Pretty much since birth—okay, maybe six months in—we’ve all been told “no.” Over and over. Nobody likes it. Nobody ever will.
The truth is, we all want what we want: to do, feel, and achieve without obstacles in the way. But let’s be honest—if everything we wanted dropped into our laps without effort, would it still feel desirable? Would it still matter?
I don’t think so.
What makes greatness great is the extreme difficulty in achieving it.
Walking around the greenbelt in your gated community? That’s not Everest. Climbing Everest, on the other hand—that’s greatness. But you don’t just wake up one morning, lace your sneakers, and head up the mountain. Everest demands training, money, sacrifice, and years of preparation. And even then, there are no guarantees.
The entertainment industry is no different. It’s Everest. No shortcuts, no guarantees. Just obstacles, endurance, and an unforgiving climb. But if you make it to the top? It’s worth every single “no” along the way.
Control the Controllables
Here’s the truth: the only thing you can control is your attitude and your preparation.
If you’re an actor—act. Anywhere and everywhere you can. Student films, local theater, workshops, indie projects, industry mixers—get out there. Put in the work. Being self-conscious or embarrassed? That’s for other people.
A friend of mine once booked a commercial for “authentic Mexican tequila.” He’s whiter than white and sounded like a drunk Ricardo Montalbán—but he got it. Why? Because he showed up. He swung the bat.
Think of every audition as a short film, a miniature epic. Don’t just read the sides—make them cinematic. Put your spin on it. Be memorable. Most of the time, the people behind the desk don’t even know what they want until you show it to them.
The Shape of “No”
In this industry, “no” comes in all shapes and sizes.
But here’s the mindset: walk into every room with the confidence of someone who already has the part. Every audition, every meeting, every random encounter—it’s an opportunity to climb another rung on that ladder.
If the answer’s no? Fine. Move on. Next one. That’s all it is.
You can’t control what they want. You can only control you. Your craft. Your preparation. Your energy in the room. Grind relentlessly. Leave the rest behind.
I love the old quote: “No man is rich enough to buy back his past.” It hits because it’s true. Regret is forever. But every day you put in the work is one more you won’t regret later.
The Constant “No”
Like the sun rising, like death and taxes—the one constant in this business is the cascade of “no’s” you’re going to hear on the climb.
So expect it. Brace for it. And when your “yes” comes—and it will—it’s up to you to be ready.
When preparedness meets opportunity, success follows. That’s the real Everest.
