# The business and art of show business

The old saying of "there's no business like show business" is extremely true.

- With most work, it's entirely possible to hide the [image](people-image.md) of some aspects and mistakes (e.g., an unfortunate workplace encounter).
- When the work is built around getting as much attention to yourself, though, hiding unpleasant elements is simply not possible.

## Take direct responsibility

In most domains, being [self-unaware](mind-awareness.md) can sabotage many things, but you're capable of recovering.

- However, an oblivious remark to large crowds can create a public scandal that everyone can web search for *decades*.
- To that end, prevention is the best cure, so learn to own your flaws and mistakes *before* everyone else points them out.
- While this is a matter of [image management](people-image.md), it becomes a matter of livelihood as well.

## Own your decisions

Only [consent](people-contracts.md) to media that you'd feel safe putting in front of children.

- In some ways, creating scandalous media (e.g., pornography) can have a longer-lasting effect than a tattoo.

The line between work and pleasure is often very difficult to distinguish, so keep your *entire* life free of scandal.

- Some public defamation can take *decades* to unfold (e.g., Sean Combs, Jeffrey Epstein).

Don't let your agent run your life.

- The agent's first interests are the agent's, and you'll have to live with whatever you've [decided](mind-decisions.md), long after the agent is gone.
- While a lawsuit may win back money they take, your reputation will take a hit as soon as anyone hears about something filed with a court.

Stay attentive to the contracts you sign.

- Often, the fine print may require you to give up many of your [rights](people-boundaries-why.md).
- The money and fame is *never* worth your dignity and self-respect.
  - Trust your [intuition](mind-feelings.md) on it, since your brain stem may be telling you what your conscious mind doesn't directly see.