Start Your New Year Off Right

AdviceMindset

Dec 6

2022 is going to be a good year and here’s why….

We have lived through trying times these past few years. Between the times of isolation, fewer auditions, and trainings on Zoom instead of with people, it’s been challenging. Thankfully, things are starting to return to a sense of normal. As you begin thinking about 2022, here are some ideas to start your new year off right:

Get fit mentally, physically, and spiritually

There is no time like the present to get in shape. One of the perks of the pandemic is greater access to free fitness apps and at-home programs to enhance all areas of health. Strength training, cardio and yoga can all be done in 30 mins or less and give you a daily dose of the right mindset. Exercise helps regulate serotonin, which is a brain chemical linked to improving your appetite and sleep cycle, relieving stress, and balancing your emotional state. Pursuing an acting career is demanding work and you must be fit mentally, physically, and even spiritually to succeed. Consider adding a new exercise routine or meditation practice to your daily schedule and reap the benefits of increased vitality.

Update your headshots and reel footage

You’re another year older, a few inches taller, and probably are sporting a new hairstyle or look. It may be time to update your marketing materials and show off the new you. Additionally, you’ve grown in your techniques and skills. Updating your headshots and reel footage will prepare you for new opportunities coming over the horizon.

Set goals and take action

We all make promises each year but how many do we actually achieve? Setting and achieving goals can be fun when you aim for goals that inspire you. Instead of a lengthy list of goals that feel impossible, aim for two of three things that you know you can achieve. Once you master them, you can set more goals. Try some of these ideas:

Start a gratitude journal listing three things you are grateful for each day

Read a book or play just for fun
Put down your devices for a day
Pick up the phone instead of texting someone
Take a new class
Volunteer to go first in acting class
Create a business action plan for yourself
Send a thank you note to someone, with extra points if you send it via snail mail
-Create a vision board to manifest what you want

Take up an activity to increase brain power

With so much time spent indoors these past 18 months you might try picking up a sport such as tennis, basketball, a dance class, or a martial art like karate or kickboxing. These activities will get your body moving and test your endurance, discipline, and improve your brain function. Playing a sport like tennis encourages you to work to improve your technique which improves critical thinking, mental alertness, and tactical thinking. You may find picking up choreography or memorizing those lines will become a whole lot easier after you’ve mastered a new sport or physical activity.

Be a good human

Directors want to work with kind people. Practice being a good citizen by doing random acts of kindness. Talk to someone in school who might need a friend, send a note of appreciation to a teacher or mentor who has made a difference in your life, offer to walk a neighbor’s dog without pay, don’t engage in gossip, and use your social media to inspire kindness and respect.

Re-evaluate what’s important to you

I have always wrapped myself in my work to define me. Like many, these past few years taught me that my family, friends, and my quality of life are more important to me than work. Training, putting yourself out there and networking are all important to having a fruitful acting career but appreciating your support team and those who matter most will keep you happy and enjoying the present moment. It may feel counterintuitive but having a fulfilling life will enhance your acting career in every respect. It is possible and profitable to aim for happiest and professional success at the same time.

Denise Simon

Denise has a gift for speaking the language of young actors , communicating in a way that instills confidence and builds skill sets. Her classes and industry workshops attract both established and emerging talent. She has coached hundreds of children and young adults, privately and on-set, who appear regularly on Broadway, TV and film.

A veteran of the industry as an actress, teacher, director, casting director and personal talent manager, Denise has expertise not only with coaching performers in the craft through private lessons, but also through weekly classes, group workshops, summer productions, industry showcases and college teleseminars. Denise provides private consulting to guide young actors and their parents through the challenges inherent to show business. She works with high school students on their college auditions and guides them through the performing arts college admission process.