In acting there’s a term called the moment before. The moment before refers to what’s happening in a character’s life just before the director says, “action,” and the cameras begin to roll. In episode 4 of The Relentless, Dr. Gurner asked, guest, Adam Ferrara, do you have any particular habits or rituals or things that you rely on to really put you in a good head space before going on audition, going out there and meeting with people?
It was here that Adam began to share what he puts into practice when he’s on set, preparing to film.
“You just don’t walk into a scene and start a scene. The scene is already going, and when the cameras are on, the audience is picking it up midlife, midstream. You’re in the state of becoming…” Adam says.
Though you may not be on stage, waiting for the director to shout “action,” there is something key in the preparation it takes for an actor to embrace the emotion his character is experiencing. Once the cameras begin to film, the actor doesn’t have time to get ready to express the emotion. The actor must become what the emotion is in advance.
In the day to day grind of running a business, it’s not uncommon to experience rejection, things falling through, or the outcome of a transaction not being a favorable one. Let’s be honest, here. When you’re having a bad day, it can be a challenge to pull things together, give 121%, and continue to meet the demands of your job – the meetings, appointments and phone calls. Things not going in the direction you may have hoped, can be a blow to anyone’s momentum.
How can you apply the moment before in your everyday life?
Adam lists three components that he uses to put himself in the best headspace before seizing a moment on and off camera:
- Organize your thoughts- Take a few moments to prepare yourself mentally. Leave whatever you had to deal with, previously, at the door and approach the next thing with a clear mind. Adam says he even puts this into practice if he’s has a rough day. He is intentional about not taking his day home with him so he takes time, before going home, to deal with his day.
- Have realistic expectations- The outcome may not be what you hoped but having realistic expectations will help keep things in perspective. There is always a positive takeaway, or something that can be done in a more meaningful way, the next time an opportunity is presented.
- Monitor your execution– Be intentional and follow through. Set your goals in advance and stick to them. When you are in the process of becoming for the next scene, it takes effort to follow through with your intentions.
Putting these three habits into practice will help with whatever challenges you face, from day to day. Seizing your moment before will keep a consistent momentum of giving 121%. Hear more from this episode by visiting our website.
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