When I was growing up, Army recruitment posters used to read, “We get more done before 9 a.m. than most people do all day.” I used to love that saying, but looking back as an adult, it sounds terrible. Who wants to live their life that way? And when am I supposed to have time for my morning doughnut and cup of coffee?
But the Army had a point. Being productive is an important skill, especially if you want to succeed in the entertainment industry. The problem is that most people don’t understand there’s a big difference between getting a lot of things done quickly and getting the right things done, period.
Action without focus accomplishes nothing.
It took me years to learn this lesson. I was all about making a massive to-do list every morning and then setting out to conquer it. I rarely did, so the stuff that didn’t get done would roll over into the next day’s list, which in turn would roll over into the next day’s list, and so on and so on. As a result, I was doing a lot of stuff every day but I wasn’t really getting anything done.
(I actually got a little winded writing that last paragraph—imagine what it was like living that way!)
It took a while to get my act together, but I finally came up with a system that is both challenging and effective; there’s a good chance it will work for you, too. So this is what I want you to do once a week, every week:
First, sit down with a pen and a piece of paper. Don’t use your computer. The temptation to check your emails will be too great and that’s a major time suck.
Now write down one major goal that you want to accomplish during the next seven days. It should be something that’s weighing heavily on your mind, something that you keep putting off.
Next, write down all the steps you must take to accomplish that goal. The number of steps will be determined by the goal you’ve chosen. So let’s say you want to get new headshots done. That’s your goal. Now here are the steps you must take:
1. Choose three possible photographers. This means narrowing down your options by getting recommendations from your agent, fellow actors, and everyone in your support network.
2. Do your research. Log on to their websites, get prices and locations, etc. Ideally, you should meet these three people in person so you can find the most comfortable match.
3. Now make a final choice and book the date. That’s it—simple as pie. And when the week is over, you’ll enjoy a feeling of accomplishment, which will serve you well as you set your next goal.
Sadly, I stopped following this system back in January and here’s what went down during that period:
- I gained 20 pounds.
- I lost a major client to a larger company.
- I failed (again) to start working on my first novel.
- I canceled a much-needed vacation because one of our agents quit.
But by narrowing my focus during the last four weeks, I was able to course-correct:
- I lowered my body fat to less than 20 percent.
- I stole an established actor from a larger company.
- I wrote the first chapter of that damn novel.
- I discovered an amazing town up north that’s my new home away from home.
- And best of all, I still had time for my morning doughnut and cup of coffee.
Like this advice? Check out more from Secret Agent Man!
