We recently connected with Carlos J Castillo and have shared our conversation below.
Carlos J, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Many things! A good friend of mine likes to say “health is wealth.” Starts with the toughest part, getting enough sleep. In the wild world of America, especially with the advent of the internet, business never sleeps. Being a driven person I find it essential to make calculated decisions on when to wind down at night. In my earlier days I would write, rehearse, and study til the wee hours of the following day. Being older now, as well as a father, it’s just impossible to be in the spirit of success not having rested and eaten properly.
My personal routines include weight training, yoga, and cardiovascular exercise. When I’m feeling worn down I may take additional rest days and massages are a perfect way to bless the body. Feeling strong and rested allows for great mental health.
Being effective means envisioning your goals as well as the potential obstacles with clarity and resilience. If you train yourself to be physically and mentally effective the rewards will follow.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
First and foremost I am a storyteller. It’s hard to say where that actually began in my life. I was taking part in historical performances all the way back to the 5th grade. Always writing one thing or another, my high school teachers were great advocates to nurture these talents.
Once I made it to the big city, Los Angeles. I found that being an actor was an incredibly accessible entry into the Hollywood machine. I began doing background work as well as some behind the camera production jobs. Serendipity and curiosity brought me to my first acting class where I learned everything about the business of acting. The history and craft of storytelling in theater, film and television.
I would spend many years in black box theaters acting, writing, directing, and producing. As much I valued all the training and experiences, I knew that I would have to set my sights on the original goal of making movies. I made four experimental shorts and learned the basics and principles required to make a successful films. Now, I have arrived at the greatest challenge to date. Making a feature. I’ve been working on a script for nearly ten years and recently completed a storyboard. The next step will be to complete the package for investors and aim to shoot in the next eighteen months.
Storytelling gives me a great sense of meaning. I learned some of life’s greatest lessons and had some of the most memorable experiences through the interpretations of art. My desire is to inform and inspire people in this way.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Knowledge of self is certainly the most important. knowing who you are, what you want, what you’re about. This will take time to truly discover but there are clues along the journey and the journey, is the fun part of life.
Secondly, awareness to society and the systems in place around you. Navigating through life successfully requires consciousness. It helps to have some humility and tolerance when encountering new and foreign experiences.
Lastly, good humor and charm go a long way. It wasn’t always easy to remember and execute these skills but they sure came in handy. It’s incredible how smoothly you can pave your path with a smile.
To best hone these skills I would advise self help books, meditation, and courageous adventures.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When challenges arrive, I find it best to take some time to meditate on the issues I’m facing. When time doesn’t allow, a few deep breaths to quiet the mind is useful. It’s not likely to make miracles but it can offer a fresh perspective. It’s important to remember your purpose and THE PURPOSE that lies at hand. Emotions are quick to thwart intentions and cloud the circumstances.
The best general strategy is to know your triggers, general awareness, and an appetite for the challenges that will arise. The better you’re informed and trained the easier they’ll be conquered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cjcastillo.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialcjcastillo/
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/cjaviercastillo
Image Credits
Main pic by James Dipetro
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