Trained actors know something we don’t.

And they apply that insider knowledge each and every time they take on a new role.

It can be boiled down to one simple word: PREPARATION.

Good actors prepare.

Think Kevin Spacey, Judi Dench, Kenneth Branagh, Meryl Streep…

Prior to stepping into character, these actors are doing their homework, they’re knee deep in research, backstory, perfecting an accent, getting the posture just right, the walk, the talk … then they incorporate wardrobe and a hairstyle to match the character’s personality…

But that’s not all.

They do something else –

They rehearse.

ACTORS ARE MASTERS OF PREPARATION

Actor Daniel Day Lewis on preparing for his role in My Left Foot insisted on being lifted around the set because he would not leave his wheelchair.  He also insisted that he be spoon-fed. The preparation paid off, he won the Academy Award for his performance.

Prior to taking the stage or stepping in front of the camera, actors know their stuff because they are willing to do the work.

Legendary acting coach, Larry Moss, once told me he had a student who it was easy to see was born with the talent to be a great actor, but he always came to class unprepared, as a result he was mediocre.  He had another student however, who although not intrinsically talented, was prepared each and every time – this student went on to become a star.

For the “non-actor” members of the human race, flying by the seat of our pants is just not smart.  Much like the unprepared student in Larry Moss’ acting class, it lands us right into the space of missed opportunity.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Having a plan or strategy doesn’t mean you’re prepared.  Putting the time in to do the work on the other hand does.

Denzel Washington said, “Preparation is luck.”

THE ACTING ADVANTAGE FORMULA

If you’ve got something brewing on the horizon – maybe you want to start a business, or you’re dreaming about moving to Portugal, perhaps you’d like to buy a sail boat but don’t know much about sailing or maybe you want to be a pop star… being prepared for anything comes down to this formula:

RESEARCH + REHEARSAL (EXPERIENCE) = PREPARATION

Research: do everything you can to acquire as much sound information as possible about what it is you want to do, then –

Rehearse: spend time doing – practice the instrument; study French; experiment with different recipes; attend classes; do the homework; paint more, prep for a meeting…

Most pregnant women, especially first timers are usually masters of preparation – throughout their pregnancy they read a lot of material such as the wildly helpful classic, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” attend courses, shop for baby clothes, stock up on diapers – all to ensure everything is ready for baby and they are ready for motherhood.

Why not be ready for the next big thing in YOUR life because… YOU DESERVE TO HAVE A LIFE YOU LOVE!

SHARE your thoughts on what it means to prepare and POST a comment. 🙂

Until next time…

xo Linda