It's weird to be a creature of habit in a career with constant changes of environment, workload, and colleagues; without the ability to maintain any regular routines, it can feel like you're not in control of your own life.

Habits and routine give our lives structure, but they can also, of course, be insidious. How many times, as performers, have we been warned about the dangers of "going on autopilot"?

This is where ritual can be a powerful tool. When we actively engage in familiar gestures and behaviours, it can work against the deadening effect of mindless routine. And for a performer who needs some sense of safety to allow for that thrilling release of control, rituals convince the nervous brains that we're on the same team.

This episode features the extensive introduction of yet another invisible cast member, "Li'l Carl". And if you thought WE had issues....

-=- Show notes -=-

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Article - 'Motivation is Overvalued. Environment Often Matters More', by James Clear
http://jamesclear.com/power-of-environment

Video - 'You Don't Say', by John McIntyre Baltimore Sun
https://www.facebook.com/baltimoresun/videos/10154331580434712

© Copyright 2016, Isaiah Bell & Chris Mayell