Today’s guest is accomplished actress Lana Young. You may have seen her on TV in any number of roles from Greenleaf, Dynasty and Law & Order, to Ambitions, Southpaw, or Blindspot just to highlight a few. The silver screen is one of the toughest industries to survive and thrive in as a career, so Lana has definitely earned her stripes and learned a thing or two that we can glean from. Here are some of the valuable lessons we learn from her story.

First, sometimes we have to prove to ourselves that we are capable of doing anything that we put our minds to. Lana kicked off her acting career doing a one-woman show in a language that she didn’t speak, with an accent she had to learn. This was her most challenging role ever but solidified her own beliefs in what she could do and set her on a path that would lead to a very successful career. 

Second, in a world that is very competitive, we need to focus our efforts on only being better than our former selves. We can find comparisons and justification outside of ourselves, but our biggest validation needs to come from within. Of course, we are human, and having the support of loved ones is always a benefit to any journey. But ultimately, you want to be your own judge. 

Third, what is too much for you? While molding her career as an artist Lana found herself working for free to build a reputation, draft her resume and learn the ropes, prior to landing paid gigs. These are examples of sacrifices that we have to be willing to make to take us where we want to go. You cannot do what everyone does and hope that it will take you somewhere different. Each level of accomplishment that you obtain as you evolve to another space, you will find there is a new challenge to overcome. 

Forth, learning to have a healthy and sustainable perspective for when you are not receiving the blessings you expect, is paramount. If you open your mind to receiving the wins, you attract more wins into your life. Your expectations become your reality and you have to think, believe, and feel that you are capable and will receive success. 

Fifth, just because this is not your time at this moment, doesn’t mean that your moment isn’t coming. As cliché as it sounds, everything happens when it is time and often, we need to learn, grow, or prepare better in order to be ready to receive the things that are coming our way. When we are ready to receive them, only then will they manifest. 

Sixth, we need to learn to look for the signs, listen to your gut, follow the breadcrumbs that are leading to your destination. We also need to appreciate the fact that there are valleys and peaks on the journey which must be traveled in order to get to your destination. We can get blinded by the tunnel vision of how a situation is directly or immediately affect us, however, we have to know that there is more around the corner and over the bend that we are not aware of. We are getting what is meant for us one way or the other, and if we spend time in the now, living in and appreciating the moment, we would be less worried about what the future holds.

Lastly, we must not allow our lives to be dictated by our fears or the fears of others. Fear creates blockages in our path which prevents us from growing and pursuing our passions. Know that success is not a straight line from A to B. We have to be willing to fall down or fall short to move ahead, and when we accept that, we can move on and appreciate the prizes on the other side. 

I encourage you to pursue your passions, make steps towards your dreams, and live your life every day walking positively in your purpose. I am your midlife maven Nina Danilee. Have an amazingly fulfilling week! 

WEBSITE www.actorlanayoung.com

IG and FACEBOOK @actorlanayoung

Twitter @lanamyoung

IMDB page www.imdb.me/lana