Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrew R. McCallister. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Andrew, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I’ve never been happier and more fulfilled. Now is that to say that I cannot be EVEN MORE fulfilled? Absolutely not. I’m ecstatic to be where I am, where I came from, where I’m going. My Blessings override my stressings, and I don’t even think that’s a word, and I’m ok with that. I’m eternally grateful to be sitting here having a conversation with you and that’s a testament to where I’m at.
I know what it’s like to work a “regular” job. I have worked so many jobs in my life, some were very lucrative in the pocket but it was at a cost. Example, I have always had goals like most people. Some of my goals were to have a certain position, or a certain annual salary. I was chasing a title. Chasing the dollar. Here’s the thing ,when you chase something 2 things are happening. First, if I’m chasing it, I’m proving I lack the faith that it’s mine. And secondly, when you run after something that thing runs from you. So now we are in a cat and mouse situation, and not only am I consumed by the chase, but I neglect the people and things in life that mean the most.
Funny story, I had a goal of being a General Manager, and a Multi-Unit Manager, and a Real Estate Investor, and an Actor. The first 2 jobs on the list are just titles. The last 2 are not just titles but are actionable descriptions of what a person is or does. An actor acts, a GM doesn’t General Manage! Why is it that the thing I’m called and born to do was the last thing on the list? Yes, Acting was down the list and so far removed from my life. In fact I missed out on many acting opportunities when I was in the Managing life, because my life was unmanageable.
Ok what about Real Estate? Why was that 3rd? Because although I saw it as a way out of the rat race I also had the misconception that I needed to make myself successful and wealthy enough in the first two to afford to be the Investor, which then would afford me the freedom to then LEARN to be an Actor! WOW!
I also in that time became the first two, I became a Multi-Unit manager and a GM a few times, and lost out on a lot of happiness and opportunities doing it.. And I was so overwhelmed and stressed that it took me lightyears away from my goals, until I left. Ok now fast forward to me doing what I love and training, and growing as an actor., I had traded my peace of mind and God given talent for a buck. Well, I didn’t make nearly as much this year but I’m 10 times happier today.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I take immense pride in the journey I’ve undertaken as an actor, constantly pushing my boundaries and evolving as an artist. One of my proudest achievements so far was winning a Telly Award for the film, Gerald’s Hands. The award within itself is a tremendous honor. However this one was in the Social Impact category which really touches my heart. That means we did what we aimed to do. Nadira Pankey created, wrote, and directed this masterful story. I am beyond honored to have starred in this film bringing Gerald to life. It not only challenged me creatively but also allowed me to connect with audiences in a profound way.
Additionally, I find great satisfaction in character development, I believe that training, and studying not only technique, but also people and relationships is so important. I believe therefore I am. I am an actor, a student of life.
Above all, I want my fans to know that I am dedicated to authenticity in my craft. I strive to bring genuine emotions and unique perspectives to every role, creating a meaningful connection with the audience. Whether it’s a character-driven drama or a lighthearted comedy, I aim to leave a lasting impression and resonate with people on a personal level.
These experiences have not only helped me my skills, but have also contributed to my growth as an individual.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
The resource I wish I could share with my younger self is a principle important in all areas of life. It’s an internal resource, and that is to be more resourceful. This is a principal that is greatly beneficial in my Real Estate business and is just as critical in the entertainment industry as well.
We are in the Information Age, and there has never been a better time to grow in this world. Investing in one’s self does not have to be a distant dream anymore. You don’t have to wait, in fact the more you wait the further it grows apart from you. Start researching, learning, training and investing in yourself today. SO MUCH out there is free to get a basic and many times an advanced education on any one subject and put it to practice. And with the work that comes from the basic training can and will ultimately create momentum that will pay for better training, education, and opportunities.
With practice comes growth, and through repetition you gain traction, and with traction you will gain a reputation as an action taker.
Listen to this part. Write it down..It’s important. You.ready? It’s a quote from Coach David Price… Imperfect Action is always greater than Perfect Inaction. There I said it.
Do something. Don’t wait, Start today and keep learning,.Keep pressing. Keep getting better, greater, more mature . And as you get more, invest more in your craft. And the doors to greater rooms will open and in them will be a better you than you ever imagined.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Man there are so many lessons. One I had to unlearn was the belief that success follows a linear path of constant progress. Sometimes, well many times we follow the trail and there could be something in the way or we just simply have to stop relying on others and put our Faith in God and take steps off the beaten path to make a way where there wasn’t one.
Back story is, I cannot tell you how many times I’ve found myself having to side step, back step, or climb over something to get to the next level. The best part of all of that is that sometimes you don’t even know its the next level when you get there until it all unfolds, and there you are.
I’ve learned and now am a firm believer in staying in proximity to what it is you are working towards. Sometimes that looks like you are taking a step back or a backseat to where it is you thought was the next logical step. Proximity keeps you focused, immersed, and in the correct state to expand and receive what you need while exploring something a bit out of the box.
Spend more energy in gratitude of the rooms you’re granted access to, than concern over what could have or should have been yours, or the exact road you had to take to get there. Firm handshakes with your network along the way just may turn into the hand up you need to climb to the next level. And perhaps you will be that hand up someone else needs along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://andrewrmccallister.com/
- Instagram: @andrewrmccallister
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.mccallister.12
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewrmccallister6723
Image Credits
All Photos by Perris Hull