Preparation isn't just important; it's everything.
Alan Ritchson, star of Reacher, puts it bluntly: actors have a "unique responsibility on set."
It’s not just about showing up when the cameras roll. It’s about the work done long before the director yells, "Action!"
“Too often I see people show up unprepared, like the lines are all a little too new to them. They’re still reading in their head.”
Unpreparedness doesn't just affect the individual; it drags down the entire team. Extra takes, wasted time, and unnecessary effort—all because someone didn't do their homework.
And it’s not just in acting. It’s in life.
Skipping prep is selfish.
When you don’t put in the work, you’re forcing your team—whether it’s classmates, colleagues, or teammates—to pick up your slack.
Think about it:
- Your classmates scrambling to cover for you on a group project because you were too busy gaming.
- Your team losing a big client pitch because you brushed off the pre-meeting research and didn't know basic details about their business.
- Your coworkers working overtime to make up for your lack of preparation.
The best don’t just prepare—they overprepare.
They know success doesn’t come from talent alone. It comes from relentless, disciplined effort.
So ask yourself: Are you showing up ready? Or are you forcing others to carry your weight?
Preparation is a choice. And that choice defines the level at which you perform.
Show up ready. Show up prepared. Give your best every time.
Chase your best.