by: Diane Christiansen

Show business is a very uncertain path that we performers have chosen. The ups and downs, successes and failures seem more prominent than most professions. When it’s good, it’s REALLY good, when it’s not, it’s mystifying, if not disheartening. What do we do when we have gone on 50 auditions without a booking? What happens when a dancer is injured and cannot perform or a singer has fried their vocal chords? I compiled a list of things that we can do that seem to lift us up so we can keep on keepin’ on, knowing that it is a perseverance game.

First, we must maintain perspective and the way to do that is like this. When you are feeling like you are getting nowhere, stop and list what you have accomplished in the last year. Literally make a list. Once you can look at your accomplishments on paper, you can begin to feel good again. You can see you have reached goals and used your time productively. This offers you some perspective.

Next, re set your goals and make sure they are do-able. Again, make a list. Then put them away for 6 months. Come back to your list after 6 months and see how many you have accomplished. Cross them off. If some have not been achieved, re state them, declare them so, and add them to a new list.

Above all, have fun. Acknowledge yourself for even the small steps and show yourself some gratitude. Gratitude is another great way to stay on track.