"Have A Savvy Holiday Season Taking Care Of Business" by Jodie Bentley

"The holidays can be such a magical time. Reconnecting with old friends, visiting family, buying presents for loved ones, getting caught up in holiday bustle and good cheer. This bustle brings along the phrase “I’ll wait until January” which tends to be spoken A LOT among actors at this time of year.

There is, however, much you can do in December to continue moving your career forward strategically. Some forget that there are still auditions to go on and people to meet at the networking facilities (Yes, it’s fine to meet them over the holiday season.) And while it isn’t necessarily the best time to start a brand new mailings campaign, it is a time to start the projects you haven’t had the chance to get to this year.

If you’re stuck, there are a lot of things we can do during December in preparation for the new year; create a follow up plan for the meet and greets; start planning that website you have always wanted; clean out your song book or work on your monologues; refine your organizational system; find the holes in your audition wardrobe and ask Santa for a gift card to help round out that wardrobe.

December is also a great time for reflection to examine what worked and what didn’t in 2009. Plan some time in December to curl up on your couch for 20 minutes and write a list of all your successes of 2009 – ALL your successes. Write down anything that you want to celebrate from this past year. Use your calendar to remember the events of the past year and don’t forget to include the difficult times that you overcame. Those are successes too. Come up with at least 50 things you are proud that you did in 2009.

What was the biggest thing that happened to you this year?
What changed you this year?
What was your happiest moment this year?
What things do you know now that you didn't know a year ago?
What skills do you have now that you didn't have a year ago?
What new people are in your life?

As you continue to move your career forward, this December, honor the year coming to a close. Once you compiled your list, honor all that you have done this year by reaching out to your accountability partner, best friend, spouse, or fellow actor and share your successes with them. Use his holiday time not only to celebrate the season, but to celebrate your accomplishments as well. Look to the future, but learn from the past. The season is your reward!" ( http://www.thesavvyactor.com/resources/articles/09_December.php?__EB_CMP_CODE=raEz7JSZ )