The practice of Mind-Mining—taking the inherent resources in the conscious mind (what I like to call the gold between them ears) and bringing those resources forward to drive us to successful outcomes—is best begun by being in present time. In other words, to find the treasure, you have to show up to the party! Being in present time puts the “P” in a principle we call BOP but that’s a story for another time. I mention it now because you need to be fully present when you’re working on your state of consciousness. You can’t be floating through life in a trance—living in the past—or allowing someone else to drive the bus.



Consciousness is not an innate body function—it’s a skill. It is the illuminating light of your concentration but that light can only be switched on by paying attention. 80% of people don’t listen, don’t care, and don’t get it. Whenever I teach, I know that only 20% of my students will really commit to changing their lives, and yet the most important skill an actor or Actor for REAL must learn is to fully focus their attention. An actor in a movie must perform his role “in the moment.” This is YOUR movie. Stay in present in time and turn a laser-like focus on mining the gold in your mind—it will bring forth the confidence and passion to fulfill all your dreams.



Your confidence in yourself and your ability to achieve success is the direct result of your beliefs. What do you believe to be true about yourself? I love the phrase “Every day in every way I’m getting better and better.” Affirming beliefs can allow us to perform well beyond normal physical limitations. Conversely, limiting beliefs can produce disappointment and despair. If your beliefs are not supporting your goals, you need to acknowledge that those erroneous self-limiting beliefs will not change unless you do something to change them. Choose to make that effort and you pave the way for greater success. Here are some strategies that can help you to reshape your thinking and beliefs for more positive outcomes:



Step one in building a good belief system is to identify and eliminate negative beliefs and attitudes. How?



• Become aware that these negative beliefs are running your life


• Uncover your blind spots—confront that which you would rather not confront


• Get a third eye view—ask others what they would change about you if they had the chance



Accepting that negative beliefs exist in your mind is 50% of improving your attitude and belief system.



Step two: Using this information…

• Identify something you need to change in your life


• Make a list of the reasons why you haven’t made this change already.



Looking at your list, decide which reasons are valid and which are excuses. Eliminate the excuses that are feeding your negative belief system and you’ll see immediate positive changes.



Next: Make a list of things that bring you joy and make an effort to do at least one of these things once a week.


By taking steps to bring joy into your life you are contributing to a belief system based on joy and optimism.



It’s best to support your new positive belief system by surrounding yourself with positive, optimistic people— their great attitudes will reinforce the atmosphere you need to maintain your own positive results.

As you continue to mine your mind and rebuild your belief system you will initiate the changes you need to achieve your goals with confidence. And what else happens when you’re confident? Like enthusiasm, confidence is contagious.—when you radiate confidence, others also believe in you! You ARE a Star.



Be BOP!

About Thom McFadden
Thom McFadden has enjoyed the rewards of a lengthy and respected career as an actor in television and motion pictures, but is even more fulfilled in his role as a Coach. Popularly known as the “Coach-to-the-Stars,” he has guided actors, writers, producers, directors, and hundreds of other industry professionals to realize their full potential for over 20 years. His dynamic business seminars enrich lives and increase the productivity of corporate executives and employees; helping them strengthen their brands, streamline communications and maximize profits. With his breakthrough book, “Acting for Real,” www.actingforreal.com, Thom introduced the “McFadden Process” to the masses so that every day “real” people can effect real and lasting positive change in their lives by using the strategies and techniques Stars use to achieve staggering success. The advent of the Acting for Real Community (launching March. 2007) www.actingforreal.com, makes these secrets—taught by the ‘Coach’ himself—available Online 24/7. Thom has worked with dozens of top-name directors and co-starred with top actors in numerous feature films and over 100 television roles. View his credits at: www.imdb.com.