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One of my favorite actors is Jason Statham. Until two weeks ago, I hadn't seen him in a movie I couldn't enjoy. Right now, I am watching one of the worst movies I have ever seen, and he is one of the lead characters. I was sucked into the movie by his name in the list of actors. I think that the movie producers knew I would be. So of course he is listed as the title character.
Evidently, every actor picks a few duds. If someone who has a team of people around them helping them to find the best vehicle for their art makes a mistake or two, what can be expected from the average worker bee like you and me?
Obviously, you and I will make tactical and practical errors in our professional decisions. What distinguishes a great actor from a forgotten actor is what he or she does after the mistake is made. Here are a few things I have picked up from the actors whose work I enjoy.
1. When you make a career mis-step, return to what you know works. This is why an actor, when he or she makes a movie that is a total dud, will sign up for a blockbuster sequel, or return to work with a director who they know does good work, even if it is with a pay cut. The application for an average worker is to return to what you know you do well, and do it even better. If you are an action star, and you tried your hand at drama or a period piece with a disastrous effect, go make an amazing action movie to remind your fan base of how amazing you really are at what you do.
2. Don't get discouraged because you aren't perfect. Everyone will make a mis-step in his or her career. Everyone will make a mistake. It's part of being human. If you don't make a mistake you aren't taking risks, and if you aren't taking risks you aren't growing in your career. And if you aren't growing, you aren't really good at anything yet!
3. Don't be afraid to try something new again. Fear stops progress and growth. Fear immobilizes. Fear prevents you from reaching your potential. You can't stop growing as a professional just because you face a few bumps and bruises in your professional career. Every actor makes at least one bad movie early on in his or her career. Many are never heard from again, not just because of luck or lack of talent, but because of fear. I personally am glad that the horrid movie starring Jason Statham didn't stop him from acting again, or cause him to abandon what he is good at. As an avid action movie fan, I would really miss him!
The career bumps and bruises are the stuff of legend, the experiences that make for great stories when a professional reaches their professional goals and swaps stories of triumph and tragedy, and provide guidance to others who are trying to succeed in their professional careers. The negative experiences are necessary, because they help you carve out your niche, learn your strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately become the professional success you are meant to be.
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