“Setback” is defined as, “a reversal in progress; problem; difficulty; complication; hitch; temporary interruption.” These things can leave us depressed, discouraged, despondent with a loss of hope and courage to move forward. Some people stay in this place and give up. In the film business, I believe that only the strong survive as it can be brutal with all the delays, setbacks and rejections. Disappointments do come. It is how we handle them that will either make us or break us. We cannot react according to our emotions. We must show restraint because our reputations are at stake. If an investor were to hear a bad report about how we interact with other filmmakers, it could cost us an investment. Word of mouth is extremely important and it is best for those words to be good ones. This doesn’t mean I don’t get upset if something goes wrong or if there is a delay. But I talk to my team and they allow me to vent my frustrations between us. My last resort would be to talk to our attorney and allow him to handle situations that warrant his intervention. So far that need hasn’t arised, just the typical delays and frustrations of making a film.
As the skating double, I have been diligent to do the work on the ice to get where I need to be, in order to do the best possible program that I can. But health issues have set me back and it has been very draining on my emotions. Plus trying to break in new skates at the same time has been very painful. I even thought about quitting skating altogether. Then I step back on the ice and know it is where I belong. But it doesn’t mean (again) that it doesn’t come with pain because it does. At the heart of all of these setbacks is the word, “endurance.” It is defined as: “power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way; suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently.” We have to be able to withstand the difficult process with patience. “Withstand” is defined as “offer strong resistance or opposition to (someone or something); struggle against someone or something.” Many times the struggle is with ourselves. I struggle whether to endure the fight to keep skating due to health and skate issues. I struggle with the fight to keep on with the film due to the massive amount of time it has been taking – 12 years so far. But honestly, I cannot see myself doing anything else. So I continue on. The Bible states in Hebrews 12:1, “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Some translations use the word, “endurance.” The Mars Rover is named perseverance and has made history. “Perseverance” is defined as, persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” Persistence is defined as, “firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition; tenacity.” Our Fiscal Sponsor Carole Dean of From the Heart Productions (www.fromtheheartproductions.com) once told me, “Tenacity is the backbone of a filmmaker.” It is defined as, “the quality of being able to grip something firmly; grip.” So the billion dollar question is, “How much do you want your film to succeed?” The answer to this will determine how far you go with it. In intend to go all the way to completion of the entire film series. I intend to go all the way to the Adult Championships with my skating as well as skating in the film.
Run the race, endure it and FINISH IT. If you have to crawl, walk or run, just do it and don’t give up. It may be taking longer than expected. You may have to climb over hurdles that you didn’t expect, or feel so parched from the journey that you feel you cannot take one more step – rely on your team and coaches to hold you up. Talk to your Fiscal Sponsor if you have one. I know I do and I wouldn’t be where I am without them! Keep moving forward. Do something today that will do that. This blog is a result of me following my own advice. It’s going to be okay and it is going to eventually be GREAT, if we just endure to the end. FINISH IT!
Definitions: google dictionary
THE MEMOIRS OF SUMMER RAY 