1223: William H. Macy | What Shameless Taught Him About Being Shameless

Acting is weird, brutal work. Fargo star William H. Macy breaks down why desperation makes great art — and how he finally learned to act at age 60. Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1223 What We Discuss with William H. Macy: Character is defined by action, not words or backstory. What you do reveals who you are, making desperation and relentlessness compelling on screen. The best actors are bulletproof against criticism of their craft because they commit fully to their choices without seeking approval or worrying about being flattering. William didn't truly learn to act until his 60s on Shameless . Getting his 10,000 hours taught him to drop baggage and focus only on what's essential in the moment. Really look and really listen. This simple technique transforms performances because genuine attention makes others self-conscious and creates authentic reactions. Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. Happiness comes from accepting who you are and doing what you're naturally good at rather than fixing every flaw. And much more... And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course ! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger ! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors : Gelt: 10% off 1st year: joingelt.com/jhs Caldera + Lab: 20% off: calderalab.com/jordan, code JORDAN CookUnity: 50% off first week: cookunity.com/jordan or code JORDAN Tonal: $200 off: tonal.com, code JORDAN Airbnb: airbnb.com/host See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .