Acting : Entertainment industry question 9: how do I know when it's time to give up on my dream? by Jessica Sitomer

Personally, I think it's time to give up on your dream when you've stopped breathing.

Hi Jessica: I'm also a life coach and image consultant for actors. Each actor has to know in his heart when it's time. There is no such thing as failure. It just may be the stepping stone to the next best thing in your life path.

I like your thinking, Sydney!

Like Steve Jobs said (and I paraphrase) Kristi, you can't connect the dots until you're looking backwards.

I onltThe word "quit" has never been in my vocabulary. Some dreams are meant to be lived.

If you ask yourself that question, seriously, then a part of you has already given up.

Great points, Nicole

I can't see myself ever giving up. Acting and filmmaking makes me feel alive.

I don't feel you should every fully give up on the dream, but rather put it on the back burner and let it simmer for a bit, as you mention Jessica. I'm still in the early stages of my career, but have already asked myself this question many times. Thanks for posting.

Abigail, I'm glad you found something that makes you feel alive and you never have to give up! You go girl!

Bryan, that's why I post questions from my readers, so you know you're not alone, that this is a normal question to ask yourself, and everyone deals with their answer on an individual basis.

I have asked this question so many times

Jess, have fun teaching with Jen at GAPF!

Thanks David! I always have fun with Jen!!!

I have met thousands of actors. Many were amazing at their craft but couldn't sustain a living. Some gave it up to pursue other dreams. I knew one actor who was in class for 20 years before he landed a series regular. He had an amazing wife who helped him achieve this dream. Everyone is different with unique circumstances. Only you can know your limits.

So true Kristi! Have a great webinar today!

First off your dream and reality are not the same thing - what you dream of doing or being you might actually not like at all when you're actually doing it - all you can do is move towards those dreams and you will learn a lot on the way about yourself. So you should never quit pursuing your dreams but I think you must always adapt and refine those dreams as you get feedback. your dream might be to be a big comedy star - however, maybe you just aren't funny but people love your dramatic work. Out of this you might decide to either be a dramatic actor and enjoy the success or you might go back to college to explore what makes people laugh and what doesn't. Or you could host a comedy podcast or something else. OR you could keep insisting you're going to be a comedy star despite no feedback from the universe and zero indicators or results - to me this is the least enlightened path.

Words of Wisdom Dave...