As a website that lives by the motto “Taking a Glimpse Into The Lives of Rising Artists,” I am drawn to those actors who are able to share some deep truths about the process in writing. Ali Wills pulls back the curtain and reveals the actors’s journey in it’s more human form. For an actress who has seen marvelous success already, I am humbled by her willingness to expose the darkness that sometimes creeps in, called disenchantment. Ali reminds us to alter our approach to this problem and look inwards to uncover the antidote.

Thank you Ali for showing us what to do when life hands you lemons. —E.R.

Written by Ali Wills

Not all of us have been there, but many of us have.

This is the first audition you’ve had in months, you’re super nervous because you need this money to make ends meet and hate your survival job (ok, maybe you don’t hate it, but you’re becoming known for it and not as an actor) and you’re ready to be on TV already!

This is your shot—to show your agent that you’re bookable for lead roles, and feel good about yourself as an artist; like you’re the real deal out here really doing it.

Fast forward, you’re in the audition room, for your one liner co-star role. You try to make small talk with the casting assistant who doesn’t seem to be feeling you. You say your line, and the assistant ends the audition with the fatal blow of ”Thanks for coming in” and your day goes to crap from there. 😩

After this cycle goes on for the umpteenth time, you’re completely over it and begin to feel that creeping feeling of disenchantment.

I remember one day after my second move to New York City, walking to my survival job in Chelsea and being completely miserable. I looked around and saw everyone on that street looked just as miserable and began to wonder, is this what it’s all about: Feeling disenchanted and disappointed? Thankfully, the answer is no.

Here are the lessons I’ve learned on how to avoid becoming jaded and fighting disenchantment.

1. Learn what that advice you keep hearing really means.

I know I’ve heard it a million times, “Enjoy the process,” but I never quite digested what that meant. Without respecting that there is a process to any goal, you'll never make it, let alone feel good about where you’re going. By definition process means a series of steps to attain an end, so the process of going broke, going back home, walking 5 miles from one city to another, shaving your head for a role, then not having the money to get new headshots, being dropped by the agent that scouted you, and throughout all of this holding on to you self worth, is all, technically, a process to landing bigger roles.

2. Get out of your own way.

Ask yourself, are you sabotaging your success and your reputation? The whole week you were given to memorize those sides, did you just leave them in your bag because you were confident that you knew the two lines, only to fumble through them in the audition? Be honest with yourself and recognize that you are the CEO of your business. Casting directors will choose actors known for their reputations of consistently delivering good work.

3. Deal with your insecurities.

This industry is hard. Everyone is charming, funny, talented, outgoing and any insecurities you have will be magnified. Your self-esteem will take a big hit if you aren't secure and this industry will not coddle you. Realize there is an ebb and flow, there are enough jobs if you’re patient and persistent, so don’t compare your attributes.

4. Embrace your path.

Make a choice, either you’ll do background work or you won’t. Simple. Don’t complain endlessly about the disrespect if you keep going back. You’re broke, as most actors are, can’t eat, and don’t have transportation money. So background work solves that—and no, it’s not the only job you can get or your last hope. The silver lining is you may get your waivers this way, upgraded to Principal (don’t bet on this), and all of the horse manure shoved on you or wild experiences you had will make for an interesting story once you’ve made something of your career. See this as just something to talk about, you’ll be the person at the Christmas party with the funniest stories.

5. Stop trying to decode what you think the casting director is saying.

“Have a great Holiday! Thanks for coming in! Great job!” And the most painful of them all, “Wonderful, see you again soon!” Realize these are reactions to your audition, so try not to obsess over these words. Of course, it hurts a little to see some other actor on screen when they told you they’d see you soon, but your time is coming!

6. Lack of social media will not be the death of you.

We’re witnessing the death of mystery due to overexposure by the internet. Instead of fearing becoming irrelevant because you’re not posting enough, use that time to work on your craft and adding skills to your arsenal. Less frequent posts displaying a new set of skills in your craft make the best posts. Yes, we’re now competing with robots who create Insta-content hourly, but really, you’ll be so much more fulfilled if you work on becoming the “real deal”, and not just posting to appear like it.

7. Try out different areas of the business.

Almost every agent I’ve had, CD I’ve met, and personal trainer I’ve come across was once an actor until they realized they had a real knack for casting, finding talent or fitness and began phasing themselves out of this area and into another. I’m not saying give up on your dream but a question you can ask yourself is does your current career bring you joy? Consider if there are other ways to be involved in the creative process?

8. Take a break.

If after you’ve put these points into practice you’re still feeling unfulfilled and disenchanted, maybe it’s time to take a step back. Take time to travel, visit family, see a show, and fall in love with acting again. The good thing is it will be there waiting for you when your mood changes.

Ali Wills

Alice Wills, shortened to “Ali” due to multiple spelling errors by baristas, movie credits, and professional contracts, hails from North Philadelphia, PA. Ali Is a professional hide and seeker, who enjoys running long distances slowly, talking with her hands, waving to strangers, pretty much anything to close the rings on her Apple Watch daily. When Ali is not in her Starbucks corner office, you can find her criticizing portions at local vegan restaurants, analyzing movies at the theater, or reading books to find cathartic inspiration. Follow Ali on Instagram.

Ali Wills: 8 Ways to Fight Disenchantment