I've often heard A-list screenwriters say they always believed they would make it to the top.  And the audience doesn't question them.  We believe them — because they are at the top.

But consider this:  If they always believed they would make it to the top, that means they held that belief while they were learning. They somehow maintained their belief in themselves even when there was no real evidence that they would succeed.

Think about the times in your life when you've had success.  Chances are, you were determined.  You believed you could succeed.  You took the actions that were necessary, and you achieved your goal. You used the thinking/action structure of an A-list screenwriter. Is that surprising to you?

What's Your Journey Like?

Think back to your last vacation?  Before you got on that airplane, you imagined yourself at your destination.  As you took each action — planning the trip, making the reservations, packing, etc. — you were certain you would end up at that vacation spot.

Right?

With the right steps, you can build up that same kind of certainty about your screenwriting.  With each skill you learn, you'll become more confident.  With each script you complete, you'll become stronger.  As you take step after step, you'll become certain that you can succeed. Part of that certainty is built by applying these Philosophy Tips.

How Does This Philosophy Help You Get To The Top?

Ultimately, if you apply this entire philosophy (all 20 tips), you'll find yourself succeeding in a big way.  Over time, your writing will improve, you'll gain more access, and you'll get the respect of those in the movie business.

Think about what will happen as you apply the parts of this philosophy:  Drive your own story (Tip 1), build your script around diamonds (Tip 3), be a deal maker (Tip 5), practice Kaizen every day (Tip 8), make decisions like a professional (Tip 10), find the open doors (Tip 13), bring value to the table (Tip 16), build an amazing reputation (Tip 17), and create great relationships inside the industry (Tip 18).

Applying the Philosophy Tips will make you an amazing person to work with?  Over time, you'll naturally move up the industry ladder.

BTW, this entire philosophy is built into our six month long ProSeries Screenwriting Program in such a way that it will become a natural part of your thinking as you write and market your screenplays.

What Does It Take For You To "Belong At The Top" Of This Industry?

There is a process for you to emulate what the A-list screenwriters did to get to the top.

1.  Find Your Success Structure

You've had success in your life.  Take a few minutes and look at those successful events.  How did you achieve previous goals?   What did you think?  What did you do?  What kept you going?  How can you repeat that formula for your screenwriting career?

2.  Access The State Of Mind

"Belonging at the top" is a state of mind that usually precedes actually getting there.   Even if you do it one level at a time (win a contest, option a script, make a sale, gain representation, etc.), set your INTENTION to this:  I belong at the top. The more you access this state of mind, the stronger you'll be as you take this journey.

3.  Do The Preparation

Preparation for "Belonging at the Top" must be done.  Learn the best screenwriting skills.  Read produced screenplays.  Read the trades.  Interact with people inside the industry.  Write every day, and soon, you will have a screenplay.  Continue the daily practice, and you'll quickly establish your own screenplay library. You want to gain understanding and experience as you do your preparation.

4.  Take Action Every Day

Every day, you should be writing, marketing, and/or networking.  As you do, maintain the "I belong at the top" state of mind.  Use your success structure to keep yourself on track.  Your actions will be stronger, and your decisions will have more impact.

Never stop taking action.  Don't let a day go by without action in one of these three areas — writing, marketing, or networking.

Follow these four steps and you will achieve your goals as a screenwriter.

ACTION: Take the four steps above…and keep taking them until you have everything you want. QUESTION:  What will you realize in your career when you consistently apply the 20 Philosophy Tips and take the four steps above?

NOTE: Please post any comments, insights, or breakthroughs on Twitter using #ScriptTip

or post on Facebook (on the ScreenwritingU page or your own).

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