Tom Hanks career advice: Show up on time, know the text, have an idea
At 21 years old, Tom Hanks was just starting his career and received advice that would shape the rest of his life.
Hanks was an intern learning the ropes of acting as an understudy to the main actors. At one rehearsal for Taming of the Shrew, the entire cast was hungover, failed to remember their lines and was entirely lacklustre in their performances.
The Theatre Director, having had enough, unleashed his criticism on the cast with the following words that stuck with the young Hanks that became the guiding principles he now lives by.
Hanks said the Director exploded with what he expected of the cast: "You gotta show up on time, you gotta know the text and you gotta have an idea."
Hanks said to himself after the Directors spray: "I can do this..."
He now approaches his work and life with these three principles in mind:
Show up on time - means be present and focused wherever you are needed
Know the text - means learn what to do and do it to the best of your ability
Have an idea - don't just do what's required, look for ways to make things better
The last part is where the gold is.
Don't just do what's required, focus on creating ideas to make things better.
Hunt for problems and opportunities that bring this to life.
That's what makes you incredibly valuable, just like Hanks has been over the course of his career.
You can view his career advice here -> Tom Hanks Career Advice