What Acting Taught Me About Running A Business

AKA Fall In Love With the Process, Not the Outcome

I was a guest on a podcast earlier this week, and I was asked about the lessons acting has taught me regarding business management. Navigating an acting career indeed mirrors running a business, where my major takeaway was the importance of cherishing the everyday grind. If my joy hinged solely on milestones—like landing a role or snagging an Oscar nomination (spoiler: that never happened)—then true contentment would be fleeting.

James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, advocates, “If you want better results, then forget about setting goals. Focus on your system instead.” This perspective became my mantra.

I began to view each audition as its own final performance, finding joy in the moment (though, admittedly, not in the trek back across the 405). My last few years heavily invested in improv and sketch comedy, performing for just a hundred people, felt complete. The routine of memorizing lines, early call times, and enduring all-night shoots became sources of happiness.

Business, I’ve learned, is 90% routine and 10% celebration. Thus, it's crucial to cultivate love and find joy in the mundane aspects.

Since starting my accounting firm in 2005, I’ve realized that most of our daily operations aren't inherently exciting. However, by treating each item on my To-Do list as an opportunity for satisfaction, I not only stand a better chance of reaching my objectives, but I also ensure I end my day content, regardless of the outcome.

This philosophy is something I emphasize in our CFO services, offering clients a mindset shift that can be profoundly helpful.

Achieving key performance indicators and actionable insights often involves laborious work. Yet, my most successful clients are those who engage with these tasks weekly with curiosity and joy, even in the most tedious tasks.

Conversely, those who struggle to launch are often caught in the trap of seeking immediate gratification from their tasks, leading to procrastination and overwhelming backlogs. They become ensnared by their inaction.

While numerous software solutions can automate tasks, no business can thrive on autopilot. Success requires a balance of efficient systems, delegation, oversight, and simply doing the work.

Wishing you all the best in your endeavors! You've got this!