…and Action!

Multitasking is a nightmare for anyone who loves her concentration. Maybe it has something to do with my getting older, but I really like to do one thing well rather than try to do three things at once with less regard for the outcome.

dreamsToday I played a small part on a cop show. It seems every time I do this, I have my scene right before lunch when the crew’s motivation is at its lowest. The camera team seemed sturdy enough, but I could tell the main actors were punchy. The camera would go off, and one of the actors would pick up his cell phone to resume the video game he had been playing all morning. My heart was pounding, my mouth was dry, and I could feel my entire frame shaking. For him it was just another day at the office.

I occasionally play bit parts on TV to keep my life interesting and to guarantee I do at least one thing a day that scares me (somebody wise once said that – it keeps your senses sharp, he claims). So I was astonished when he didn’t turn off his phone, but actually had it in his pocket during filming. Granted, it was a short scene, but I could tell his concentration was pretty low. His heart wasn’t in it. And I felt slightly perplexed by the whole thing.

If your work doesn’t make you jump for joy, why do it? If what you spend most of your time doing is wishing you were somewhere else, why aren’t you?

The actor plays for a hit TV series and seemed to care less. I walked away from the experience realizing not everyone is living his dream. What would the world be like if everyone were?

3 Comments

  1. slamdunk

    May 11, 2009 at 3:49 pm

    Good post. It is funny but I have seen unhappy and happy people in all levels of society–from millionaires to welfare recipients.

    The people who take their time and bloom where they are planted always impress me.

    Keep up the good writing.

    1. powerofslow

      powerofslow

      May 11, 2009 at 4:27 pm

      Thanks so much for your thoughts. You are right. It is not about your position, but about your state of mind.

  2. Willow Drinkwater

    May 16, 2009 at 11:32 am

    So true. I was so happy yesterday on our new flashy red Troy-Bilt lawnmower, singing wildly while mowing the lawn. You speak so wisely, Christine.

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