Episode 389: The Actors' Time Management Problem

After 30 years of coaching, I can tell you the number one thing that determines whether you're going to work in this industry or not work in this industry.

It's not talent. It's not training. It's not who you know.

It's your time management.

Because time is something we all have. The question is are you going to take advantage of the time you have, or are you going to be like 95% of the other actors out there and not take advantage of it?

What "Working On Your Career" Actually Looks Like

Some actors tell me they're working on their career every day. And when I actually look at what they're doing it's totally scattered. It's all over the place. They're scrolling casting sites. They're worrying about an agent or a manager or a casting director or a producer. Worrying is not working on your acting career.

They're thinking about auditions that haven't even happened yet. One of my favorite quotes is from Michael Jordan, who said why would I worry about a shot I haven't even taken yet? Why would you worry about an audition you haven't done yet? Why would you worry about a moment you haven't even lived yet?

And the other thing I see a lot is actors watching other people's careers online. Watching what their friends are booking, what their acquaintances are doing. Which is really great for your self-esteem. All of this stuff feels busy. But it is not the same thing as moving your career forward.

Acting careers are not built on random bursts of effort. They are built on consistent, focused action. Those tiny little steps and tiny little decisions you make every day. That is what a career is built on.

The Waiting Trap

One of the biggest traps I see is what I call waiting energy. You're waiting for an audition. Waiting for an agent to call. Waiting for a callback. Waiting for the big break. Or you're telling yourself, well once I'm done with this audition or this show, then I'll get to it.

That is one of the biggest traps ever.

Acting careers don't move forward because you wait well. They move forward because you keep building. Gabrielle Bernstein says the universe responds to the energy you bring to it. If you are bringing waiting energy, guess what you're going to get back? A lot more waiting.

But when you operate from creative action, opportunities tend to increase. Not overnight. But they do, steadily.

The Three Parts of a Successful Acting Career

I talk about this in the weekly classes, in the Working Actor Roadmap, on this podcast, and to anyone who will listen.

The first part is the craft. Acting training, scene work, voiceover classes, voice and movement training, rehearsing material. Meditation, yoga, working out. All of it. Because that is the foundation. And it's not about thinking about rehearsing that monologue. It's about actually rehearsing the monologue.

The second part is the business. Are you submitting? Are you networking? Are your materials up to date? Are you keeping your business on a schedule? Are you reaching out to agents, managers, casting directors, producers, writers? And are you staying consistent with it? It's about the baby steps every day.

The third part is the core energy work. Rest, exercise, relationships, finances, meditation. Taking care of yourself and making sure your mindset is sharp. That all of your thoughts are working for you. I think of it like this. I am a cell phone and the universe is a cell phone tower. How I communicate to that tower is not through my thoughts and not even so much through my actions. It's through my feelings. Feelings are your currency. If you're not feeling good, you're telling the universe you want more of that.

Why Structure Creates Freedom

So many actors resist structure. I was one of them. I worried that structure would make me feel rigid. But that is just a thought I kept thinking and a story I kept telling myself that was false.

The truth is that structure creates freedom. Freedom because I know where my energy is going each week. I stop spinning in circles. Instead of wondering what to do next, I already know.

Certain days for training. Certain days for career work. Certain days for creative work. That rhythm gives you so much freedom and removes a tremendous amount of anxiety.

Momentum comes from movement. Careers rarely change because of one big moment. They change through consistent focused effort over time. The actors who last in this industry are not always the busiest. One of my favorite mantras is I can do less and attract more. But you only get there by staying consistent, showing up, and managing your time efficiently and with accountability.

The Bottom Line

If you want to do different things in your life you need to become a different person. Working actors are intentional with their energy. They treat their acting life like a profession, not a hobby. They create rhythms and they start to love that rhythm.

All I need you to do is sign up and show up.

Want to Keep the Conversation Going?

I have a weekly class and I want you to try it. The first one is free, and if you like it you can continue to join us.

And as I always say, stay safe and treat yourself real well.