Dave… Seize the Opportunities in an Uncertain Time
The tagline for this Kevin Kline movie, Dave is: In a country where anybody can become president, that anybody just did!
And in true Hollywood fashion, as the story twists and turns, a complete unknown changes the country for the better.
As life imitates art, we inaugurated our 44th president, who promises change, asks us to have hope, and calls us to action. What was once seen as impossibility is now possible. Politics aside, in his inaugural speech, President Obama’s words can be heard through the “filter” of a performer in an industry of uncertainty. As you read the sections of his inaugural speech below, imagine the words are directed at you and your career path in your industry.
“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America – they will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord… In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted – for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things – some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom. This is the journey we continue today… Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished… The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act – not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth… Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends – hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism – these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility – a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.”
You have the difficult task of pursuing your dream as our industry is faced with a work slowdown, downsizing, un-contracted internet media growth, residual and job classification loss, new technology, job uncertainty, and so on…
Will you join in the new era of responsibility, seize gladly, and give your all to this difficult task of dream seeking? The world needs your stories and your talent. When you face a challenge, instead of focusing on why you must face this challenge, ask yourself HOW you can overcome the challenge. How questions will move you to action!
And… Action!
1. What are the top 3 challenges you’re facing right now?
2. Seek others’ advice on HOW to take action.
3. Create a two-week action plan to get yourself moving.
Those who focus on everything that’s wrong will be left behind. This is an opportunity for huge career growth. TAKE ACTION! If you know, or take the time to invest in yourself so you can get to know the tools of this business, you will surely get ahead in the next twelve months.
I answer an Entertainment Industry Coach question, daily at www.AndActionBook.blogspot.com
