Tall Poppies
#GREEN EYES
We all want success, but when other people around us begin to achieve goals we have been working towards for so long it can sting a bit. It's not uncommon for these feelings to manifest into negativity which can bring that ugly word, jealousy. Resenting everything they are achieving and how opportunities are coming their way while all the doors seem locked for you. However if we take a step back and look at what this negativity actually achieves, we would start to see that it does very little. While complaining and moaning might make you feel better in the short term, what impact can it have in the long term? What you put out is generally what you get back and people can read that negativity from a mile away. That energy that you hold goes with you from audition to audition, it even influences the people that gravitate towards you, you can't expect soar like an eagle when you're surrounded by turkeys. So in an industry where how you are perceived is so important, wouldn't it be ideal to give off a positive image? Yes, it can be frustrating at times, which is not something to ignore. We need to focus on letting those frustrations pass, rather than holding onto them and taking it out on the people that are actually finding a bit of luck.
#OPEN ARMS
Instead of letting that envy take hold of us, bringing us down while we carry this heavy energy, we could try and embrace the success of others. Unfortunately Australia has this reputation for the 'Tall Poppy Syndrome'. We sometimes cut down all those around us who achieve success. Instead of feeding this resentment, we should try be happy for these people that have made it, or are on the verge of making it whether we know them or not. In this cut throat industry, being lucky enough to break through those barriers and achieve some form of success is a massive win. Where that individual takes that success is up to them, but it's not something we should discredit. In fact these wins should be embraced more often. When friends around you receive opportunities, and the first feeling that comes to you is bitterness, we need to be rethinking who we consider our friends and why. I have always had a rule; if I honestly could be happy for my acting friends landing a role over me, that meant I truly cared enough about them in order to have an honest friendship without the jealousy. Ideally when your friends land roles, we should be celebrating not crying. So embrace those around you that get 'lucky breaks' here and there. Who knows how their success may influence and help you in the future.
#WARM HEART
We already spend too much time hating the industry that refuses to take a chance on the unknown, instead they play it safe with the current batch of 'stars'. If we changed our attitude towards the industry and worked together as a team rather than individuals, how much more could be possible? Instead of hating on our friend who always seem to get all the 'good' auditions we could try supporting them. Help them break through the door. Supporting our closest allies will give us more opportunities in the future. That friend that we lifted up and help achieve success could be on a big set with directors discussing future projects and drop your name for a role, a moment that could never have happened if we opted to fuel the envious thoughts that initially clouded our judgement. Personally when I write new scripts, I have people I know in my mind that I would love to work with, these are some of my closest acting friends. I would love to build a community where the people I care about most are all working and supporting each other. When we all come together so much more is possible.
If there is one positive change you make to your career this year, try remove the hatred towards other peoples success. This will enrich your own life and you will feel far happier for it and may even see some success come your way. #letthepoppiesgrow