Jenna Ushkowitz from Glee Behind the Fame - with Lewis Howes

Mindset

Jenna Ushkowitz shares her strategies for maintaining a positive mindset and achieving success in the competitive world of acting. She emphasizes the importance of leaving personal baggage at the door during auditions and focusing on what she can bring to the table 1. Jenna believes that desperation is unattractive and that confidence in one's abilities is key to success. She also highlights the need to find other sources of fulfillment when not landing roles, as it helps maintain happiness and motivation 2.

I'm only going to succeed if I'm at my best. That's the mindset I try to go into auditions with.

--- Jenna Ushkowitz

This mindset allows her to navigate the ups and downs of her career with resilience.

   

Identity

Jenna Ushkowitz reflects on her adoption journey and the impact it has had on her identity. Adopted from South Korea at three months old, she always considered it a natural part of her life story 3. Her experiences led her to co-found the Kindred Foundation for Adoption, aiming to support adoptees worldwide 4. Despite feeling fulfilled, Jenna began searching for her biological roots after discovering unexpected aspects of her heritage, such as her partial Japanese ancestry 5.

I was never. It was just a part of me. And when people ask me, tell me about yourself, I'm like, well, I'm Jenna. My last name, Jenna Ushkowitz. And I was adopted.

--- Jenna Ushkowitz

This journey of self-discovery continues to shape her understanding of identity.

   

Challenges

Jenna Ushkowitz discusses the challenges she faced during her career and how she overcame them. The sudden loss of her co-star Cory Monteith was a profound experience that brought the cast of Glee closer together 6. She also talks about feeling underappreciated at times, especially when her character's storyline was sidelined 7. Despite these hurdles, Jenna found ways to stay motivated and creative, such as writing a book to channel her energy positively 8.

For like, a part of the show died when Corey died. And that's, I think a lot of know I'm speaking for myself, but I feel like a lot of people feel there was something that's just know that's your brother is just missing.

--- Jenna Ushkowitz

These experiences have taught her resilience and the importance of finding personal fulfillment.