Category: Gratitude

5 Haikus

7/17/2018

A "Shit List" is one way to call it...
Another way to call it is a "Can't-Quit-Till-I-Prove-These-MFs-Wrong" List...

We'll go with the latter. It's more proactive. This list is not exhaustive. There are some strong honorable mentions not actually worth mentioning. But for the 5 people below, I have dedicated the following Haikus to their extraordinary contributions to my determination to win!

1. For "Mr. Springer"
That one producer
Never a Leading Lady?
Thanks for the inspo

2. For "Mr. Little"
That one director
You were lucky to have us
What's your claim to fame?

3. For "What's-Her-Name"
Threats to my career
Assume, then apology?
Next time just ask first

4. For "Ms. Cakes"
Said I'd run back home
Thought you were there to support
Why so bitter, though?

5. For "Ms. 4-Leaf" and the Like
You hope for the fail
Go ahead, keep checking in
You motivate me

Basically, Thank You!

It's a strange choice to pursue acting, to pursue an art form where there is no separation between the art and the art maker. There is no piece of music to play, no canvas or print to present, no sculpture to stand behind. The actor's work is contained within her. She learns to insulate her art with thick skin. She receives criticism and rejections not to a body of work that exists in her absence, but to the body of work that is her body, mind, and interpretation.

It's a funny business this show business. It is not for the weak or impatient. And many are poised and ready to root against you. But that's the game. And the winners know how to transform those voices into activation. I literally can't stop until I have proven each of these folks wrong. (A few I already have!)

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Productivity Prescription

7/11/2018

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A productive life calls for some planning. I’ve been an artist and entrepreneur for all of my adult life so I know that maintaining a productive and balanced work life can be challenging when you are your own boss.

Here’s a little prescription I intend to use in order to chase away my post-show blues and get back into the flow of a winning #artistlife.

A.M.

I N S P I R A T I O N (20 Minutes Minimum Daily Requirement)

Chant, Meditate, Affirm, Read

B R E A K F A S T (Daily. May be consumed during the Peak Performance Period when necessary, but no more than 2x per week.)

A nutrient rich start is a must to jump start a productive day centered on healthy choices. I like granola and fruit or a Protein Superfood smoothie with banana.

P E A K • P E R F O R M A N C E • P E R I O D (Morning Edition. 5-6x Weekly. 4 hours)

This is time to use the available day time hours when the brain is powered up for productivity and the creative inner child is hungry for an outlet.
Use this time to scribble out ideas, fill the calendar with meetings, photograph, add detail to a script or plan, follow-up, reach out to new leads, build it, try something new.
Auditions, Rehearsals, Coaching

L I G H T • P H Y S I C A L • A C T I V I T Y (2x Daily. 15 minute intervals. May be skipped on days of Heavy Physical Activity.)

Take a break… And while you’re at it, move your body.
Stretch those tight muscles. Do a few push-ups. Plank for 60 seconds. Cat and Cow, sun salutation, jump rope or do a couple or burpees. Or simply, take a little walk.

H E A V Y • P H Y S I C A L • A C T I V I T Y (3x Weekly. 45 Minutes Minimum Requirement. May be accomplished A.M. or P.M.)

Whether at your gym, or in a park, committing to a lifestyle that incorporates an exercise regime is simply a no-brainer these days. There’s too much supporting evidence to ignore.
Hike, Bike, Hot Yoga, Weight Train, Swimming, Running, Boxing, Just Do It.
(P.S. I know a guy who posts workouts you can do anywhere every Tuedsday and Thursday on IG: @yusef_brewster)

L U N C H (Daily.)

Because duh.

P.M.

P E A K • P E R F O R M A N C E • P E R I O D (Afternoon/Evening Edition. 5-6x Weekly. 3 hours.)

Finishing strong preps you for the kind of consistency necessary for a productive artist life.
Use this time to revise, add even more detail to a script or plan, get more specific, level up on goals already accomplished, analyze missed opportunities, edit, color correct, fine tune, upload, prepare prompts to head start the next PPP.
Auditions, Rehearsal, Coaching

D I N N E R (Daily.)

It’s just a good idea.
There’s an opportunity here to finish strong with self-care.

T H E • C H E C K - I N • P E R I O D (4-5x Weekly. 30 minutes.)

With the satisfaction of a day well spent, use this time to catch up on the activity of industry leaders and mentors.
Research the latest trends, news, data and predictions.
Use this time to support peers and encourage those next in line.
Sometimes creativity strikes at random. Strike while the iron is hot!

G R A T I T U D E (Daily.)

Because Oprah Winfrey.
Acknowledge a minimum of 5 things for which you are grateful.

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5 Haikus

Productivity Prescription

enisha b jane

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