The Great Acting Blog: “The Worthlessness Of Cynics”
Get away from people who are not supporting you, get away from people who are not having a positive impact on what you’re trying to do. This advice may seem harsh because they may have some good qualities, but if you’re trying to accomplish something difficult and complex then you simply cannot afford to carry the extra weight they will put upon you.
The kind of person I’m talking about often expresses a certain cynicism about the project you’re working on, or about the vision you have. They simultaneously feel threatened by it and have contempt for it. These people cannot see past the end of their noses, they do not understand that the seeds planted today will grow tomorrow. If it doesn’t look like the finished article right now, then for them, it has no value. The tragedy however, is that their cynicism is really about themselves. They see the world through their own eyes, they think that because they are grasping hacks then everyone else is too. They think that because they believe in nothing then everyone else does too. They think that because they are worthless then everyone else is too.
talya2312/ 16.08.2013
Sounds a lot like my ex-boyfriend, and some of the people I teach English to.
James Devereaux actor/ 16.08.2013
Tune them out Talya, life’s too short and there’s too much to do.
Jason Figgis/ 20.08.2013
I totally agree James. I find, quite oddly, that the people I am closest to in many instances are the ones who express most negativity about the films I have in development. I have found a great liberty in no longer asking their opinion but instead basking in the positive energy of those who are directly involved in the project (usually those in front of the camera – and not behind it).
James Devereaux actor/ 20.08.2013
Yes, it can be very strange. But it sounds like you are doing the right things, Jason.
Jason Figgis/ 20.08.2013
Thanks James. I love your posts. Each one becomes my daily mantra.
talya2312/ 20.08.2013
Same here. I love reading your posts.
James Devereaux actor/ 20.08.2013
Thanks. I really appreciate the comments.
Vibha Rana/ 25.08.2013
James
Awesome advise. I agree that negative energy does nothing but weighs you down and we must learn to identify the difference between constructive criticism and negative comment.
peaceful space/ 10.10.2023
peaceful space