Actors - Creating a POSITIVE self image

Is your self-worth tied to how much you're booking? As an actor, it can feel impossible to keep your spirits up when work has run dry.   

If we're not careful, television, magazines and Social Media can make us feel terrible about ourselves. Everywhere we look we see pictures of beautiful, sculpted and unattainably photo-shopped people that we compare ourselves to. 

If you are currently struggling with self-confidence, there are so many ways you can help yourself turn it around.

Goal setting - nothing feels better than checking something off of our "to-do" list. Whether it's becoming more career-centric and finally getting an agent, or signing up for that pottery class you've always wanted to take, it's all part of our journey of self-discovery and self development. Setting and completing small, manageable goals is a great way to improve how you feel about yourself.

Self-Affirmations - Motivational author, Louise L. Hay, once said, "Every thought we think is creating our future." 

How often do you find yourself spiraling because of the constant podcast of negative thoughts that run through your head?  

To stop the cycle, start using affirmations: short mantras that you repeat to yourself throughout the day.  It can be something as simple as, "I am enough," or, "I am on an ever-changing journey," or, "Today, I will go out and kick ass!"

Meditation - It's never too late to learn the simple art of meditation. Clear your thoughts and focus on the breath to feel grounded and connected to the Universe. Here are two ways to meditate:

  1. The Breathing Method - Find a quiet room, turn everything off and get comfortable. Close your eyes and focus on breathing. If you have a hard time focusing, every time you breathe in, you can visualize the hands of a clock spinning clock-wise.  As you breathe out, think of the hands moving counter-clockwise.
  2. The Jar Method - write down each of the positive things that happen to you every day for a week and put them in a jar.  On the seventh day, open up the jar and read them aloud to yourself and destroy the papers as they are read.

It's never too late to learn how to build a positive mindset. Start small, seek out the positive people in your life and gently step away from those that pull you down.  When you align yourself with others who share the same values, you'll be amazed how your self image improves.

Remember that this business is a marathon, not a sprint. Your mental wellness is just as important as your ability to hit those high notes if you want to stick around for long.

What are your favorite ways to stay mentally strong? Share them with us in the comments below!

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