Evaluating your future

So, I neglected my blog this week...and I'm sorry.

First, a shameless plug. If you are out there reading this blog, please, please, please, tell your a friend. If you have a blog, link me. I'm a big whore for promotion.

A couple announcements...

I started a gig at an UNNAMED PRODUCTION COMPANY (UPC) on Thursday in their TV department. I was only there two days last week, but I'm sure It'll be good fodder for future posts.

Also, tomorrow is my birthday.

Okay, now onto the post. It's not going to be heavy on production, I'll warn you that now.

Whenever I get around to my birthday, it always makes me take a moment and evaluate my life goals. If I'm going to rule the world by the time I'm 30, I gotta get off my butt and start moving.


#1:

I always start by making a list of where I expected to be at this point in my life. I have a very detailed long term and short term plan for success, which I recommend for anyone who wants to be constantly disappointed in themselves.

At 26 I wanted to have two features in distribution and have funding in place for a a 1 million dollar independent feature. The year started out promising, but in the end it hasn't panned out. In fact, I have 0 films in distribution, and we are still working on funding for our next project. Scratch that off my list of conquests.


#2:

After depressing myself with what I didn't accomplish, I make a list of things I did accomplish.

I got married.
I moved to LA.
I wrote several pilots which got some attention.
I was contracted to write a feature and a treatment.
I have one feature in post-production, and my company is acquiring a second film.
I started a pitch and development company with two partners.
I directed two television shows.

By all accounts, that's not a bad year. It may not be the year I wanted, but for being on disability for five months it's not too bad.

#3:

Finally, it's time to make goals for the coming year.

So, why am I telling you this? Is it because I like to hear myself talk, or see myself write?

No, as usual it's to give you an exercise you can use in your life. All successful people have goals. They have a long term goal...Rule the World. But they also have short term goals...pay rent, get a shite job at a good company, etc. I read an article about Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL. Apparently, Roger started as an unpaid intern in the public relations department and he worked himself up to commissioner of one of the biggest and most profitable companies in the world. His long term goal...Commissioner of the NFL. I'm sure many people laughed at him when he was getting the higher ups coffee, but it was all part of his goal.

In the world of entertainment, there are many more disappointments than successes. It's very easy to not be able to see the forest for the trees, and to look for greener pastures. Keeping yourself focuses on your goals allows ME to keep going while striving for my long term goals.

I know this wasn't a great post, but give me a break...it's my birthday.