For years and years, I was very lost.
I knew film/entertainment was the life for me. I’d always loved it but wasn’t sure where to start, how to get in, or where to look for help. It seemed like a magical, far-off land where only a lucky few got in.
Years later, I’m now directing and producing my fifth and sixth films. I’m still an emerging filmmaker with plenty of work ahead of me. But, funny enough, I get asked about those things a lot these days. The places where I got stuck, too.
So, I’mma drop a little knowledge here.
In case you’re also dreaming but not sure where to start.
Ready?
STOP OVERTHINKING IT.
START ACTING ON IT.
It’s so simple.
The first time someone hit me with that truth bomb, it stung something awful.
Let me tell you this: you can’t overthink your way into the life you want, just like you can’t overthink your way into getting into shape. You’ve gotta get off your tush and take brave, bold action. The kind that makes you uncomfortable, question everything, and get intimate with every single personal road block or hangup you’ve ever had.
It’s scary. Believe me, I get it. But it’s also a wild, wonderful ride if you’re brave enough to get on.
Bottom line: overthinking everything won’t do you any good. It’s a lot like a worrying too much or sitting in a rocking chair. Sure, it’ll give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere.
What I accidentally discovered by taking action was a process knowing as the “lean system” of manufacturing, which has been widely adopted by entrepreneurs (startups) and environmentalists who wanna cut waste and speed up production cycles. It’s basically a cycle where you (a) learn, (b) build, and (c) measure. The diagram looks a lot like the recycling icon.
As a filmmaker and artists, I’ve altered the lean process to look more applicable to what we do:
Act, of course, doesn’t refer to acting. It is all about the action. What steps you’re taking to make your dreams come true.
If you want to know what I’ve been doing, that’s it. I’ll find a subject then think, act, and assess. Sometimes the action is a baby step, sometimes it’s so big that it’s truly terrifying. Either way, the action brings me closer to the dream and gives me a lot of clarity. Each new action builds upon the foundation of the last action.
It’s both wonderful and maddening because you’re always changing, growing, and learning as an artist. There’s no room for stagnation. Every time you take action, you learn something, and (if you’re lucky) you apply that experience to the next thing you do.
So, if you’re sitting there daydreaming about something, DO IT.
Life is pretty short.
There’s no time like the present.
To me, it’s easier to learn from mistakes than spend your days regretting or wondering what might have been. No room for thinking shoulda, coulda, woulda. It’s truly exhausting.
GET UP AND GO FOR IT.
You’ll be amazed at the strength you find along the way. You’ll be amazed at how people react to your boldness. You’ll be amazed at the lovely things that transpire.
Btw, when you do take that bold step, would you shoot me a line? I’d love to hear all about it. I’d love to cheer for you, too.
You’ve got this.
Now, hop to it.
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