Kris D. Lofton (Power, Force, Ballers) on Relationships, Mindset, and Moving to LA With $300

We recorded this episode on the road in San Diego. Kris D. Lofton is an actor, writer, director, and business owner, and one of the most honest guests we've had about what it takes to build a career that lasts.

The audition story

Kris told us he auditioned for every Power show since the original and didn't get any of them, until Force. When the Force audition came, he said: "There is no way these folks going to make a Power in Chicago and not pick me." He was in a hotel room in Atlanta and was ready to do whatever the scene needed.

Looking in the mirror

The part that stuck with me was the honest self-talk he described. Before he moved to LA, he watched actors get the roles he wanted and asked himself what they were doing differently. "I had to really take a look at the man in the mirror type thing and really have a talk with myself."

What he realized: those actors were waking up and going to the gym while he wasn't. "Hard work beat talent when talent don't work hard." So he focused on what he could control. "Let me control what I can control." He decided to test his belief. "If I think I can beat you, let me just stop sitting here watching TV saying that. Let me go to LA and see if I can beat you for that role."

Relationships over everything

He was clear: "It's relationships over everything." He told us how a casual conversation with a stranger led to a Family Guy offer with no audition. His point is that being genuine with people opens doors nobody can plan for.

If versus when

His best advice is about language. "Take the word if out your vocabulary and change every time you would say the word if, change that to when. Because to me, if is a wish. When is a manifestation."

On mindset and patience

His advice to young actors applies to anyone: "Everybody gets a chance. The only difference is who can mentally withstand how long it may take until it's your chance." He asked whether you can stay steady and not quit for 13 years if that's what it takes.

Being yourself

On staying authentic in the industry, he said: "I'm unapologetically myself." He believes people respond to that.

Environment

"You are the equivalent of the five people you're closest to." He added: "Energy is real." And: "You never count nobody's pockets."

His keep going moment

Kris moved to LA with a one-way ticket and a backpack. He worked at a gym, rode two buses and a train each way, and spent about six hours a day commuting. One day he broke down. "I had to break down and just tell myself, keep going. Stay the course." He also used the experience to build his Your Boyfriend Can't Cook brand and make working in restaurants something to be proud of.

What's next for him

He's focused on ownership: writing and pitching a show, growing his seasoning line, and opening restaurants.

Watch the full 40-minute episode above, and subscribe to The Keep Going Podcast for more real stories. Keep going.