Figuring out who we are and what we're meant to do is a lifelong process. Some of us are fortunate enough to find out at an early age, while others may adopt being a jack of all trades and dabbling in a bit of everything. Talent who have successful careers and develop naturally have what the industry calls the "it" factor. In reality, they are simply comfortable knowing who they are and what they have to offer without forcing anything outside of that on themselves or their audience. Here are some ways to learn more about yourself as suggested by Anthony Meindl.
Start with yourself. If you start anywhere else, it’s a false start, and you’ll just be forced to go back to the starting line and begin again and again.
Starting with yourself means finding the place within you that is not influenced by outside forces. It’s not affected by what other people say or do. It’s not discouraged by people wanting to stop you. It’s not even concerned with the negative things you say about yourself, which come from the conditioned part of our left brain.
When I was in my 20s, I spent a great amount of time running away from who I was. I was always trying to be someone else – wanting to be liked, popular, cool, or attractive. But no matter how hard I tried to avoid myself, I kept coming back to me. By my 30s, I realized that who I was – who we all are – is the thing we keep looking for somewhere else. In someone else.
Our essential self (which makes each of us unique) is the part of us that is connected to something bigger than our egos. It’s like you are one of those limitless channels available on TV. To receive the broadcast, you’ve got to keep your channel open. You’ve got to get out of your own way. You’ve got to get out of its way. Keep it open. Stay plugged in. It’s not an easy job because the ego wants to get in there and take credit, lay blame, excuse, rationalize, defend, or judge.
Because each of us is uniquely different, the expression of our true selves will be unique, innovative, original, and dynamic. Look at the actors you admire. You don’t have to work so hard trying to “do.” You don’t have to put something “on.” You don’t have to show. You simply have to allow. Surrender. Align. Accept. Be.Watch what happens. Just. Stay. Open.
You are the vehicle. Let yourself be driven.
Are you still learning to accept who you are? If you've found that sweet spot and are comfortable in your own shoes, what advice do you have for those who have not yet?
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