The entertainment industry glorifies hustle. Fast auditions, faster turnarounds, constant pressure to keep up. But what if slowing down is the real secret to booking more roles and building a lasting career?

In this episode of the Acting Business Bootcamp Podcast, I talk about the power of slow and why being intentional, grounded, and patient can make you not only a stronger performer but also a more fulfilled human being.

We've been conditioned to think that "busy" means "productive." But when we're rushing, we're not really seeing. We miss red flags, subtle opportunities, and the emotional details that make our performances alive and specific.

Slow isn't lazy. Slow is strategic. When I slow down, I make choices instead of reacting. I create work that's clearer, more specific, and more emotionally grounded. That's what casting directors respond to.

I often talk about building your "muscle of choice." It's the ability to choose what's right for your growth, even when it doesn't feel comfortable.

For actors, that might mean saying no to an overbooked schedule or pausing before hitting record on a self-tape. It's in those small, quiet moments of choice that confidence and intuition start to strengthen.

One of the things I say all the time is, "Presence books acting jobs."

When you slow your breath, your thoughts, and your body, you naturally drop into the moment. That's where truth lives. And that truth is what makes casting directors sit up and go, "Yes, that's it."

Fast energy reads as anxious. Slower energy reads as confident and grounded. The actor who listens, pauses, and responds authentically will always stand out.

Here's one of my favorite reminders: "A response is a reaction with a pause and a thought behind it."

When you create that pause, your performances become more thoughtful, layered, and real. That same pause helps on the business side too. It gives you control over your energy instead of letting the industry run it for you.

A fast-paced career burns out fast. A steady one grows stronger over time.

I've been a professional actress since 1988. That's more than three decades of working in this business. What's sustained me isn't the hustle; it's learning how to pace myself, stay present, and take joy in the process. Slow isn't just good for your craft. It's how you create a sustainable, happy career.

• Pause before you slate. Ground your breath and remind yourself that you're safe.

• Meditate regularly. It keeps your body calm and expressive.

• Work with intention. Do fewer things, but do them with care.

• Create safe spaces. Set up your self-tape and your mindset to help you feel at ease.

• Reflect often. Ask yourself, "Am I working hard, or am I working effectively?"

If this episode resonated with you, come join my weekly mindset class, The Weekly Adjustment.

You'll learn how to calm your thoughts, build confidence, and use the power of slow in every part of your acting life.

👉 Join The Weekly Adjustment — your first two weeks are free.

I'll be honest—I couldn't even remember how I start my podcast today. "Hello, I hope you had a great week?" That sounds right. Anyway, welcome back to Self-Tapes That Book, Part Two.

Last week we talked about tech and mindset, about creating a space that supports your confidence instead of draining it. The kind of space that makes you feel like you just slipped into your favorite outfit—the one that makes you feel unstoppable.

That's exactly how I want your self-tape setup to feel: effortless, energizing, and completely you.

Don't play it vague. Every beat should be grounded in intention. Commit fully.

Ask yourself: Am I willing to give my life for this moment?

If not, there's probably an energy block—not in your acting ability, but in your connection to yourself. The work of an actor isn't just skill; it's presence, humanity, and openness. That's where true talent lives.

Confidence reads as relaxation, not effort.

Think of an Olympic skater or gymnast. What looks effortless on camera comes from deep preparation—and self-trust.

As Marianne Williamson said, "Your playing small does not serve the world."

Our job as artists is to shine. To align with something bigger than fear. To choose energy that flows with the universe, not against it.

This one's simple—but it's where many actors slip.

• Trim dead air.

• Slate cleanly.

• Label properly: YourName_Role_Project

• Submit once. On time.

• Follow directions exactly.

Casting directors notice when you don't. And often? We move on to the next actor who did.

Keep a record of what you send, what worked, and what you'd improve next time. There's no such thing as a perfect audition—only growth.

Don't tape to prove you're good enough. Tape to serve the story.

That shift—from fear to ownership—changes everything. You're not auditioning to be judged. You're collaborating. You're submitting your idea for the role.

The camera knows when you're faking peace. Confidence can't be faked either.

Be you. Be grounded. Be magnetic. The kind of magnetic that makes people go, "What is it about them?"

• Overproduced mini-movies. Keep it simple.

• Poor lighting or framing. Your face tells the story—let it.

• Flat reads or mechanical delivery. Find truth in every beat.

• Ignoring file naming or upload instructions. This one's huge. Don't get deleted over a filename.

Tech gets you seen.
Truth gets you remembered.
Energy books the job.

Focus on your presence, your clarity, and your connection—not perfection.

If you want a checklist and setup walkthrough to make your self-tapes look as good as they feel, grab our Free Self-Tape Setup Guide below.

🎬 Download the Free Self-Tape Setup Guide

Got questions? Want to take your acting confidence and mindset deeper?
Join Peter's Weekly Adjustment Class for two free weeks and experience how Core Energy work can transform your craft and your life.

👉 Join The Weekly Adjustment

Stay safe and treat yourself real well. You deserve it.