10 Go-To Remedies When You're in a Meltdown Moment

September 27, 2011

10 Go-to Remedies when you’re in a “Meltdown Moment”

The “Meltdown Moment” as performers, we all know what that is and have all been there. Let me lay it out for you, it goes like this; you go to a series of “unsuccessful” (as in didn’t book the job) auditions, consecutively, ….better yet, you get ::thisclose:: to booking the gig and then BOOM, rejection yet again--- now repeat, times a thousand and THIS is quickly followed up with a Meltdown Moment, one in which you probably lay on the floor, questioning all things in LIFE, your career choices, your five-year plan, the outfit you wore to Audition B, the way your hair looked at Audition A and so on and so forth. Also, this is generally followed by ALL THE CRYING. This is a natural part of being involved in an industry that heavily revolves around more rejection than success, the thing is---you can’t exist in the Meltdown Moment forever, which is precisely why we’ve put together a fun and USEFUL guide on how to stay out of the “Sads,” get up off the floor, stop crying and keep on keeping on. Dust yourself off and just keep swimming.....

1. Watch something that INSPIRES YOU:
As performers we all need to have our go-to movie, video, etc. that makes us feel like anything is possible....lifts us up, reenergizes us and reminds us why we’ve chosen to make entertainment our career path. Personal favorites; Pursuit of Happyness, The Bucket List, Erin Brockovich, I AM (fantastic documentary), Jerry Maguire, and classic- To Kill a Mockingbird.

2. Take Yourself on an Artist Date!!
If you aren’t familiar with the “Artist Date” it’s something we’ve taken from Julia Cameron and her book The Artist’s Way-- (fantastic book, in our list of MUST-READS)...she instructs any artist to take themselves on a date with their muse at least once a month. Is there a play you’ve been wanting to see? An art gallery that has peaked your interest? Do something that inspires you! Input/Output---if you’re going to do great work, you also have to take in great work. Pretty simple equation.

3. Move your BODY!
During a meltdown moment the first thing I personally want to do is lay on the floor, or in bed and make myself immobile. Not the best option. Work up a sweat, take a run, try a new dance class....shake out all the doubt, LITERALLY. And listen to Florence and The Machine “Shake it Out” while doing it (you’ll thank us.) Listen to the song here.

4.Identify the people who build you up and the ones who knock you down.
Sort of a lesson in life, in general- not just entertainment. We all have those friends that, regardless of them caring for us, sometimes don’t have the most sensitive approach when giving advice--- don’t surround yourself with those people. Trust us. Figure out your “people” the inner circle, that will lend an ear or a shoulder and shift your perspective in a more positive light.

5. Take an improv class.
When I through a series of “Meltdown Moments” I had to try something new--even though I know improv was going to be difficult, it was also going to make me get out of my head and not take everything SO SERIOUSLY ALL THE TIME. Imperative lesson. Anything that makes you feel silly and removes you from the gloom and doom that is clouding your thinking.

6. CHANNEL THE MELTDOWN INTO YOUR ART
Most important thing ever. As difficult as it it, the truth is that pain, disappointment, let down, are powerful tools for an artist. No one wants to live in that state of emotion, perpetually, but inevitable it’s a part of life and if you can figure out a way to USE it as a GIFT, rather than an impediment, you’ll be able to handle rejection much more gracefully.

7. Know your Mantra:
When we’re disappointed we forget who we are. We forget our values, our worth and often lose sight of our actual goals. Having a mantra, something that unequivocally resonates with you, in good times and bad is essential. Maybe it’s a word, or a phrase...for me, SHINE is the words and the phrase, “Open heart, flexible mind.” It allows me to let go of a job, situation, etc. with ease and know that with openness, the right opportunities will follow.

8. Think of someone other than yourself.
As artists, we naturally have to be somewhat self involved. We ARE our work. This is also why we end up taking things incredibly personally. When you’re in the midst of a meltdown, take yourself OUT of yourself. Teach a class. Volunteer. Write someone a letter. Buy someone a gift. Do something that makes someone else feel good.

9. Make something.
Nothing keeps you moving forward and through difficult situation like actually CONTINUING ANYWAY. Despite feeling insecure, make art anyway. Make up a dance. Make a Vision Board--when things start turning out the way you want them to, what will that actually LOOK LIKE?

10. DANCE PARTY!!
Download this playlist and let yourself GO--- instant remedy. Kind of like icecream and cookies....but healthier.

1. Get me Bodied- Beyonce
2. The Cave- Mumford and Sons
3. Violet Hill- Coldplay
4. Beautiful Day- U2
5. Footloose- Kenny Loggins
6. I’m Still Standing- Elton John
7. All This Beauty- The Weepies
8. Run This Town- Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West
9. Kick, Push- Lupe Fiasco
10. Golden- Jill Scott
11. Walking on Sunshine- Katrina and The Waves
12. What a Feeling- Irene Cara
13. I’m a Believer- The Monkees

10 GO-TO REMEDIES WHEN YOU'RE IN A MELTDOWN MOMENT