We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Allie Rick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Allie, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
From a very young age, I learned the invaluable importance of self-discipline. Growing up in a household with my Dad, a Navy veteran, instilled in me and my siblings the significance of hard work in achieving our goals. Additionally, my training in Ballet played a crucial role in cultivating my self-discipline.
The countless hours of effort I poured into Ballet were entirely of my own volition. No one forced me; it was my conscious decision to commit to daily classes and rigorous practice, driven by my unwavering desire to become the dancer I aspired to be. As a result, every achievement in my life can be attributed to my commitment to self-discipline and maintaining a strong work ethic.
Understanding that motivation can ebb and flow, I’ve come to realize that relying solely on fleeting moments of inspiration can lead to long delays in progress towards your goals. This is where discipline shines. It’s about showing up and persistently working toward your objectives, even when motivation is elusive or enthusiasm is lacking in the moment. This commitment sets you apart and gives you a distinct advantage in the world.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Originally from Milwaukee, WI, I was fortunate to be raised in a family that wholeheartedly supported the pursuit of my passions. From an early age, my calling was clear – I wanted to be a performer. The moment I stepped onstage at my first dance recital, I became obsessed with performing. Through my formative years, I immersed myself in rigorous training in dance and theater, ultimately earning a degree in Dance from The Peck School of the Arts at UW-Milwaukee.
Following my graduation, I embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Los Angeles, where I’ve been pursuing a career in dance and acting ever since. This journey has been a rollercoaster, marked by both exhilarating highs and challenging lows. What I cherish most about the being in an artistic and creative career is the boundless potential it offers. In this career, there are infinite challenges to undertake, and no predefined path to follow, which keeps every day fresh and exciting.
In the current phase of my career, my focus includes broadening my skill set and venturing into the world of creating my own art while collaborating with fellow artists. I recently took on the roles of writer, director, and actor in my own short film “Kill Me Famous.” The experience was undeniably demanding but also immensely rewarding. I loved the opportunity to be involved in every facet of the creative process, and I’m eager to further develop these skills and engage in more collaborative ventures with other artists.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First and foremost, resilience has played a pivotal role in my journey. It has been my bedrock, allowing me to rebound from setbacks, embrace change, and persist in the face of adversity. This indispensable quality has empowered me to conquer challenges and forge ahead, even when my goals appeared distant. I firmly believe that resilience is the linchpin for anyone embarking on a career in the entertainment industry. The ability to weather setbacks and rise again places you at an advantage, equipping you to navigate the highs and lows inherent to a creative career.
Secondly, my commitment to continuous learning has significantly contributed to my career’s success. I never rest on my laurels or rely solely on past training and knowledge. I am constantly in pursuit of new skills relevant to my profession. This approach has helped me remain flexible and prevent stagnation. Given the substantial changes within the entertainment industry over the past decade, rather than allowing these shifts to impede or divert my path, I have adapted and evolved, making the most of these changes to the best of my ability.
The third skill that has profoundly shaped my career is effective communication. In the entertainment industry, one must not only advocate for oneself and their skill set but also assemble a team capable of advocating on their behalf. Proficient communication with my team and fellow professionals in the industry has been instrumental in propelling my career forward. This skill has been important for collaboration, negotiation, and building critical partnerships that have propelled me to where I am today.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
In today’s day and age, I think it is important to have self care practices you can turn to when you get overwhelmed. For me, that looks like journaling, meditation, spending time in nature, and exercise or dance. For example, taking a leisurely walk is a go-to remedy when I’m overwhelmed. Leaving my phone behind, I immerse myself in the world around me, fully present in the moment. I observe the beauty of nature, from the swaying trees to vibrant flowers, and exchange smiles with fellow passersby. Even a mere 10 minutes of this practice can serve as a powerful “reset” button, grounding me and allowing me to regain perspective. It’s a simple yet invaluable ritual in my self-care toolbox. Another powerful technique that provides me with relief is returning to a mindset of gratitude. I take a moment to run through a list of the things I am thankful for, and this simple practice reframes any negative thoughts or overwhelm I might be experiencing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12014696/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/allierick
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allierick1/
Image Credits
AJV Fotoworks, Vince Patrick, Malik Daniels, Chris Kim, David Mueller
