Once the scene is set, its time for the actors to shine. But someone doesn’t just get up on stage or in front of the camera and become a star at the snap of their fingers; more needs to be done. The question is what?

For an actor trying to play a role, and for a person trying to live out their everyday lives according to how they see fit, there are several methods you can use to really live the role, not just look it.

First of, let’s assume that you’ve already done the things from the previous posts. The conductor’s baton is raised, the orchestra is ready, and you’re in costume waiting to step on the beautifully crafted set. What can you do to make sure that you make the most of every moment on stage, and ensure that your fifteen minutes of fame becomes long term success (without the paparazzi).

Know your lines

This might seem to be obvious, but it’s a key component to success. You can’t really become the character until you know what the character is doing. In this case, how can you do what needs to be done if you haven’t read your own script?

In everyday life, this can be your GTD lists, your planner, your to-do list, your notebook, whatever. I’m just saying that in order to be a star, you have to know what you’re going to do, so find a way to do that.

Find the motivation

A common line one hears in lighter looks at actors is “What’s my motivation?” The thing is, this is actually a very important question that you should be asking yourself as well. For everything you’re doing, you must have a reason, some motivation. If you don’t, then the next question is, “Then what the heck am I doing this for anyway?”

This motivation doesn’t need to be something majestic for the good of all humanity, it can be as simple as wanting to eat because you’re hungry. But ask yourself the question, especially if you’re stuck on a project, or delaying on making that phone call. Why are you doing the project? Is it for a promotion or a raise? Do you just genuinely love your work? Will it get you access to training and other opportunities you’ve been aiming for? These are all potential motivations, and through examining which is yours in this role, it can be easier to align with the character.

Get in the right mindspace

So, the script tells you what you’re supposed to do, and you know why the character wants to do it, but how are you supposed to do it? A good actor needs to take a combination of instructions, like Enter stage left and a description of what’s to happen in the scene and figure out the specifics. Do they enter with pomp and flair, or do they slink on stage, hiding in the shadows? The key to answering this question lies in another question. “What would so-and-so do?” Steve Pavlina has a great article about this, and I’d highly recommend you read it, but to quickly paraphrase, by asking what a person who has a certain trait would do in this situation, you can identify where you might need to improve. To take that a step further, you might even discover the actions required. As Gretchin Rubin posted some time back, a great way to change your feelings, or in this case, to gain some of the traits of the character you’re trying to play, act how you would like to feel. This is also Commandment Number Three on her list of Twelve Commandments for her Happiness Project. Through consistently and consciously choosing the actions your character would choose, you can eventually internalize the character, so that you can become them.

On a related note to that last point, this is also a warning to be conscious of your choices, as if your actions can determine your character, and you consistently choose actions that don’t align with your goals or values, you can easily find yourself becoming a person that you don’t want to be.

Clear your mind

So, you’re ready to be that star. You know what has to be done, you know why you’re doing it, and you know how you’re going to nail the scene. All that remains is to actually do it. What if you’re overcome with stage fright at the last second?

My recommendation is to take a deep breath and go for it. Leo Babauta, over at Zen Habits, also has a great list of “15 Can’t-Miss Ways to Declutter Your Mind”. Taking a look through that list, I’m sure there are a few tips you might be able to apply yourself.

Basically, calm the inner monologue that can be distracting, clear the extraneous thoughts from your mind, and step into the spotlight.

Break a leg,

Adam