How to Rise Up After 10,000 "No"s - Matthew del Negro

When your living is to hear the word "No," how do you find the strength to keep persevering? Actor Matthew Del Negro (Scandal, The Sopranos) and podcast host of 10,000 "No"s has spent his entire career in the cycle of chasing auditions, landing amazing roles, returning to rejection, and holding faith that the next opportunity will eventually come. He shares how he stays both hopeful and humble, how to put your best foot forward at any casting or pitch session, and why believing you are enough is the most important step towards achieving greatness.

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TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Sometimes our biggest assets are our biggest liabilities.

2. Follow your gut when it tells you to quit something that doesn’t feel right.

3. Set up a sustainable infrastructure so you can take the dream opportunities, even if they don’t pay well.

4. Don't blame the business. You chose it. Every business is a tough business.

5. You will be told “No” for a living. But build faith that another chance will come up. And when it comes, be prepared to show up at the plate.

6. Give yourself the opportunity that no one else will give you. Challenge yourself and ask yourself: “Can I pull this off?”

7. Whether you’re going into an audition, or pitching your product - prepare. Have a vision, but don’t hold onto it too tight. Make it your goal to connect with the people in the room.

8. Reframe each setback as an opportunity to learn. And then keep moving forward.

9. The greatest actors know that they are enough. Remind yourself that you are too.

10. Take a deep breath. Take one step. People will come out to help you. But it’s up to you to take those steps first.

 

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Matt (left) with James Gandolfini and Edie Falco on The Sopranos

• Listen to 10,000 "No"s Podcast at 10000nos.com

• Follow Matthew Del Negro on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

• Watch Matt on Amazon Prime's series Goliath starring Billy Bob Thornton

• Actor Patrick Collins, who modeled what an actor's life could look like

• Backstage, the go-to resource for auditions & casting calls and acting tips

• Georgianne Walken, casting director for Sopranos

• The milestones in Matt's acting career:

  • The North End, film with actor Frank Vincent

  • The Sopranos as Brian Cammarata

  • The West Wing as Bram Howard

  • Scandal as Michael Ambruso

  • Hot Pursuit, film with Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara

• Listener win!

  • Eleanor Curtin's beautiful calligraphy @eleanorcurtinart

Thank you so much for listening!

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