Being an actor is a pretty interesting gig. Like most artistic fields, it demands that you, the talent, go forth on your own determinism, not bending to the will of anybody else.

This of course raises an interesting point: how do you stay up? If you go on 15 auditions in one month and don’t get a single callback, what’s to keep you from apathetically pondering how things would be if you took that accounting job 3 years ago? This gets us to a pretty dark spot.

To help you stay up, I’m going to lay down some data.

First of all, look at yourself. Look at your face in the mirror. Smile at yourself, or glower. Furrow those brows real good! Now, glance down at your hands. Flex them around a bit. Next, bend and straighten your legs. Point your toes, wiggle them around. Hum a little tune. Speak some words.

Not to get overly dramatic, but you just controlled the only instrument you need to bring to your job.

Listen to conversations that you hear on a daily basis. How many have references to film, television, even commercials? That’s an effect that’s being created. Your job is to create effects on a massive scale. These effects can be anything; laughter, tears, wistfulness, nostalgia, love, cynicism, ad infinitum. How cool is that?

Call to mind the last thought-provoking movie you saw. How long did it stay with you after the credits rolled? Did you imagine how things could have been? Maybe how things can still turn out? Did you reflect upon decisions that you’ve made? Did you look upon your friends in a new light? Did you think that maybe with a little work, you could finally seek that previously ungraspable goal?

Your industry has a unique way of causing people to see things in a different light. As an actor, you bear the responsibility of ensuring a message is properly conveyed. And believe me when I say it is a heavy responsibility, and it is one that should be borne with pride.

When you need to get back up, just remember that you’ve got the best job in the world.