Fueling The Grind: The Essentials Keeping My Career Momentum Alive

Good morning, fellow artists! Welcome to another exciting edition of my weekly Hollywood blog. In my last blog entry, I presented The Multi-Hyphenate’s Dictionary. It was a fun, behind-the-scenes look and a reality check at what a multi-hyphenate’s work actually means.

One of the definitions I provided was for my Powerbase (aka office):

Powerbase [pou-er-beys] (noun) The official command center where big Hollywood career moves are strategically engineered and executed. Though known more commonly—and less excitingly—as “an office,” it is a sacred space where the magic occurs and where I occasionally stare at the computer wondering whether my Madonna hat is channeling the right executive energy today. Keep reading below 🙂

My office is a command center, and to survive the rigors and demands of daily career administration, you need the right gear. With that said, I thought it would be fun to share my “survival kit”—those items that keep my momentum alive and functioning at the highest level possible. Keep reading below 🙂

1. Wardrobe. It sets the tone and vibe. Whenever I am in my command center, I usually rock a t-shirt, shorts, and my Madonna Celebration Tour hat. This wardrobe combination makes me feel relaxed, free-flowing, and comfortable—perfect for being in the zone with my career administration. Also, for that added touch of comfort and to draw out my inner Vassar nerd, I wear prescription glasses instead of my contact lenses. Keep reading below 🙂

2. Hardware. The laptop is my favorite technological device, and I can’t live without it. In my case, I utilize a MacBook Pro. I feel so powerful and intentional whenever I work on my laptop. It’s like my partner in crime because it does so much of the heavy lifting with me. From research and outreach to tackling weekly goals and writing scripts on the latest version of Final Draft, I love my laptop so much.

3. Fuel & Liquid Focus. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I love milk chocolate protein shakes. I drink two protein shakes in the morning when I’m in the command center. Whether it’s the BOOST High Protein with Fiber Ready to Drink Complete Nutritional Drink or the Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein with Fiber Ready-to-Drink, they make me feel good and energized to tackle my day. And I don’t have a favorite mug—I just drink them right from the bottle.

4. Musical Playlists. These are a must. These are essential whenever I am working in my command center. Music moves me, and I feel a powerful connection to it. I like to create upbeat, inspiring playlists on a daily basis (usually Madonna-focused ones, though other artists certainly make their way into the mix!) The reason why I lean so heavily on Madonna’s music is because it puts me in the zone. Her music reflects strength, power, resilience, and boss energy. It is like a call to battle. Put simply, her music makes me feel c*nt—as the kids say—so it’s the perfect energy and mindset I need.

5. Office Supplies & Stationery. As much as I love my laptop, there is something equally powerful, tangible, and satisfying about putting pen to paper. I love pens, particularly the ones that have an ultra-fine point (.05 mm or less) and gel ink. I love the way they feel as they write and glide across the paper. I also love fancy executive ballpoint pens; I feel like a boss, a CEO, whenever I write with them. In terms of stationery, I have been using the same planner for the past few years. Again, I love the tangibility of holding this powerful book in my hands. I love writing my to-do lists in it and then crossing them off. I usually have my planner right next to my laptop, working in perfect harmony.

6. Framed Artwork. I have framed artwork on the walls and on my desk. Originally acquired as ways to celebrate various wins, these creative works of art from Milton Katselas, Braxton J. Fuller, and Manuel Acevedo provide that additional artistic fuel and motivation to keep going. They remind me not only of my past accomplishments, but of where I am headed next.

It’s your turn now! What items are keeping your daily hustle alive this year? Let me know in the comments below!

See you next week!

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