Career Lessons From Actor Josh Peck

I recently spoke with Josh Peck, who wrote the book Happy People are Annoying. Peck is an actor, comedian, YouTuber, author and podcaster who has starred in such shows and movies as The Amanda Show, Drake & Josh, The Wackness and Ice Age. In his new book, Peck shares lessons from acting that can help you lead your teams better.

Pain means it’s time for a change.

Peck began acting as a child in the well-known show Drake & Josh. But even with a hit show, there were plenty of factors out of Peck’s control; he still had to audition for roles and hope to be cast. Peck wanted a more secure lifestylethat would enable him to buy a house and start a family. As he writes, he didn’t want the "rug pulled out from under him." This pain led Peck to pivot to social media: there, Peck found success on YouTube and with sponsorships. He felt the pain of work instability and looked past his current work situation to create better opportunities.

Be a good supporting actor.

You can’t be the lead in every project. Peck advises his readers to not underestimate the importance of a supporting role. On an acting job, this looks like: showing up with a positive attitude and treating everyone with respect, from the director to the production assistant. In conversation with Robert Greene, Peck advised to not try and “outshine the master.” Whether or not you’re the star, perform your current role to the best of your ability. Feel out the emotional temperature “on set”—or in the office—and be a supportive, positive force.

Ask yourself: “Am I the mess?”

Peck invites his reader to answer the question: “Am I the mess?” Consider: do people like working with you? Peck writes that if you are the lead actor on set, you set the tone for everyone else. If the lead actor has a bad day, everyone has a bad day. Peck invites the reader to self-reflect and consider where they may need to separate their emotions from their work environments for the sake of everyone else involved.

Learn to live with discomfort.

Peck shared that he's had many peaks and valleys in his career. He’s learned that when in a valley, don’t sit down—just keep going. Peck shared that after acting for so many years, he still has to audition for some roles. Auditioning can be uncomfortable and uncertain—but as Peck writes, you have to keep showing up and putting yourself out there.

The apostle will find you.

Peck stresses it's important to find your trusted “apostle,” the one person who will always tell you the truth. Peck writes that this “apostle” finds you when you are ready, just as the master appears when the student is ready. Your apostle is your trusted advisor who will tell you the truth even when it’s difficult.

The sun doesn't always need to be shining.

As Peck writes, you can’t live in sunshine all the time. Difficult times can help build your confidence—if there were never dark clouds, you wouldn’t enjoy the sunshine. As Peck writes, each person is engaged in a “dance” between the light and dark as they progress toward their goals. He shared that it’s important not to be too attached to any outcome or goal, but to trust that forces greater than yourself will show you the right path. Realize that situations are not “all or nothing,” and learn to course correct if you find yourself on a path you’re not enjoying.

Whether you’re the star of the show or playing a supporting role, you can use Peck’s lessons to be a better leader of the people within your sphere of influence.