| Act as if something is true long enough and someday | | | | performance on your corner of the world's stage. |
| it will be reality. And if Shakespeare's observation that | | | | Prepare thoroughly. Whatever you do, learn the |
| "All the world's a stage" is true, we might expect to | | | | necessary background knowledge and "how-to" of |
| find some sound success advice from actors. | | | | your craft. Make these two elements second nature. |
| Here's a gem that Katherine Hepburn gave to | | | | Before you walk out on to your "stage," take a deep |
| Anthony Hopkins in 1967. "Don't act, just speak the | | | | breath. Elevate your gaze as if looking at an |
| lines." | | | | imaginary spot just above a distant horizon. |
| With apologies to Ms. Hepburn, let's rephrase this to | | | | Let your imagination form an image of a successful |
| read "When you are performing, don't fill your mind | | | | performance. Nod your head in the "yes" gesture. |
| with the techniques of acting. Trust your talent and | | | | Then walk on to your stage and perform. |
| speak the words of the character." This is like saying | | | | Trust your preparation. Let your mind access these |
| "When the time comes to do something, clear your | | | | resources of knowledge and experience as needed. |
| mind and just do it." | | | | And speak your lines without another thought. |
| This sage advice rings true for any endeavor. Don't | | | | I also like to apply the acting metaphor to your role |
| think about what you are doing while you are doing it. | | | | as "_________ (insert your name), massive |
| Do all your thinking before "show time." When the | | | | success story in the making." |
| curtain rises on your particular stage, let your | | | | Prepare for this role by using your imagination. In |
| creative mind function with all its resources instantly | | | | your mind's eye, practice what it's like to be the |
| available. That won't happen if you are thinking about | | | | massive success of your dreams. Imagine the sights, |
| what to do and how to do it. And it really won't | | | | sounds, sensations, and feelings of success. |
| happen if you are thinking about how not to do it | | | | And when you step out onto your stage, forget |
| wrong! | | | | your preparation! Trust your mind to let you be your |
| This is like dancing while thinking about how to dance. | | | | most successful self. This makes success happen |
| The mind misfires all over the dance floor and the | | | | because you empowered and transformed yourself |
| result is not exactly graceful. | | | | with your preparation. |
| Instead, Hepburn's advice implies that the best actors | | | | So you really don't have to "act" like a success in the |
| prepare and then perform without thinking about | | | | way an actor portrays a character. |
| acting. I especially like to use this metaphor when | | | | In this respect, your job is much easier. You get to |
| working with someone who is "on stage." And "on | | | | be your most successful self all the time. |
| stage" might mean anyone selling, giving a speech, or | | | | This may not get you the Oscars of a Hepburn or a |
| any other situation that entails persuasion. | | | | Hopkins. However, you will enjoy celebrity status at |
| So here is how to apply this advice to your | | | | your bank. |