Think outside the box

When it comes to goals, a lot of people get stuck in their thinking. They see only one path to a goal, and if they can't figure out how to put themselves on that path, they give up.

But there's always more than one way to get from Point A to Point B.

You should first ask yourself, what is the feeling you're seeking by achieving any goal? Then, figure out if there are other ways to achieve that feeling, maybe by a quicker, easier path.

For example: Say your goal is to be a movie star. Specifically, you want a starring or supporting role in a film from a major producer. Why do you want that goal? Is it because you love to act? Maybe becoming active in community theater would fulfill your desire. Do you want to hobnob with other stars? There are lots of other jobs that would allow you to do that. You could be a personal assistant, a production assistant, a makeup artist, etc. There are hundreds of jobs in the movies.

Do you want to earn big bucks? There are probably lots easier ways to do than than becoming a movie star. (Heck, becoming a neurosurgeon is probably easier!) Do you want to see your name inside a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Do you really, really want to be famous, as if stalked by papparazzi?

If there's really no way to get what you want than to be a famous movie star, then by all means go for it! I am not suggesting you scale down your dreams. Just be very, very sure you've set yourself a goal that represents the easiest, fastest way to create the FEELING you're after.

And if "movie star" is really it, then brainstorm different ways to achieve that goal. Yeah, you can move to Hollywood, take acting classes, get an agent, go on auditions, work as a waitress, take bit parts, etc. etc. etc. Or ... maybe you can collaborate with a screenwriter, raise some money, and make your own movie with you as the star, which you then enter in film festivals.

If you've never read the Robert Rodriguez autobiography, Rebel without a Crew, I highly recommend it. Find out how one of Hollywood's most sought-after directors (Spykids was his first huge hit) broke into the business. It's a lesson in thinking outside the box and it's also hilarious.

Creatively,
Kara