Motivation: Fail Better (ft. Peter Dinklage)

Summary

The 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.