Threshold Guardians

"It's important for a hero to recognize and acknowledge these figures as Threshold Guardians. In daily life, you have probably encountered resistance when you try to make a positive change in your life. People around you, even those who love you, are often reluctant to see you change. They are used to your neuroses and have found ways to benefit from them. The idea of your changing may threaten them. If they resist you, it's important to realize they are simply functioning as Threshold Guardians, testing you to see if you are really resolved to change." - The Writer's Journey, 2nd Edition, Christopher Vogler.

Do you know a Threshold Guardian in your life? Have you, in fact, been a Threshold Guardian to others?

I've been both, but I'm constantly working to make sure that not only do I continue my hero quest, but also be a mentor to others. (If you're confused, read the book)

Kick Flip Your Goal

Some people will always put you down. It could be in overt ways or in not-so-overt ways. A slight dig here. A roll of the eyes there. Apart they may seem harmless, but pile them up. Add them together and you get a sum that equals an infuriatingly, frustrating can of negativity. For me, in my growth as a storyteller (and as a person), I dealt with these negative vibes very differently in my life.

My first reaction, probably when I was first starting to write, direct and act (Yikes!) was to turn away from it and give up. To use a silly example, let's take a situation and see how my reaction to it progressed over the years.

Situation: I greet some friends of mine and declare: "I'm going to learn how to skateboard." To which one of my friends responds, "Seriously? Are you sure? The odds are against you mastering it."

Reaction #1: I say, "You're right. I guess I was just kidding myself." I just stopped the pursuit of my goal before it even gets out the gate. I give up. What's this say about me? Some would think it means that, deep down, I don't believe in that declaration of learning the skateboard. It could also mean that I lack confidence. Regardless, I turned my back on it.

Reaction #2: I ignore my friend. I go for it, but secretly and desperately seek their approval of it. Any kind of approval. Why am I doing this? Lack of confidence again, for sure. But also a half-assed attempt at my goal. I'm trying, but not really. Almost as if I'm trying for the sake of saying: "Hey, I tried."

Reaction #3: I go for it, but I try to rope my friends into doing it with me. Some come along for the ride, but they don't succeed, therefore I don't succeed. Ah, the group mentality fail. Another, "Hey, I tried," but this time it's with a "we". It's also a pseudo safety blanket. I cloak my wants and dreams in the warm, protective blanket of my friends. That way, I don't have to stick my neck out alone. I don't have to run the risk of being singled out and made fun of for falling off the board. (Sticking with that metaphor) And yes, check that lack of confidence box for this one as well. It's just hidden in another form.

Reaction #4: Self-sabotage. I go for it, but...I'm fearful of the success, because if I succeed that changes things. And change is scary. Change...changes things that I'm not used to being changed. (Yeah, this sounds silly, but true.) So very, very true.

These four reactions are familiar to me because I've lived them. And popular opinion is that your real reaction should be: "Screw you! I'm going for it." And yes, that's part of it. But it's an empty gesture if you don't do one simple thing. Work hard.

I didn't have an epiphany one late night where I pushed all my chips in the middle of the table and was like: "I'm all in. Let's do this." This was all gradual. What I did learn and understand more and more that no matter what path I take, the only way to take that path is with hard work. Doing the job. And believing in that. Believing in me. Believing in my choices, my decisions and my own ability to see this goal through.

Sometimes, the only difference between me and those who have achieved their goals is confidence.

If you have confidence in yourself and put the work in, no matter what your goal is, you won't be disappointed. Soon, you too, will master the skateboard.

Writing, writing and more writing

I have been writing every moment I have free time. Much to the detriment of other obligations. I'm ashamed, quite frankly. Then again, I'm not. I'm doing what I love, what I want. There's always a twinge of guilt that creeps up, but I'm quicker these days to ignore it. To put it aside for the greater goal.

Paid to write. Paid to create.

Sorry, but I'm busy

I haven't posted in a while. I apologize. I don't like to post nonsense because it feels like I'm stalling, but then again, why not post nonsense? Everyone else does.

No, I'm not going to do that. The reason for my lack of posts is that I'm busy. Busy writing. Yay! I'm always writing. I have to squeeze it in between the day job and everyday life like raising my children and making sure my wife stays awake to watch Psych.

But lately, I've been writing because I'm helping to create a show with some pretty fantastic people. And yes, this is turning into one of those posts. You know what I'm talking about: "Working on something awesome. Can't reveal now. But soon." I hate those. Why tell people if you can't tell people? Oh wait, it's to still be relevant. Well, damn you! I am relevant! I don't need to post about it.

But seriously, I have been writing a lot, so please forgive the lack of posts. One thing I can reveal to the legions of 11 people who subscribe to the blog and the other 30 or so that read it (I appreciate all of you, of course) is that there's going to be a reading of a feature script that I collaborated on with a friend of mine.

Right now, it's called Doll and it's an adaptation of the play A Doll's House. Updated to present time and with a few minor adjustments to reflect that time shift. The reading is to help me with the next draft of the script. Originally, the plan was to write the script, gather a few quality actors and shoot it on the cheap. But alas, something about God laughing at making plans or something has sent my friend away (for a very good reason) and now the long-term future of the script is a bit up in the air. The immediate future is what I'm focusing on. Tighten the script. Make it a truly complete piece. Create a shooting schedule. Work out a reasonable budget. After that? I don't know. The read-through is to focus on the script. Perhaps I'll let that decide the next step.

Otherwise, I'm writing, writing and writing. As they say, there are irons in the fire. Something will hit soon and when it does, I'll be sure to post another: "Can't talk about it, but I'm doing something great. Details soon!" and then you'll curse me out and call me an attention hound...

No Reply...Ever!

Disclaimer: Before I get into this, there's no specific example that has ignited the need for me to post about it. So please don't look for a "Is he talking about me?!" Because I'm not. I truly do not have anyone in mind when I write this. On the other hand, if you think you've done this to me, than shame on you, sir or madam! Shame!!

Has anyone else noticed the enormous amount of emails, phone calls, DMs, carrier pigeons that are never returned? It's not like I think every single email and message I send out needs to be replied to, but at times, it does get a bit annoying when I'm trying to get things moving along and I end up waiting for answers, replies, feedback, ANYTHING!

I'd even accept a dismissal. At first, I thought this was an industry thing. Everyone is creating and working. I understand having to maintain a focus on projects (and even life) will sometimes let correspondence slide. I get that. Personally, I make a point to keep up with everyone as soon as I can. Relationships are key for me. But then I noticed this phenomena in my day job. Corporate doesn't respond to questions I may have about our equipment. People come in looking to partner with the movie theater on promotions and then they fall from the face of the earth. Applicants, after being told they've been hired, stop returning phone calls to finish paperwork!

I don't have an edict or grand statement on the matter. I'm truly curious. Does anyone else notice this? Is this a workplace thing or the world we live in now kind of thing? Has technology turned us all in douches!? Was Marty McFly right? Did we all turn out to be assholes or something?

The only thing I can comment on is that I try very hard not to be like this. If I have done this to you, than tell me and I'll apologize and maybe explain why it happened. Even if the reason is that I just don't like you. :)

(I like you. Calm down.)

Flashback - Maybe Molly

I was looking at this the other day. I shot this about three years ago. This was just me shooting a scene to showcase a larger, feature script. With the help of my friends, Adrian and Dave, we gathered some local actors and shot it one night.

Take a gander at what I perceived to be the start of something, but ultimately failed, through no fault of anyone involved. Just the way it goes...

Enjoy.

Maybe Molly Scene from Michael Field on Vimeo.

Hey Jealousy!

The first murder known to man was about jealousy. Cain didn't like what his brother was all about and took care of that with swift action. Down went Abel. Down. Went. Abel. If you don't buy into the whole Bible and religious thing, I'd like to direct your attention to the opening of 2001 and how one ape was jealous of the power of the other ape, as he bogarted their watering hole. He then took that bone and did some work.

We can all agree that jealousy is at the root of some not-so-good feelings. We know this. We don't like to admit that it's part of our makeup. But it's there. We all go through it. It brings us to those late-night conversations with friends where we lament the success of others. The backlash against celebrities can be predicted to the date just because we are all so intuited about the emotion of jealousy. We even bemoan our own friends where they succeed! Admit it. You've started a sentence like this: "I'm really happy for him/her, but..."

If you're shaking your head, than you are a better person than me. Because I've succumbed to this emotion countless times. Ten years ago, I'd let it send me into downward, self-hatred spiral. Now, not so much. I recognize it. I admit to myself that I'm doing it. Then...I move on. I grow up. I focus on my own goals.

That's all you can do. Focus on your own goals. In this business, we are subjected to the subjective. We are exposed to the egos and selfishness of others. People will put you down, partly because of their own jealousy and insecurities. People will flat out not like you. Check out this blog post for more on that: You Disgust Someone

If you find yourself angrily shaking your fist at someone and you're not quite sure why you're feeling this animosity towards another, take a second. Reflect. Recognize the source. Did this person recently punch your dog or perhaps it's really your own jealousy? If it's the former, well that dude is a jerk. If it's the latter, don't fret. Use the emotion of jealousy as a tool and not a hindrance. It's preventing you from your goals.

And you need to focus on those goals.

Now, enjoy some Gin Blossoms!