Take a Number and Get in Line If You Have Dreams of Fame and Fortune

The truth is, not everyone can be famous and unless you were born with a famous last name, getting into show business isn’t always walk in the park. In the eyes of the decision makers of the entertainment industry, you’re essentially a needle in a haystack looking to get your big break just like everyone else. They don’t know your name, your story, or your value. Because of this, you have to prove yourself day in and day out that you’re deserving of a chance. Unfortunately, if you’re not one of the lucky ones with connections by way of friends or family, I suggest you take a number and get in line because the journey to fame is like none other.

Sometimes your big break is pure luck, or fate if that’s what you’d like to call it. An aspiring singer performing in a small Nashville bar could be discovered by a major music executive sitting in the crowd. He meets with her after she’s done performing and offers her a meeting to potentially sign with his label, and the rest is history. Or, you could be yelling at a bank teller to cash your paycheck and be discovered by a talent agent watching in the background, a story all too real for Charlize Theron, according to Ranker.com.

Or, sometimes your big break comes after years, and sometimes decades of blood, sweat, and tears. An aspiring actor could spend two decades auditioning for roles, big and small, only to be dropped by one agency after another. While working another job on the side, he persists, spending every last dollar on acting classes to perfect his talent and lands a role that wins an Academy Award. He’s now a household name and will never have to worry about landing another role, because for once in his life, others are asking him to star in their film and not the other way around.

And sometimes, your big break never actually comes. As pessimistic as it may sound, plenty of aspiring actors, actresses, musicians, and athletes with immense talent never see the light of day. Simply put, that’s just how life goes. Someone could be living in cities that breed fame such as Los Angeles or New York City, the two most common birthplaces of A-listers, and never stand a chance among the competition. On top of that, despite the countless hours of networking, auditioning, and practicing, every day feels as though your next career milestone is fading father into the distance.

No matter the avenue one takes to become famous, it’s undoubtedly a hard road. It can leave you vulnerable, heartbroken, and simply defeated. Your desire to be recognized and adored for your craft can end up leaving you doubtful of yourself and losing sight of the goals you once had.

If there’s one thing to remember, it’s that that success is about the journey, not the destination.