part. It just means that during your particular audition, both you and the casting director are at a disadvantage because he or she cannot refer to your resume if a question arises. And if they take notes, they cannot put them on the back of your picture for future reference.

Your goal as an actor is to give yourself every advantage you possibly can and to be prepared at all times. This means always taking 2 or 3 extra headshots and resumes with you to every meeting or audition ... no matter what!

BREAKDOWN: Remember to always take 2 or 3 extra headshots and resumes with you to every meeting or audition, no matter what. You'll feel good in knowing that you're prepared!

Lucille Ball Quote

2010-08-19T17:35:00.001-06:00

"One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself."

-- Lucille Ball, actress

Cate Blanchett Quote

2010-08-18T12:05:00.000-06:00

"Someone might have a germ of talent, but 90% of it is discipline and how you practice it, what you do with it. Instinct won't carry you through the entire journey. It's what you do in the moments between inspiration."

-- Cate Blanchett, actress

Rooney Mara Casting

2010-08-16T20:34:00.000-06:00

Good news for every unknown actor waiting for their big break ... Dreams do come true! http://tinyurl.com/RMooneyCasting

Inspirational Quotes

2010-08-10T14:14:00.001-06:00

Our fears establish the limits of our life.
~ Erwin McManus

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.
~ Walt Disney

Chance favors those in motion.
~ James H. Austin

Our fears establish the limits of our life.
~ Erwin McManus

Find a way - or MAKE one.
~ Mary Kay Ash

Do one thing everyday that scares you.
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Amateurs hope. Professionals make it happen.
~ Garson Kanin

The biggest gap in the world is between "I should" and "I did."
~ H. Jackson Brown

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in
my tenacity.
~ Louis Pasteur

To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.
~ Joseph Chilton Pierce

2010-08-03T13:23:00.001-06:00

Have come to realize that the power of forgiveness is an amazing gift we can give to others. Who do you need to forgive today?

2010-07-25T14:58:00.001-06:00

Good News ... The Teamster Strike has been Averted! (http://tinyurl.com/DV072510)

2010-07-23T12:38:00.001-06:00

Congrats to Francie Calfo on your new gig as President of Imagine TV ... You Go, Girl! (http://tinyurl.com/DV072210)

Lessons from George Steinbrenner

2010-07-22T19:46:00.002-06:00

The first time I met George Steinbrenner was on the Chapel steps at my high school in Indiana. During the course of our conversation, he told me that if I ever needed help with my career I should call him, as he'd be more than happy to help me in whatever way he could.

At that point in time I really had no understanding of who he was in the business world, let alone the world of sports. However, his offer made a huge impression on me, and I've kept in touch with him ever since that meeting.

I realize that George Steinbrenner wasn't perfect (actually none of us are), and that he seemingly had a great number of enemies, based on his reputation as "the boss." However, I want to tell you about the man behind the mask. You see the man I knew was a father, a grandfather and a great humanitarian.

Here are three things I learned from Mr. Steinbrenner over the last 23 years that I'd like to share with you:

Live With Passion. Do you live your life with passion? Or, is everyday just another day on the calendar?

George Steinbrenner did, and his three biggest passions were sports, his family and the New York Yankees (although not necessarily in that order).

One of the things about which he and I communicated was his grandchildren, as one in particular is a very talented performer in their own right and is pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. After this grandchild performed at Radio City Music Hall, George was very excited to see what opportunities might lay ahead for them in the future.

You see, aside from being an astute - and sometimes tough - business man, George Steinbrenner was also a family man. He was a father, and a grandfather, who was extremely proud of his children, and his grandchildren, and he loved them passionately.

Set High Standards. When you wake up in the morning, do you expect the best day possible? Or do you expect the sky to cave in?

If you follow sports at all, then I'm sure you know that Mr. Steinbrenner shelled out a lot of money to get the best players in baseball for his Yankee team. However, when he brought these players onboard, he also let them know that he had very high expectations of them; not only around their playing skills, but also around the issue of their personal appearance and their personal character.

Each member of that team, and in that organization, was/is a New York Yankee and, as such, Mr. Steinbrenner expected them to act in a way that would bring pride to both themselves and the Yankees. As a result, his team has the championships to show for it.

Give Back to Your Community. Are you a "giver" or a "taker" in life? How would your friends describe you?

One of Mr. Steinbrenner's greatest attributes was that he was a big humanitarian who quietly gave back to both the community and the world-at-large.

He put kids he didn't even know through high school, college and graduate school; he gave millions of dollars to schools so that the students attending them would receive the best possible education, and he quietly went about meeting the unmet needs of others, about whom we will probably never hear, because he wanted to give back to others; not because he had to.

Food for Thought: Whether or not you're a fan of George Steinbrenner, or the New York Yankees, is not important at this point in time. Instead, the important thing to remember here is that if we're open to it, we can always learn something from the lives and experiences of others, which, more often than not, we can apply to our own lives if we're willing to do so.

P.S. Want more inspiration like this? Then sign up for my free newsletter, the Industry News Digest today!

2010-07-21T16:48:00.001-06:00

"We cannot do great deeds unless we're willing to do the small things that make up the sum of greatness." (Theodore Roosevelt)

2010-07-20T17:41:00.001-06:00

Are you a fan of the Sony-produced TV show "Damages?" If so, you can now see it on DirecTV, where it's been picked up for two more years!

2010-07-19T21:27:00.001-06:00

Hoping this doesn't happen, but definitely understanding the viewpoint of the Teamsters ...
(http://tinyurl.com/TransStrike)

2010-07-16T09:03:00.001-06:00

"Everybody thinks of changing humanity, and nobody thinks of changing himself." (Leo Tolstoy)

2010-07-14T21:49:00.001-06:00

"Skill and confidence are an unconquered army." (George Herbert, Priest)

2010-07-14T09:05:00.001-06:00

"Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises." (Demosthenes, statesman)

R.I.P. George

2010-07-13T13:31:00.000-06:00

Mourning the loss of my friend, George Steinbrenner, and sending my prayers out to his family, friends, colleagues and all members (both past and present) of his beloved New York Yankees.

1-800-My-Agent

2010-07-12T18:10:00.000-06:00

(From the book: 101 Tips for Actors)

Is there someone in your life whom you talk to on the phone every day? Maybe even three, four or five times a day?

Has there ever been a day when this person called you, and you actually ignored their call because you had already spoken with them so many times that you just needed some space? Have you ever called someone so often that they may have ignored your call?

As an actor, once in a while a situation comes up and there’s a reason for you and your agent to speak five, six, seven or even ten times in one day – especially if he or she is in the middle of negotiating a deal for you. For the most part, however, once a week is more than enough, particularly if the business is slow or there’s nothing going on.

Don’t call your agent or manager just to “talk,” because the more time they spend on the phone talking to you (especially if it’s nothing more than chit chat), the less time they have talking about you with the people who can hire you.

Which would you rather have: a nice, cozy, feel-good conversation with your agent? Or, a nice, juicy part in a fabulous movie or TV show that provides you with a big, fat paycheck, that came about as a result of your agent spending time on the phone promoting you?

The choice is up to you!

BREAKDOWN: You want your agent out there promoting you and talking about you, not with you. So, unless it’s been a while and you need to check in, or you’re returning their call, don’t call your agent 2 or 3 times a day – especially when it’s just to shoot the breeze.

******************

101 Tips for Actors:
Secrets for Success Every Actor Must Know

Designed to provide you with practical information for pursuing your acting career, 101 Tips for Actors gives you an insider’s look at how to be successful in this business. To learn more, go to: www.101TipsForActors.com

2010-07-12T17:13:00.001-06:00

Wow ... Roman Polanski is now a free man! (Read more here: http://tinyurl.com/PolanskiFreed)

2010-07-07T17:40:00.001-06:00

Thank you Amy Grant, for sharing this video with the rest of us: http://ping.fm/HFsG7 God Bless Tennessee!

Always a Bridesmaid?

2010-07-07T14:05:00.000-06:00

When Venus Williams was knocked out of Wimbledon last week, the first thought that crossed my mind was that she always appears to be a “bridesmaid,” next to her sister Serena, aka “the bride!”

But after watching some of the other games, I found it very interesting to note that many of the top-ranked players, including Roger Federer, were actually losing matches to their lesser-ranked opponents and thereby opening the door for those who, in the past, have not had the opportunity to advance to the quarter-finals, semi-finals or even championship matches!

So what does this have to do with your career? Everything if you have ever found yourself feeling like you’re “always the bridesmaid but never the bride.” And if that’s the case, here are two simple steps you can take, to leave your “bridesmaid dress” behind forever!

Do the Work. When I was pursing my own acting career, I had a cousin who was discovered by the casting director of The Young and the Restless while he was walking down Hollywood Boulevard.

If you’ve ever seen the movie Legally Blonde, then you may remember this line “Do you think she woke up one morning and said: I think I’ll go to law school today?” Well, that was kind of my cousin’s journey, where he just decided to move LA one day to pursue an acting career. And, while I don’t know too many of the details, I do know that he blew the opportunity that had been handed to him on a silver platter and is no longer in the business.

If you’re able to read this article, then I’m willing to bet that you went to school to learn how to read. I’m also willing to bet that you had to take tests to move from one grade to the next, and eventually graduate. And if that’s the case, I’m also willing to bet that unless you were a superstar athlete and was able to get someone to take your tests for you, you were the one who had to study and do the homework in order to pass those tests.

So here’s the deal: when it comes to pursuing your career, you have to do the work involved, and that means: taking class; networking; sending out your headshots and resumes, and going on as many auditions as possible. Because just like when you were in school and no could take your tests for you, no one can pursue your acting career but YOU!

Don’t Quit. The other day, as I was flipping channels on the TV, I came across an old movie entitled Life Guard that starred Sam Elliott (loved him in Road House) and Parker Stevenson (loved him in The Hardy Boys). Now the thing that struck me the most was the fact that this movie was made back in 1976 – thirty-four years ago – and the fact that these two guys are still working in the business. That being said, however, can you imagine how many times one or both of them probably felt discouraged and wanted to quit the business? Dozens, at least!

When I was in high school, someone shared this poem with me, and I’ve kept it on my bulletin board ever since! Hopefully it will inspire you as much as it has me:

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Author unknown

Food for Thought: Just like the poem says, you never know how close to success you may be, but if you don’t do the work or you decide to quit when things get hard, you may never know “what could have been,” had you just pushed on a little further!

P.S. Want more inspiration like this? Then sign up for my free newsletter, the Industry News Digest today!

2010-07-07T13:16:00.001-06:00

If you were to change just one belief you have about your life or your career today, what would it be?

2010-07-05T12:47:00.001-06:00

ACTORS: What's the one thing you need to be doing for your career that you're not doing? Why not?

2010-07-05T11:18:00.001-06:00

It's amazing how much can be accomplished when the TV is turned off!

On the passing of WME Agent Ed Limato

2010-07-04T12:15:00.000-06:00

Sending my prayers to the family, friends and clients of WME agent Ed Limato on his passing yesterday. (http://tinyurl.com/38hz833)

2010-07-03T12:29:00.001-06:00

"Faith is taking the first step even when you donâ€™t see the staircase." (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

2010-07-02T14:26:00.001-06:00

"What do you see when you look in the mirror ... What was ... What is ... OR ... What Might Be?"
(Sharon Moist)

A Dose of Inspiration!

2010-07-01T15:04:00.000-06:00

Are you an actor looking for a little encouragement around your career? Then I’d like to offer you a dose of inspiration, if I may!

The other day one of my private coaching clients was telling me that she had just re-listened to a call I held last December regarding the Actors Success Circle™ Program that I was putting together, and that she walked away from that call with the following pieces of information:

• The only two reasons why agents take on new clients
• The main job of an agent and/or manager
• The one thing agents can do which managers cannot
• The underlying motives agents can have in trying to get their clients to take a job
• What hidden secret you need to know about getting the Breakdowns

I also did a brief Actors Mindset™ session around the topic of "Career Commitment," which you can hear, as well.

Please know that this note is actually not about promoting the Actors Success Circle™ to you. If you're interested in learning more about the program, that information is also covered on this call.

Instead, what I really want to do is to offer you some inspiration around your career and would invite you to listen to the call RIGHT NOW, as it may just be the catalyst you need to take action and have some fun at the same time!

Remember, I believe in you and I KNOW that there's room for you in this industry!

2010-07-01T10:03:00.001-06:00

"Our fears establish the limits of our life." (Erwin McManus)

2010-06-30T07:39:00.001-06:00

"Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air." (John Quincy Adams)

2010-06-29T17:57:00.001-06:00

Wow ... Larry King is retiring? He will definitely be missed! (http://tinyurl.com/LarryKingRetires)

2010-06-29T15:32:00.001-06:00

"A person is not defeated by their opponents but by themselves." (Jan Christiaan Smuts)

2010-06-28T14:38:00.001-06:00

"Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance."
(Samuel Johnson)

Actors Success Circle™ - Registration Open!

2010-06-28T09:40:00.000-06:00

If you and I were having a conversation and I asked you this question: “Is your career where you had hoped it would be by this time in your life,” would your answer be “Yes?” If not, would you be interested in receiving personal, one-on-one coaching from me so that you can start seeing the results you desire?

A new coaching group in the Actors Success Circle™ will be starting on July 6th, and will be limited to 6 members. Spots are filled on a first come, first served basis and once all of the spots have been filled, membership in the Actors Success Circle™ will be closed.

If you’re ready to up-level your career, then click here to learn more and secure your spot today!

2010-06-27T15:30:00.001-06:00

"Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get!"
(Ray Kroc, Founder of McDonaldâ€™s)

2010-06-26T14:01:00.001-06:00

Are you an actor looking to build a firm foundation for your career? Check out the Actors Success Circleâ„¢ (http://tinyurl.com/0710ASCL1)

2010-06-24T18:55:00.001-06:00

Finally got to see "The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3" ... I love watching Denzel's work!

2010-06-23T13:40:00.001-06:00

Attention Actors: Join the newest Actors Success Circle group starting July 6th! (http://tinyurl.com/0710ASCL1)

2010-06-23T12:58:00.001-06:00

"It takes the hammer of persistence to drive the nail of success." (John Mason)

2010-06-22T09:13:00.001-06:00

"Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat." (Napoleon Hill)

2010-06-21T17:23:00.001-06:00

HBO Renews the series "True Blood!" Check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/HBOTB2010

2010-06-21T08:11:00.001-06:00

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. (Scott Adams)

2010-06-13T22:12:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to all of this year's Tony Award Winners - especially Denzel and Scarlett! (http://tinyurl.com/TonyWinners2010)

2010-06-10T09:00:00.001-06:00

CONGRATS to the CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS on winning the Stanly Cup ... "Sweet Home, Chicago!"

Did You Know?

2010-06-04T20:03:00.000-06:00

Actor Michael Madsen – recently recurring as ex-military man Jim Ricker on “24” (Fox, 2001-10) – followed his sister Virginia Madsen into acting by way of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, where he found himself an apprentice to actor John Malkovich

While a teenage model, Amanda Seyfried – starring in the romantic comedy “Letters to Juliet” (2010) – appeared on the covers of Victoria Martin Trilogy novels by Francine Pascal, author of the popular Sweet Valley High series.

© 2010 Baseline

2010-06-01T14:00:00.001-06:00

"Life's under no obligation to give us what we expect." (Margaret Mitchell)

2010-05-04T17:13:00.001-06:00

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” (Steve Jobs)

2010-05-04T12:39:00.001-06:00

Sending out my prayers to the Redgrave family on the loss of yet another member of this acting dynasty ... Ms. Lynn Redgrave

2010-04-12T13:40:00.001-06:00

What's the best thing that's happened to you today?

2010-04-11T14:37:00.001-06:00

Integrity Question: Who are you when no one's looking?

2010-04-08T20:03:00.001-06:00

Would seriously like 2 speak w/the Comdr who thinks fast food restaurants on base in Afghanistan "distracts" those serving our country!

2010-04-07T11:17:00.001-06:00

Wondering why it's so much easier to help others organize their stuff than it is to organize your own?!! (-:

2010-03-31T14:39:00.001-06:00

And, you can also check her out on IMDB.com at: http://ping.fm/xHxRY

2010-03-31T14:38:00.001-06:00

Just had a great conversation with my friend, actress Marianne Muellerleile. See her new website at: http://ping.fm/7oBfb

2010-03-24T19:24:00.001-06:00

"Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step." (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

2010-03-23T10:57:00.001-06:00

“Nobody has a better vision of who you are than yourself.” (Sheryl Crow, Musician)

2010-03-22T18:20:00.001-06:00

"There is more to life than cheekbones."
(Kate Winslet, British Actress)

2010-03-18T17:23:00.001-06:00

"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." (Thomas Jefferson)

2010-03-15T18:02:00.001-06:00

"Auditions level the playing field!" (Sharon Moist)

2010-03-07T21:55:00.001-07:00

To My Girl, Sandra Bullock ... Congratulations ... It's SO Your Time! :-)

2010-03-03T11:10:00.001-07:00

Wishing Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger a safe flight this afternoon, and all the best in his retirement! Thank you for your service...

2010-03-02T15:28:00.001-07:00

"Every human is an artist. The dream of your life is to make beautiful art." (Don Miguel Ruiz)

2010-03-01T12:50:00.001-07:00

"You must do the things today that others will not do so that you can have the things tomorrow that others will not have." (Anonymous)

2010-02-27T17:38:00.001-07:00

Sending my thoughts and prayers to Marie Osmond and her family on the death of her son, Michael.

2010-02-27T09:09:00.001-07:00

Sending out my prayers to the people of Chili and hoping they can find as many people as possible, as quickly as possible ...

2010-02-26T09:18:00.001-07:00

Working on Sunday's newsletter article: "Is it Time for you to Regroup?" (http://ping.fm/izEd6)

2010-02-25T19:20:00.001-07:00

Sending my prayers to the friends and family of "Growing Pains" actor Andrew Koenig...RIP. (http://tinyurl.com/AccessHollywoodAKoenig)

2010-02-25T09:35:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Keri Putnam on her new gig at the Sundance Institute ... You go, Girl! (http://tinyurl.com/ylom2kj)

2010-02-24T17:05:00.001-07:00

Am reading comments by one female skier bashing her popular teammate and am thinking this tiara-wearing woman needs to grow up!

2010-02-23T11:18:00.001-07:00

"Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience." (Hyman Rickover)

2010-02-22T11:38:00.001-07:00

Took a friend to the airport at 4:15 am this morning ... Not sure if I'm wide awake or just functioning on adrenaline!

2010-02-21T19:38:00.001-07:00

Watching Ryan Suter and the rest of the guys kick a little hockey butt ... Go Team USA!

2010-02-21T12:51:00.001-07:00

QotD: What's the ONE THING you need to accomplish today that will get you off to the start of a great week tomorrow?

2010-02-18T13:31:00.001-07:00

Go USA Men's Hockey ... and CMA alumnus Ryan Suter '03! (-:

2010-02-17T09:11:00.001-07:00

"Those who turn back never reach the summit." (H. Jackson Brown)

2010-02-04T13:25:00.001-07:00

May this video inspire all of you who have ever felt it's "too late" to have a successful acting career: http://tinyurl.com/BroadwayDebut81

2010-02-03T17:33:00.001-07:00

"Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm." (Abraham Lincoln)

2010-02-02T16:56:00.001-07:00

Congrats to my girl, Sandra Bullock, on your first Oscar nomination for "The Blind Side" ... It's your time!

2010-02-01T11:36:00.001-07:00

"Simplicity is the glory of expression." (Walt Whitman)

2010-01-23T15:12:00.001-07:00

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." (Mother Teresa)

2010-01-21T09:41:00.001-07:00

"If people knew how hard I worked to gain my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful." (Michelangelo)

2010-01-20T08:54:00.001-07:00

A 6.1 aftershock just struck Haiti today - Are you kidding me? Please know that the rest of the world is sending you our prayers ...

2010-01-19T09:30:00.001-07:00

"Big jobs usually go to the men who prove their ability to outgrow small ones." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

2010-01-18T08:04:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to all of yesterday's Golden Globe Winners ... especially my girl, Sandra Bullock! (http://tinyurl.com/GGWinners2010)

2010-01-14T17:32:00.001-07:00

"Climb up on some hill at sunrise. Everybody needs perspective once in a while, and you’ll find it there." (Robb Sagendorph)

2010-01-12T08:20:00.001-07:00

RIP Miep Gies (who helped hide Anne Frank) (http://ping.fm/3rdjW) ... A woman of true courage and integrity!

2010-01-07T11:23:00.001-07:00

Question of the Day: What are you procrastinating on doing right now, and why? And, how will you feel when you get it done?

2010-01-06T10:00:00.001-07:00

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the staircase." (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

2010-01-05T08:10:00.001-07:00

"Sandra Bullock makes history!" You go, girl ... (http://ping.fm/WW00X)

2010-01-04T08:49:00.001-07:00

After a two-week self-imposed vacation, it's time to get back to work! Here's to 2010 ...

2009-12-20T13:28:00.001-07:00

Sending heartfelt thoughts to the family of actress Brittany Murphy upon the news of her death. (http://tinyurl.com/BrittanyMurphyDeath)

2009-12-18T21:12:00.001-07:00

Question of the Day: What's the most important present you could receive this Christmas?

2009-12-15T08:53:00.001-07:00

The Golden Globe Nominations have been announced ... Read more here: http://tinyurl.com/GlobeNoms09

2009-12-13T12:02:00.001-07:00

"Giving up is the ultimate tragedy."
-- Robert Donovan

2009-12-12T16:34:00.001-07:00

"Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don’t count on harvesting golden delicious." (Bill Meyer)

2009-12-11T09:25:00.001-07:00

Question of the Day: What do you believe?