Where do you want to go with your career in 2013?

There are many tips around this time of year on how to keep resolutions but the most important one is rarely among them:

Determined conviction

When I meet writers, directors and producers who want to move on in their careers, the one thing that’s usually missing is precisely that determined conviction.

They think they have conviction and determination. But rarely do they have the innate power that comes from doing everything that it takes. And it shows in every word.

The writers and filmmakers who work with determined conviction are the ones who will succeed in this industry.

Are you determined?Shawshank Redemption

Determined to do the research more thoroughly than your competitors, determined to batter that structure until it works, determined to write and rewrite the treatment until it sparkles, determined to dive into your characters until they light up with compelling energy, determined to create the strongest possible pitch, determined to go out and develop the skills you need to improve, determined to get the best possible feedback however much it may hurt to hear.

Talent helps, but the truth is that many talented artists produce work that falls short.

My 2013 wish for you is that you have the determined conviction to push through every doubt and obstacle, and do everything it takes, uncover every resource you require, develop every skill you need, till you get to where you want to be.

Happy New Year