Here are several New Year's resolutions that actors commonly make, along with reasons they might not work as hoped.
1. “I’ll book my dream role this year!”
Why it doesn’t work:
This goal depends on factors outside the actor’s control, such as casting decisions, industry trends, and competition. A dream role might also require years of networking and preparation rather than materializing in one calendar year.
2. “I’ll go to every audition I’m called for.”
Why it doesn’t work:
Actors often underestimate the demands of life—day jobs, travel, or family responsibilities—that make attending every audition unrealistic. Overcommitting can lead to burnout or spreading oneself too thin.
3. “I’ll post on social media every day to grow my brand.”
Why it doesn’t work:
Consistent posting requires planning, creativity, and time. Actors might lose momentum when content ideas run out, engagement drops, or the pressure to appear “perfect” becomes overwhelming. It’s also easy to prioritize auditions and performances over social media upkeep.
4. “I’ll take every class and workshop I can find.”
Why it doesn’t work:
This resolution is ambitious but can be costly and time-consuming. Without a clear focus, actors risk enrolling in classes that don’t align with their goals, leaving them feeling overworked and underprepared.
5. “I’ll save enough money to quit my survival job.”
Why it doesn’t work:
The unpredictable nature of acting income makes this resolution challenging. Unexpected expenses or slow periods in the industry can derail even the best financial plans, leading to frustration and stress.
6. “I’ll revamp my headshots, reel, and website by February.”
Why it doesn’t work:
While upgrading materials is a good idea, actors often underestimate the time, money, and coordination required to complete these updates. Rushing the process can lead to mediocre results or overlooked details.
7. “I’ll network with industry professionals every month.”
Why it doesn’t work:
Networking takes time to build authentic relationships, and opportunities aren’t always consistent. This resolution might falter if the actor feels awkward or transactional in their approach.
8. “I’ll memorize a new monologue every week.”
Why it doesn’t work:
Actors often get busy with auditions, jobs, or personal obligations, leaving little time for this kind of rigid schedule. It can also feel like a chore if the monologues don’t feel immediately useful or inspiring.
9. “I’ll stop comparing myself to other actors.”
Why it doesn’t work:
While a great goal, comparison is often a deeply ingrained habit in a competitive industry. Without active strategies to shift their mindset, actors may fall back into comparing social media followers, bookings, or representation.
10. “I’ll be more confident and fearless this year.”
Why it doesn’t work:
Confidence is a gradual process, not a switch to flip. Repeated rejections, imposter syndrome, or self-doubt can make this resolution feel like a tall order, especially without specific action steps to back it up.
Why Resolutions Fail
Many resolutions don’t work because they are too broad, overly ambitious, or dependent on external factors. Actors can make resolutions more effective by breaking them into smaller, measurable goals, being realistic about their schedules and limitations, and focusing on what they can control.
For example, instead of saying, “I’ll book my dream role,” try: “I’ll self-tape consistently and attend 10 networking events this year.” This approach builds progress over time and avoids setting unattainable expectations.
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