On Monday, I had the absolute joy of interviewing my 17-year-old son, Elvis, about his recent experience with the Reset Journey. As someone who started acting just four months ago, he shared a refreshingly raw and personal perspective on how this approach has profoundly impacted his growth as an actor—and as a person.
When you watch the interview below, you’ll see how Elvis discovered something deeper than acting techniques. He found clarity, connection, and an entirely new way to approach not only acting but himself.
A Fresh Perspective
Elvis had dabbled in traditional acting classes but felt a stronger pull toward the Reset. Growing up, he often heard me talk about my philosophy: acting isn’t acting—it’s being. Unlike conventional acting programs that focus on external performance—reading scenes, practicing monologues—the Reset prioritizes connecting with your emotions and instinct, helping you develop from the inside out.
Initially, Elvis admitted he struggled to let emotions inhabit him fully. “I thought I might be faking it,” he said. But over time, the process helped him reconnect with his authentic self. “I learned how to use that uncomfortable feeling of being inauthentic to dig deeper and unlock genuine emotions.”
The turning point came when he recorded a monologue for an audition after completing an intense exercise. For the first time, he felt completely present, both in his body and his emotions—and that energy translated beautifully on tape.
From Confusion to Clarity
When I asked him to sum up his transformation, Elvis didn’t hesitate: “Before the Reset, I was confused. Now, I feel clear.”
This clarity wasn’t just about acting—it reflected a deeper connection to himself. Whether it’s preparing for auditions or performing in theater class, Elvis now feels equipped to inhabit characters authentically.
Why Young Actors Struggle With Authenticity
Elvis shared his insights into why many actors his age find authenticity challenging. “Most think acting is about acting,” he explained. “They ‘play’ characters instead of embodying them. It’s like performing for the sake of performance, which often comes from conditioning to seek validation.”
He believes that when young actors chase attention, it’s often because they feel something is lacking in themselves. Acting then becomes a way to fabricate a persona to gain approval.
The Reset challenges this mindset. Instead of teaching techniques to portray a character, it helps actors discover and connect to the emotions already inside them.
The Power of Connection
Although the training was conducted online, Elvis felt deeply connected to the other participants. “I miss them so much,” he said. “I got to witness them at their truest and darkest selves, and they got to see me too. That kind of honesty created a bond I’ve never experienced before.”
This connection wasn’t about perfection—it was about truth. Elvis reflected on how powerful it was to see others embrace their raw, unfiltered humanity. “Without context, some of what we did might’ve looked crazy, but it was all so real—and that’s why I loved them.
After you watch the interview, I'd love for you to join in the conversation happening in our private Facebook Group THE INSTINCTIVE ACTORS' SOCIETY. You can get answers for your specific situation directly from me and connect with THOUSANDS of like-minded actors across the globe, so we can move things forward faster together.
If you're not already a member, be sure to request to join ASAP here.
See you there!
Jo Kelly
Creator, The Reset Journey From Resistance to Freedom
P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are three ways I can help you:
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