We recently connected with Mo Collins and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mo, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I think first my optimism comes from some deep place within me that refuses to give up. To concede to negativity and hardships. It rears its head sometimes just in the nick of time. Secondly, my optimism comes from seeing other people try. Doesn’t even matter if they succeed, it is in other people’s efforts. I want in on that optimism.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was born with artistic inclinations. Did visual arts all through school, thinking I would grow up into an artist. Around 19 years old, and lost, I joined an improv/sketch company in Minneapolis (Dudley Riggs BNW) where I found “my tribe” and a new dream emerged. I followed that dream out to LA in 1998 where I got started working in television and film. The rest of that history is available on my IMDB page for which I am very proud.
The most exciting part has been the people I have had the good fortune to work with. I can say with some certainty that I got to laugh and play harder than most at the jobs. It’s been such a great playground! One that challenged me and helped shaped who I m today. Both from my positive experiences, as well as the numerous let-downs. I’m in the business of rejection! I have learned to let those “No’s” roll off my back, and turn to myself to define who I am.
Now that I am older, there is less work. Thankfully I didn’t turn away from who I am over the years, but rather continued to build on my skills. One of those being my painting. I have actively returned to my visual arts as a way to supplement, but more importantly, to continue to exist as I am. An artist. I can control that.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I’m pretty sure my tenacity has been key. My perseverance. I’ve been pretty confident that I am where I am supposed to be, doing what I am made to do. Having fans follow me for decades and continue to encourage me certainly helps!
It’s also a good idea to surround yourself with people who would like to see you win. On that same not, be a person who wants others to win as well. We should ultimately be here to lift each other up, not tear each other down. We can often do that to much to ourselves. Clean your mind of those sticky thoughts. Got something you believe you can do? Do it. And find the people who will help you pave that path.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
The biggest challenge for me currently would be the new playground I find myself on. I am 59, and have not fully found my way into the new tech age. What I do is is a tangible; I act, I paint. But in today’s world, the only way to get anywhere is to integrate that into the online world. Play a whole different numbers game, and I have NEVER been good with numbers! LOL
Everything happens for a reason, right? Well, here’s a potential reason. I’ve never been good at asking for help, and I am forced to do so if I am to make any headway in this digital world. HELP!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/mocollinsstudio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/that_mo_collins/
- Other: https://substack.com/@mocollins?r=2ll72x&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile
Image Credits
Gene Reed
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
