Last summer, I posted a Productivity Prescription as a way to give myself and other self-employed artists and entrepreneurs a thorough plan of action each day. Now in the time of this COVID-19 crisis, it seems there's never been a better time to incorporate a strategy for productivity from a holistic perspective. 

I've made only minor updates from last summer's prescription and added a downloadable Productivity Prescription Chart for weekly planning. I hope this is helpful to someone. 

H O L I S T I C •  P R O D U C T I V I T Y • P R E S C R I P T I O N

I N S P I R A T I O N (Daily, 5-30 Minutes)

• Chant, Meditate, Affirm, Read

B R E A K F A S T (Daily)

• 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.

M O R N I N G • P E A K • P E R F O R M A N C E • P E R I O D (4 Hours, 5-6x Weekly)

• This is time to use the available daytime 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, build it, write it, have collaborative meetings, photograph, add detail to a script or plan, follow-up, reach out to new leads, 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 (15 minutes, Daily. 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.

L U N C H (Daily)

• Because yum.

T H E • C H E C K - I N • P E R I O D (45 min, 4-5x Weekly)

• 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.

A F T E R N O O N • P E A K • P E R F O R M A N C E • P E R I O D (3 hours, 5-6x Weekly)

• 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 Peak Performance Period.
• Auditions, Rehearsal, Coaching​

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 May be accomplished A.M. or P.M.)

• Whether you're on Zoom with your favorite fitness pro, or exercising solo, committing to a lifestyle that incorporates an exercise regimen is a no-brainer these days. There’s too much supporting evidence to ignore.
• Bike, Yoga, Weight Train, Go for a run, Boxing, Calisthenics. Just Do It.
• (P.S. I know a guy who posts GREAT workout content on IG: https://www.instagram.com/yusef_brewster/

D I N N E R (Daily)

• There’s an opportunity here to finish strong with self-care.

G R A T I T U D E (5-30 Minutes, Daily)​

• Chant, Meditate, Affirm, Read
• Acknowledge a minimum of 5 things for which you are grateful.

If you find this useful or want to share ideas, please leave a comment down below!

A few months back I published a Productivity Prescription that was equal parts encouragement and a new determination for myself. It basically prescribes, 4 hours of Peak Performance activity in the morning, 3 hours of Peak Performance activity in the afternoon, and specific time intervals for meals, exercise, and checking in. 

At the time that it was written, it hadn't quite been fulfilled but it served as a guide for how I wanted to structure my days. If I had to rate myself on a scale from 1-10 (10 being "Nailed it") based on how my typical day goes, I would say 7. Certainly, there are a few days that are 10s and some that are 5s. But, previous to writing that prescription, it was a consistent 4 or less. (I should qualify that score: 4 or less on days that I didn't have a rehearsal, or a performance scheduled.)

The point is, that I have finally been able to actualize the very simple wisdom of, "just keep moving forward" in my own life. Daily or Weekly To-Do lists are magical! They have served as a way to visualize my objectives and tasks, order them, hold myself accountable, and acknowledge where I stand on accomplishing them. I love an empty checkbox... about half as much as I love checking it! I have to say, the old-school pencil and paper route is the way to go here. It's more kinetic.

A friend of mine recently commented on my IG story, "You are so motivated! I need help with that." For me it's really about finding a balance between determining to move forward, even if just by one small step on a tough day, and giving myself a break by acknowledging the accomplishments that I have accumulated on a given goal. Some days I'm going to give 110%, and forget to eat, and get cramps in my fingers, and stress my eyeballs. Other days just setting one main goal that MUST be met, no matter what, is all I have to offer beyond the normal demands of the day. 

I recently talked to a guy who had been working extremely hard on a national campaign for an organization I am affiliated with. I watched as he pushed himself to the limit, month after month, topping the list in all the categories among his peers. It was tiring just observing all of his efforts. (And inspiring. It forced me to question if there was maybe a little more that I can do too.) After a hugely successful event, I had a chance to congratulate and thank him for his incredible efforts. And to my shock, he confessed that he once considered himself the laziest person he knew, that he was the best at avoiding work. I couldn't believe it. His secret was to attach his efforts in the organization to specific goals he wanted to achieve in other areas of his life. He self-incentivized! But what really changed was his determination.

I have SO many big goals. And sometimes its tough to see the forest for the trees. But I finally get it now. It's about breaking the big goals down into actionable smaller steps. And ticking them off, one at a time. 

One page at a time.
One person at a time.
One to-do at time.
One step after the other. Like a little engine on a track. 

There's some great printable To-Do lists online. Here's one I like: