Meet Jackson Bivens

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jackson Bivens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jackson, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?

My self-discipline comes from failure. My mother always told me, “You get out what you put in.” There are times when we (humans) see someone else who seems like they have it all together and we desire that after self-reflection. Doubt, self-loathing, misery, and even loss can make you feel so small. So small, you overlook your accomplishments and how much you affected your peers.

I push myself to not only be a better actor and cosplayer but also to be a better man. Sure, life is hard and random as fuck. That is why it is important to be comfortable outside of your comfort zone. Training our bodies to improve is great but if your mind is not intact, you become an avatar of stagnation.

I never believed in “practice makes perfect” because I believe in “practice makes perfect precision.” Taking the easy way out to achieve something is the actions of a slacker. Sticking to the grind makes you more strong-willed and noble.

I may be doing alright for myself, but I want to achieve more in life than I need to accomplish. My desire outweighs my needs. My fire has always been burning. And the only person that can stop me is me. My doubts, my worries, my insecurities can be disguised as my best friend but they are nowhere to be found when I do not shy away from a challenge.

I was a basketballer before I became an actor. The same confidence I have as an athlete is the same confidence I apply to myself, not just as an actor but as a man. Michael Jordan once said, “Every day, I set a goal for myself that nobody can ever imagine. I do not compete with other people. I compete with what I am capable of.” Even if I feel like I have done my best one day, I try to outdo it or at least match it the next day.

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?

Currently, I am still a non-union actor. I do not have an agent yet, and I no longer have social media. However, I do have a digital business card with my actor résumé and my IMDb page attached to it. I have done two projects since our last interview, and I have a movie premiering on May 31. And yes, I did get paid for all of them.

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?

Communication, awareness and critical thinking are lucrative skills to hone. It is essential for everyday life. What matters most is how you apply these skills. My advice for anyone who is starting in their career or journey:

1) Be easy to work with
2) Show up early
3) Listen to everyone around you.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

I have yet to achieve my driving license, let alone my first car. I have been saving, but I am not there yet. Once I get there, there is no more looking back.

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