The casting was like any other video game audition. Two scenes and a note: "Feel free to use the environment." The part was for Hondo Ohnaka, a much-loved Star Wars character already established in the animated series Clone Wars. Fans knew him. They knew his voice, his swagger, his particular brand of pirate charm. It had to be done right. There was a problem.

There will always be surprises, and you can’t control everything. But by learning to make better big decisions, you’re shaping a future your future self will thank you for.

What is an actor to do, then, to not just survive this current period of change, but transcend it and thrive as an individual and artist, and still have a meaningful role in society?

What follows is a list of principles and axioms I have learned over the years, and a few I am still working on now, which I hope you find useful. Many of these have been solidified by my work with Luke Chao - who is the closest thing to a practical philosopher I have ever met.