How to Be Successful
Make atleast one new Contact every day. If you are a writer, that means submitting your work to a different company each day! Submitting is easy. You just have to know where to look. There are 1000’s of “zines” online that accept submissions, and print magazines are a good option to start with as well. Your first “gig” might not be a job that pays you anything, but it will give you the opportunity to see your work and your name in print, and can pave the way for your future. All it takes is one good connection, and you are in. It is a very exciting process.
Speaking of making a contact, when you strike up a conversation (making small talk at the grocery store for example) with a stranger, it can’t hurt to mention that you are a writer (or dancer, juggler, whatever you are!). You never know who that stranger knows, and this chance conversation could be your lucky break into the industry!
Practice your hobby/craft EVERY SINGLE DAY. Unless if you are just naturally perfect (or extremely lucky!) you need to practice your talent as often as you can, in order to enhance your skills. Writer’s don’t just write at the writing desk! I keep a small notebook with me and jot down ideas throughout the day, no matter where I am, that way I will be sure to remember them. It would be a shame for a great idea to slip away, just because you were “too busy” to write it down. If this is important to you, you will make the time.
Write down specific goals for yourself, and then fool yourself. Convince yourself with absolute certainty that “I, Pchan, am a writer” or whatever it is you want to be. Tell yourself constantly. Do so in present tense, as if it has already happened. Don’t say “I want to be an actress”, instead say “I am an actress…”. This is called an Affirmation. State your goals in the form of affirmations. Breaking through your own self-imposed barriers is sometimes all it takes to improve your life.
Dress the part. If you want to BE successful. Act, look, and dress successful. You can still wear a nice pair of jeans and look polished. Remember success is defined by YOU and you alone, not your mom, not your best friend, and not Joe Schmoe.
Put the above suggestions into practice, you will be successful in no time.
