Summer can prove to be a distracting time for us actors and other freelance workers. Staying focused amongst the never ending distractions of patio invites, festivals, long weekends, cottages, bbq’s and beaches is quiet a task. I will be the first to say that the most important thing is to find balance. Don’t deprive yourself of enjoying the perks received once a year during this beautiful season, enjoy them… JUST STAY DRIVEN. Here are five tricks that help me stay focused and motivated during the summer season.
- PAPER AGENDA / CALENDAR
It is Important to stay organized. If you are going to fit in all your fun in the sun amongst your auditions, self tapes, coaching and bookings you need to plan, prepare and RECORD. I recommend using paper, having a physical desk calendar or notebook agenda is ideal. ( I USE BOTH) Not only does physically writing help the brain remember but having a material copy to touch and see encourages you to take an overall look at your week and month not just live day to day as electronic versions might.
2. AN OUTDOOR OFFICE
Theres no need to be envious of the people on vacation when you can work outside! One of the perks to being freelance is that you are mobile and able to decide where your office for the day will be. I recommend preparing a relaxing cozy spot in your backyard or balcony that has internet access. This way you can lay a blanket out bring your sides, note books, computers etc and get to work while enjoying the sunshine. Remember it could be worse, a good chunk of people are stuck in an office working a nine to five.
3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FREE STUDIO
One of the best things about summer is obviously the great weather. What comes with great weather? Amazing lighting and shooting conditions! Some times things get slow, maybe your not being seen for the parts you wish to be. Maybe you are being seen for everything but just can’t seem to book right now. Don’t waste time worrying or getting inside your head… Just work. Now is the perfect time. If you don’t have a good camera or know anyone with one you can always use your phone. Think of the roles or characters you wish to book more then anything and play with them. Have fun making videos. You never know you could strike gold and have great new footage for your reel. At the least this is great, free, FUN practise!
4. SEE A SHOW.
I know this may seem silly or unusual when I am writing about staying motivated and continuing to grind… But for me going to see a new LIVE show really reawakens me. It reminds me of my goals, allows me to feel the passion of the actors and myself, my drive and the fun that we really do get to experience working in this.. magical industry.
5. DARE YOUR SELF
If you feel like you are starting to drift, or get a little stir crazy dare your self to pick up a new special skill. There are plenty of outdoor activity’s that would be perfect to add to the special skills section of your resume. This will definitely take away some of the restlessness while bulking up your resume. Inviting friends to join will increase the fun and you can experience all kinds of things you might never try other wise. You may also discover you are a master at something you never tried before! #WORKISPLAY
I hope my tips will help you to! Share your own tips on twitter! @actinggrind #summertips #actinggrind
BREAK A LEG, #LittleSammi