If you don't know your definition of success, how
do you expect to recognize it when it happens?

Believe me, if you don't have a clear, complete,
well-thought-out, picture of what your success
looks like – and the courage to write it down on
paper – your likelihood of succeeding is smaller
than it needs to be.

That's why I dislike the phrase, "working actor."

It's much too vague.

For those of you who don't really aspire to super-
stardom, and want to know how to define yourselves,
I like the phrase Kate Winslet uses - working-class
actor.

Working-class implies that you want to make a
living. It's more specific. It defines a result
that can be understood by your brain.

It encompasses the concepts of doing well, making
money, having respect, being nice, etc. I've known
dozens of working class actors who've become rich,
after getting cast in a TV series.

On the other hand ...

In order to show you where most people make a big
mistake in defining and planning their career,
I'm going to ask you a trick question ...

Are you a star?

I hope you said "yes."

Because, even though `working class actor' is an
'okay' definition, the real test of your commitment
is your acceptance of that little word ... star.

FACT: Show business, the entertainment industry,
the theatre ... is all about stars.

Which would you rather see? Hamlet, starring Harry
Neverheardahim? Or Hamlet, with – Jodie Foster?
Now you're thinking ... Jody Foster as Hamlet. Hmmm?
Possible? Sure. See? Jody Foster makes a difference.

A star makes a difference.

If you want success, it's a good idea to think of
yourself as a star. In order to make a living in
show business, you should keep that little word
'star' in your mind.

Stars get hired first. As there are star actors -
there are star gaffers, cameramen, cinematographers,
character actor, casting directors ... in fact, no
matter what position you aspire to in our business,
remember that a star - in that particular bailiwick
... usually gets first consideration.

So, in order to succeed, it helps if you think like
a star.

This doesn't mean that you should go around telling
people you are a star - it simply means that you
should represent your career (to yourself) using the
word "star."

The point is simply this: do not attempt to become
successful until you have devised a complete and
honest definition of the success you are trying to
achieve.

How can you do this? How can you start thinking
like a star?

Start by thinking about the qualities you admire in
a star. This is the way to find out what qualities
you must have (or develop) to think like a star.

Don't kid yourself. Until you are mentally prepared
to be a successful actor, the likelihood of success
is minimal.

I have never met (or read about) a single successful
performer who didn't have a glowing, full color,
picture of their eventual success.

THIS NEXT BIT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
IGNORE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK ...

IMPORTANT – Wandering around in the big leagues of
show biz saying, "I just want to work," is a tactic
guaranteed to cost you what you really want – until
you change your tune.

All professionals know what it actually takes to
`make it' - and the sorts of actors with whom they
want to collaborate are immediately recognizable
to them.

Frankly, pros are immune to beggars, whiners, and
those actors who have nothing but excuses for their
lack of progress. Because they know that those
sort of people will rarely be able to help them
make a good product. They know that just wanting
the job does not mean one is qualified to actually
do the job.

So that phrase - "I just want to work" - is a
signal that they are talking to an actor who just
doesn't "get it."

Now, sit down in a quiet room and write down your
dream - don't leave anything out ... and don't
forget to include the word 'star.'

* * * * *

Bob Fraser is an actor, writer and director who has
also been the producer/showrunner on many successful
television series - and, for the past 5 years, has
become one of the world's foremost acting advisors.

He's been a lecturer and speaker at AFI, USC, UCLA,
University of Denver, New School, SAG Conservatory,
Women In Film, Universal Studios, and many others.

You can learn more about Bob at IMDb.com, TVTome.com,
Wikipedia, BBC.com - or at any of his websites:

http://www.youmustact.com
http://www.headshotsecrets.com
http://www.hypnoticaudition.com
http://www.actionworkbookandplanner.com
http://www.theshowbizblog.com

You can subscribe to Bob's free newsletter, Show Biz
How-To, by going here ...

http://www.showbizhowto.com

And you can read his semi-regular blog at MySpace.

http://www.myspace.com/bob_fraser