Acting : Beware of your 2022 Goals by Matthew Cornwell

As we approach the end of the year, actors (like all humans) tend to make goals for the upcoming year. Whether they're just thoughts in your head, or a "to-do" list that's on paper, they can be a double-edged sword if you're not careful. For example, here is what a set of goals might be:

1) Get an agent (or a better one)

2) Book 3 commercials

3) Book 1 Recurring role on a network TV show

4) Book 1 Film role

5) Update my headshots

Now, of those "goals", only #5 is fully within your control. #1 is something that is fairly reasonable, but it can still be out of your hands. Sure, if you work really hard on your craft, have built a solid foundation of training, done everything you can to learn the ins and outs of your market, and done #5 to get kick-butt headshots, then you WILL be positioned to get an agent. 

However, you can't control whether your target agents are over-saturated with your look/type, or whether they're soliciting submissions at all. 

And for #2-#4, these are RISKY GOALS. I wouldn't even label them as goals. They're hopes and dreams. You have ZERO control over the outcome of any audition. All you are in control of is your craft and how hard you've trained, how much homework you do on the role/project for which you're auditioning, and how present and authentic you show up on screen. But even with all those boxes checked, you might not be right for the role/project/network. You might be too old. You might look like the Director's ex.

So here's a revised set of 2022 goals that ARE within you're control:

And here's a bonus one that honestly made 2021 one of the most fulfilling years of my career:

To sustain a decades-long career in this industry, you must master the mental game. Goals are great, but not if they're all based on luck. You can walk into a casino with the "goal" of hitting a jackpot, but are you in control of that? No. Focus on the things you CAN control, and let the rest go...

Here's to a prosperous 2022 for ALL OF YOU!