Actors often wait for motivation. We hope a burst of inspiration will get us moving, keep us consistent, or push us to the next level. But real growth rarely starts with motivation. It starts with one small choice.

In this episode of the Acting Business Bootcamp Podcast, I talk about the simple cycle that has changed my life many times over. Choice. Habit. Love. It's a framework you can use in your acting career, your training, and your personal development to build strength and momentum in a way that actually lasts.

A few years ago, I was sitting on my balcony, looking out at the marina, and I caught a glimpse of myself that didn't feel like me. It wasn't about weight or appearance. It was the feeling that I wasn't living up to my potential.

It was a quiet wake up call that led to one small choice.

A friend gave me a ten minute workout. The first time I tried it, I had to stop three times. It felt impossible. But I chose to do it again the next day. And the next. Choice doesn't feel glamorous. It's rarely comfortable. But it's the doorway to every breakthrough.

After weeks of choosing that workout, something shifted. It became a habit. I added more exercise. I felt stronger, even through perimenopause and menopause. Habit grows out of showing up, not out of feeling ready.

What once felt uncomfortable became something I enjoyed. That's the surprising part. Love is the result of consistency. Love grows from seeing your own progress.

Recently I got very sick and couldn't exercise for almost three weeks. When I came back, I realized I had to start again at choice. Not habit. Not love. Choice. That reminder has been grounding. Setbacks simply restart the cycle.

This structure applies to your acting technique, your mindset, your self tapes, and your business systems. Ask yourself the small but powerful question: What could I choose today that would help me reach my potential?

You can take the 30 question Acting Business Audit. It shows you what's working in your acting business and what needs attention so you know where to focus next.

If you want guidance or support, you can schedule a consultation. I'm here to help you strengthen your confidence, materials, and next steps.

The entertainment industry glorifies hustle. Fast auditions, faster turnarounds, constant pressure to keep up. But what if slowing down is the real secret to booking more roles and building a lasting career?

In this episode of the Acting Business Bootcamp Podcast, I talk about the power of slow and why being intentional, grounded, and patient can make you not only a stronger performer but also a more fulfilled human being.

We've been conditioned to think that "busy" means "productive." But when we're rushing, we're not really seeing. We miss red flags, subtle opportunities, and the emotional details that make our performances alive and specific.

Slow isn't lazy. Slow is strategic. When I slow down, I make choices instead of reacting. I create work that's clearer, more specific, and more emotionally grounded. That's what casting directors respond to.

I often talk about building your "muscle of choice." It's the ability to choose what's right for your growth, even when it doesn't feel comfortable.

For actors, that might mean saying no to an overbooked schedule or pausing before hitting record on a self-tape. It's in those small, quiet moments of choice that confidence and intuition start to strengthen.

One of the things I say all the time is, "Presence books acting jobs."

When you slow your breath, your thoughts, and your body, you naturally drop into the moment. That's where truth lives. And that truth is what makes casting directors sit up and go, "Yes, that's it."

Fast energy reads as anxious. Slower energy reads as confident and grounded. The actor who listens, pauses, and responds authentically will always stand out.

Here's one of my favorite reminders: "A response is a reaction with a pause and a thought behind it."

When you create that pause, your performances become more thoughtful, layered, and real. That same pause helps on the business side too. It gives you control over your energy instead of letting the industry run it for you.

A fast-paced career burns out fast. A steady one grows stronger over time.

I've been a professional actress since 1988. That's more than three decades of working in this business. What's sustained me isn't the hustle; it's learning how to pace myself, stay present, and take joy in the process. Slow isn't just good for your craft. It's how you create a sustainable, happy career.

• Pause before you slate. Ground your breath and remind yourself that you're safe.

• Meditate regularly. It keeps your body calm and expressive.

• Work with intention. Do fewer things, but do them with care.

• Create safe spaces. Set up your self-tape and your mindset to help you feel at ease.

• Reflect often. Ask yourself, "Am I working hard, or am I working effectively?"

If this episode resonated with you, come join my weekly mindset class, The Weekly Adjustment.

You'll learn how to calm your thoughts, build confidence, and use the power of slow in every part of your acting life.

👉 Join The Weekly Adjustment — your first two weeks are free.