New Year's Resolutions For Actors

by Nicolas Pinzon

Actors: It’s not too late to reexamine your New Year’s resolutions!


Many people don’t like New Year’s resolutions. Lets face it, most resolutions are white lies we tell ourselves on December 31st and forget about on the 1st of January. But personally, I like New Year’s resolutions because, if taken seriously, they give us a chance to reexamine the things we want in our lives, the goals we really care about, and they push us to make plans to achieve these goals. There is something ritualistic and refreshing about setting goals at the start of a new year, though when push comes to shove, it’s never a bad time to make a positive change.


When it comes to actors, we are all at different stages. But here are five suggestions for resolutions you can make this year: 

1. I will seek connections and cultivate the ones I have: We’ve all heard it – it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. And though I don’t agree 100% with that statement, I do think that having the right connections is a huge plus. So talk to people about what you are doing, be personable, invite them to your shows, and just as importantly, talk to people about what THEY are doing as well. If you see a good indie film at a festival, don’t be afraid to email the director and tell him or her that as an actor, their film really moved you. Chances are that nothing will come of that but perhaps something will. Be genuine and keep in touch with everyone in the industry you know. One of them might have a big break and they will think of you.       

1. I will love myself and behave in a way that reflects that: This profession involves more rejection than any other, and it’s easy to loose confidence and self-esteem. For that reason, it is important to be kind and to speak to ourselves with constructive criticism. In other words, be nice to the person who is working hard for your dreams: you. In addition, remember that part of having self-love is doing things that benefit our body and spirit. Eat well and exercise. But don’t do it because you have to but because it’s good for you. Yes it’ll be hard at first, but once you get in the habit of doing what is good for “you,” you will feel so much better and your career will benefit.

1. I will stop taking rejection personally: This is a hard one. Scratch that, a really hard one! And there isn’t much that can be done about it other than say that every great actor you have seen on stage or the big screen has dealt with rejection multiple times and they decided to get back up. That’s it. It’s really not personal, just tell yourself that, this time, they weren’t looking for the specific charm that you have to offer, and it’ll be true. The reality is that the more you are willing to ignore rejection and the more you show up and audition, the likelier it is that you land that dream job. 

1. I will take the necessary measures to have the best possible material for agents and casting directors: Are your headshots, reel, and resume up to date? Do they accurately depict how you look now and the actor you are at this moment? If the answer is no, then you need to update ASAP. These materials are the first impression you will make on a casting director and they could be the last one. So make sure it counts. Invest on a superior reel that is edited by a professional. Seeing that you have quality footage and materials will tell who ever is making the decision that you have the experience required to take on the role.    

1. I will appreciate those who have my back: Little known secret: you don’t need to wait till next Christmas to send your manager or agent a sign of gratitude. Actually, they will probably remember it more when it’s not in a pile with the rest of the one thousand Christmas or Hanukah cards they receive each year. If your agent books you a job or creates an important connection for you, it doesn’t cost much to write them an email, send them a letter, or give them a small gift. And that sort of thing goes a long way. Also remember to thank your parents and family and friends who support your dreams and always root for you, not because it might help your career, but because it’s the kind thing to do and that sort of thing feels good.  

Do you have any suggestions for New Year resolutions that made help other actors in 2016? Let us know! 


At Award Winning Reels, we specialize in writing, producing, and editing professional level, tailor-made scenes that will take your reel and your career to the next level.


For more positive habits for actors check out Wendy Braun’s blog:
http://actorinspiration.com/15-habits-that-will-increase-your-acting-success/