Not All Advice Is Good Advice…
In coaching, one of the things we try to avoid doing at all costs is giving advice. It is seen as bad form for a coach to give advice because that isn’t really what the client is coming to us for. They are coming to us for coaching. Coaching relies on the idea that the client must discover the answer for themselves.
The coach may offer ideas of things for the client to try, but those things to try are usually just clues or triggers to the actual thought that the client needs to have for themselves.
There is a very good reason for why we don’t give advice. Advice comes from the mindset of “Well, what I would do is…”
This is important to remember because what I would do, is not what you should do.
Often times, advice – especially in the industry – comes with ulterior motives. People give advice, but often that advice is going to benefit them in some way. It is because of this that I really strongly suggest to all actors to look at the source of the advice and ask a very simple question: “Is someone able to make money off of what they are suggesting to me?” If so, make sure you factor that into your processing of the advice.
Many companies who post lists like “The Best Audition Songs for…” or “The Top 10 Monologues…” are trying to sell you THEIR songs or monologues. The post should really read “The Best Songs on Our Site for…” or “The Top 10 Monologues on Our Site…”
It is also important to remember that even if the advice isn’t coming from a business, it can still be biased. For example, a fellow actor may give you advice, but that advice is what worked for them in their specific situation. It may not work for your situation. Anyone that tells you that you MUST, or you SHOULD do something that isn’t someone who has the real power to tell you of said thing’s importance, should be viewed the same way as the companies trying to sell you something. Evaluate the biasness of the source. Where did they learn the information from? Unless your fellow actor – or the actor you are watching, listening to, or whatever – has the type of career you really want, they may not really be the best source of advice for you.
Even my advice should be evaluated for a bias. I am not immune from this either. Everything I say should be examined. Please don’t assume everything I say is right for you. Even this post.
As an actor, it is crucial that you think for yourself. As Socrates said: “To find yourself, think for yourself.” You will only find YOUR path through this industry if you don’t blindly follow every piece of advice you receive. Examine the advice and make sure that it is truly right for you and your goals. Only you can decide what path is right for you.
If you have advice that you are uncertain of, feel free to reach out and ask about it. I will give you my honest opinion to help you evaluate the advice for yourself.
You’re Awesome. Be Awesome. See you soon.
Best Wishes!
Nate
