Motivation: Fail Better (ft. Peter Dinklage)

Dylvel Motivation

2 Oct 201603:31

Summary

TLDRThe speaker shares their journey of transitioning into a full-time actor at 29, leaving behind a stable job and embracing the uncertainty of a career in acting. They recount the fear and excitement of this decision, the importance of financial independence instilled by their parents, and the eventual success that followed. The narrative emphasizes the value of perseverance, the inevitability of defining moments, and the wisdom of Samuel Beckett's words on failure and trying again.

Takeaways

🎭 The speaker decided to commit fully to acting at 29, regardless of pay, leading to a career in acting.
💼 They quit their stable job at professional examination services to pursue their passion.
🏠 The speaker had no internet, cell phone, or job but found a low-paying theater job that started their acting career.
🌟 The theater job led to a film called '13 Moons' and subsequently to a series of acting roles.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The speaker emphasizes the importance of financial independence and the hunger it instilled in them.
🏫 The speaker's parents invested in their education but made it clear they were on their own financially after graduation.
🚀 The fear of change and being stuck was a driving force for the speaker to make a significant life change.
🎬 The speaker found themselves working alongside actors, writers, and directors they admired.
🌈 The speaker advises not to search for defining moments but to realize they are already happening.
📚 The speaker quotes Beckett, encouraging continuous effort and improvement despite failures.

Q & A

At what age did the speaker decide to commit fully to acting?
-The speaker decided to commit fully to acting at the age of 29.
What was the speaker's job before becoming an actor?
-Before becoming an actor, the speaker worked at professional examination services, which involved data processing.
What was the first acting job the speaker got after deciding to become a working actor?
-The first acting job the speaker got was a low-paying theater job in a play called 'Imperfect Love'.
How did the role in 'Imperfect Love' impact the speaker's acting career?
-The role in 'Imperfect Love' led to a film called '13 Moons' with the same writer, which in turn led to other roles and a continuous acting career.
What were the circumstances the speaker faced at 29 when they decided to become an actor?
-At 29, the speaker was without a job, internet, or a cell phone, and they were walking away from a stable but unsatisfying career in data processing.
Why did the speaker's parents send them to the best schools?
-The speaker's parents, despite not having much money, struggled to send them to the best schools to provide a better education.
How did the speaker's financial independence after graduation affect their motivation?
-The speaker's financial independence after graduation made them very hungry and unable to be lazy, which motivated them to work hard.
What was the speaker's living situation like during the early part of their acting career?
-The speaker lived in a place without heat for ten years during the early part of their acting career.
What advice does the speaker give to those who are afraid of change?
-The speaker suggests not to be afraid of change and to trust that a rhythm will set in after a period of being derailed.
What quote from Beckett does the speaker reference in their speech?
-The speaker references Samuel Beckett's quote, 'Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.'
What is the main message the speaker conveys about defining moments in life?
-The main message is that defining moments do not announce themselves; they have already happened and will continue to happen, so one should not wait for a specific moment to start living their life.

Outlines

00:00

🎭 The Journey to Becoming a Working Actor

The speaker recounts their decision at age 29 to commit fully to acting, regardless of pay, leading to the resignation from a stable job at professional examination services. Despite the lack of internet, cell phone, and employment, they landed a low-paying theater job in 'Imperfect Love,' which sparked a chain of opportunities including a film '13 Moons.' This sequence of events established their career in acting. The narrative also touches on the speaker's background, including the financial struggles of their parents who prioritized education, and the importance of self-reliance post-graduation. The speaker emphasizes the value of perseverance and the search for a personal rhythm in life, suggesting that defining moments are not sought but are a product of one's journey. They conclude with a quote from Beckett, encouraging continuous effort and improvement despite failures.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡working actor

A 'working actor' refers to someone who makes a living primarily through acting, as opposed to having a part-time job or another career. In the script, the speaker decides to commit fully to acting, regardless of the financial outcome, which is a pivotal decision in their career. This concept is central to the video's theme of taking risks and following one's passion.

💡professional examination services

This term refers to organizations that administer standardized tests and certifications. The speaker mentions quitting their position at such a service, symbolizing a departure from a stable career to pursue acting. This decision underscores the video's message of leaving comfort zones for personal fulfillment.

💡imperfect love

'Imperfect Love' is the title of a play mentioned in the script, which the speaker got a job in. It represents a turning point in their acting career, leading to further opportunities. This play's title also metaphorically reflects the theme of embracing imperfections and the journey towards self-improvement.

💡13 moons

This refers to a film that the speaker was cast in, which followed their theater job. '13 Moons' is significant as it marks a continuation of the speaker's acting journey and a step up from stage to screen, illustrating the progression and opportunities that can arise from taking risks.

💡data processing

Data processing involves the manipulation and management of data. The speaker mentions walking away from a job in data processing, which contrasts with the creative and expressive world of acting. This term highlights the transition from a more structured, traditional career to a more unpredictable and artistic one.

💡financial independence

Financial independence is the state of being free from financial reliance on others. The speaker discusses how their parents supported their education but then expected them to be financially self-sufficient after graduation. This concept is tied to the video's theme of self-reliance and the challenges of starting a career.

💡hungry

In the script, 'hungry' is used metaphorically to describe a strong desire or ambition. The speaker contrasts their past hunger for success with their current laziness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining drive and ambition in pursuing one's goals.

💡defining moments

A 'defining moment' is a significant event that shapes one's character or future. The speaker advises against waiting for such moments, suggesting that they are not clearly marked and that one should be proactive in shaping their own path. This concept challenges the idea of waiting for external validation and encourages self-direction.

💡derailed

To be 'derailed' means to be thrown off course or disrupted. The speaker uses this term to describe the feeling of being off track after graduation, which is a common experience for many. It relates to the video's theme of overcoming setbacks and finding one's way.

💡rhythm

In the context of the script, 'rhythm' refers to a pattern or routine that one falls into, often after a period of uncertainty. The speaker suggests that a rhythm will eventually set in, implying that with time and persistence, one can find a sense of order and direction in their life.

💡fail better

This phrase, attributed to Samuel Beckett, encourages the acceptance of failure as a part of the process of improving. The speaker uses it to inspire resilience and continuous effort, even in the face of repeated failure. It ties into the video's overarching message of perseverance and learning from setbacks.

Highlights

The speaker decided to commit to acting at 29, regardless of pay, leading to quitting a stable job.

Lacking internet, a cell phone, and a job, the speaker still managed to land a low-paying theater job.

The theater job in 'Imperfect Love' led to a film role in '13 Moons' with the same writer.

Following '13 Moons,' the speaker secured more acting roles, establishing a career in acting.

The speaker reflects on the fear of change and the decision to leave data processing at 29.

Despite financial struggles, the speaker's parents prioritized education, instilling a strong work ethic.

Financial independence after graduation made the speaker 'hungry' and unable to be lazy.

At 29, the speaker found themselves among the actors, writers, and directors they admired.

The speaker encourages not to search for defining moments, as they happen naturally.

The moments that define a person have already occurred and will continue to occur.

The speaker admits to feeling derailed after graduation but assures that a rhythm will set in.

Advice is given to not wait until a certain age, like 29, to find one's path.

The speaker acknowledges that some people may never find their path, but promises that the listener will.

A quote from Beckett is shared about the importance of trying and failing better.