Lessons That Would Have Saved Me So Much Time And Money

Today, I’m going to share with you the top 3 lessons that would have saved me a sh*tload of time, money, and energy.

Let's get into it!

My Top 3 Lessons

1. Study consistent patterns, not career paths

It's easy to look at someone's picture-perfect career path and get caught up in the upsides that come with having success in the entertainment industry.

But that's not the full story.

In the past, I got so accustomed to looking surface-level successes and comparing myself, that I was missing the point.

Here's my highlight reel:

Age 17: Graduated from a notoriously expensive high school

Age 18: Admitted to a reputable 4 year university, studied Journalism

Age 21: Received a job offer in Journalism

Age 25: Founded my first production company

Age 26: Landed my "dream job"

Age 27: Started making additional income from freelance gigs

Age 28: Directed my first global sports campaign

Age 29: Created, sold & released my first unscripted TV show on a major streaming platform

Age 30: Partnered with A-list client on my next unscripted TV show

Now read this:

Age 14-17: Attended high school on a 95% need based sports scholarship

Age 18: Waitlisted at multiple 4 year universities

Age 21-26: Lived paycheck to paycheck

Age 27: Terminated from my "dream job"

Age 27: Collected unemployment, lived paycheck to paycheck again

Age 28: Closed my first production company

Age 29: Burned out

Age 30: Film & TV industry strike

Which list sounds better?

Definitely the first list.

But my most meaningful career and personal growth actually came from the second list, not the first.

The consistent pattern?

Coming back stronger from my negative experiences. Every. single. time.

Which leads me to my second lesson.

2. Use your failures as fuel, not a reason to avoid

Failing is a part of the job.

And the failures are far from over even when you "make it" in the film & TV industry. Trust me!

But I've found that facing your fears head on can lead to a more productive future.

And that every negative experience can be a blessing in disguise.

Instead of dwelling on negativity, focus on how to improve yourself.

There are always new skills to learn and master.

There is always room to get better.

And the ability to bounce back from setbacks is the most useful skill I've acquired and continue to foster every day.

Plus, failures make a better story anyway! 

3. Learn to act imperfectly

There are no perfect solutions in the film & TV industry. 

And seeking certainty before making decisions can slow your success down.

I've lost multiple opportunities because of this.

I left so many projects with potential on the back burner. 

I was too concerned with having the perfect idea.

At the perfect time.

And acting so perfectly that everyone thought I was perfect too. 

In my experience, the speed at which you pitch your ideas will determine your path.

While you're busy perfecting your ideas?

Others are pitching. 

While you're waiting for the perfect moment?

Others are executing. 

An imperfect idea with potential is better than a perfect idea that's too late.

Summary

Here are my top 3 lessons that would have saved me time, money, and energy:

1. Study useful patterns

2. Use failures as fuel

3. Act imperfectly