You might know actor and comedian Rob Corddry from his roles as the often unsuccessful, out of control friend who can't get out of his own way. But the The Daily Show alumni and star of Hot Tub Time Machine, Childrens Hospital and now a new webseries called Wedlock is a lot smarter than his characters often look...
It's true that Rob has played various shades of a familiar character in a lot of his productions. For whatever reason he's not getting action hero or leading man romantic comedy roles. But he's perfectly comfortable playing the creepy, but accessible friend or a neurotic psychologist.
In fact, Rob impressed me so much, and it had nothing to do with the Emmy he was clutching the entire interview, that I was able to identify 5 signals you're probably ready--like Rob--for success.
Watch the full episode and read on as I go Behind the Brand with the talented and hilarious Rob Corddry and don't forget to leave a comment below.
1. Know who you are.
If I were to ask you right now to name 3 things you're good at, could you do it? How well does that match up to the work you're doing today? Like a fish to water or a bird in flight, are you (as Sir Ken Robinson writes about) in your element? If not, why not?
I believe knowing who you are is about finding the intersection of "what you love doing" and "what you're great at." It's also about making tough decisions about time management and with whom you choose to spend (or waste) time.
It may also include drawing a moral line in the sand. Example: "Time spent with my kids is more important to me than a promotion." Don't get me wrong, focusing on weaknesses to make them stronger is important--but probably won't get you to your goal quickly. Think of your weaknesses like that idea you're tinkering with in the garage while you're working your full-time gig and doing the most important work first. Rob doesn't mind not being the leading man because he's confident there will always a role for him somewhere. Plus being the creepy friend means he only has to work 3 days a week...
2. You give equal weight to applause and criticism.
When I asked Rob about whether or not he reads what critics say, he said "definitely yes." If there's a stitch of truth or value in the applause or what critics say, Rob wants to know. But he doesn't let comments from either side define him. He takes it in with equal weight and moves on. It's a good reminder that fame is usually the product of good work, not the other way around. If we focus on the work and doing it well, the rest will usually follow.
3. You know you've arrived when you feel it.
Rob reminds us that success can be measured in more ways than just money. Rob's first priority is his family and he has proven he will put them above any career move with the choices he makes on a daily basis. And although money is important to pay the rent and buy groceries, we don't have to give up on our dreams if we haven't "made it" by the definition of others. Rob says that you'll know it when you feel it. Like a kid who's coloring at the kitchen table and gets lost for an hour. Or when you're on set for 12 hours and it feels like 15 min. That's how you know you're doing the good stuff and to keep at it until your break through.
4. Don't hold grudges
One day you'll have your moment. Don't spoil it or waste energy on trying to punish those who didn't believe in you. Shun the non-believers from the start. Move on, or rather, move forward. This is about your PR (personal record). Are you better today than yesterday? If the answer is yes, you're winning.
Btw, it's been said that holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Don't do this, you've got better things to do.
5. Listen to your support system.
Rob's internal support system and confidant is his wife. She is the voice of reason and helps him keep his priorities in check. She is also extremely understanding about the demands of his job. That said, a dream project with an outstanding cast (and probably paycheck) recently came his way but it was in Miami and would take him away from his family in LA. Then another good opportunity, more local in LA, also presented itself. Rob would have to make a tough decision. He asked his wife for advice and she suggested he stay local. Rob listened and is currently shooting this project and probably very happy to be close to his family.
That's it! What did leave out?
What do you think are some signals that you or someone else is going to be successful? Tweet me @BryanElliott or leave a comment below. Thanks for watching and reading!