“One who remembers, knows, and masters oneself.”
Do you know who your soulmate is? You’d be surprised. Surprised the hell outta me. Really did. And are you aware of the necessity and purpose of your soulmate?
For living life better — and for a successful career as an actor, especially in the era of self-tape madness— you must connect to your soulmate.
If you don’t?
Your show closes. No revival. No sequel. You’re canceled.
These avoidable, metaphorical observations is not sensationalism but a reality. A situational truth that you control. But first you’ve must accept a vital truth about life and living:
Our choices — active and passive — dictate our destiny. “Destiny” is a form of “destination.” Both words come from the Latin destinare — meaning “to make firm or establish.” That shared root links the idea of a fixed point, a chosen outcome.
When you actively set an intention (a choice), you’re selecting a destination. That destination becomes your destiny.
Choices are the stepping stones building your path to your destiny, your destination. The outcome is your “fate” and it is not happenstance. You map your destiny with choices.
So: Choose with awareness. Choose with love. Choose with care.
Nourish yourself — as nature does — with what’s real. With what sustains. With what is authentically you.
In everything you do — From reaching out for auditions. To going in for them, whether it’s self-tape or live…
And in your relationships: With talent agents, managers, casting directors, directors, other actors —friends and family — It is imperative that your authentic self shines through.
And your authentic self? Your authentic-self comes from your soulmate. You won’t find your soulmate in someone else. You’ll find your soulmate in you.
The one, true best friend in your entire life… is you. The person who knows the best and worst of you —and lovingly accepts you as is.
To succeed — in life and your art —You have to become your best soulmate. Your tri kỷ.
Tri kỷ is Vietnamese for soulmate — It means: “one who remembers, knows, and masters oneself.”
That powerful, positive energy is what attracts others to you. The force that makes you successful with yourself — and with the world.
If you’re still doubting that truth —or if you simply need a visual reminder — do something kind for yourself (and your career): Watch the 2-minute video that follows below.
About Paul
Paul Russell’s career in the entertainment industry spans over forty years as an award-winning casting director and stage director. He has cast for 20th Century Fox, HBO, Broadway, and major regional theaters.
A frequent guest artist at university BFA and MFA actor training programs, Paul also teaches private master classes to actors worldwide.
He’s been featured in American Theatre Magazine, directed premieres, and served at the Tony Award-recognized Barter Theatre. Paul began his journey in show business as a successful working actor.
He is the author of the expanded Second Edition of ACTING: Make It Your Business – How to Avoid Mistakes and Achieve Success as a Working Actor.
For daily acting tips, audition advice, industry insights, and casting news, follow Paul on Instagram.
Answers for Actors 
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