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#156 | UNLOCKING YOUR POTENTIAL: 5 KEY HABITS THAT DRIVE SUCCESS




THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY PETRA KOLB


Aristotle said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." and this profound insight holds especially true in the creative industries where consistency in practice, networking, learning, and project development can differentiate the successful from the rest.


Ignite Your Creative Spark


So, what if your next project could not only be a masterpiece but also a pivotal moment in your career? What if you could leverage your creative talents to catapult you into new realms of success and recognition. Well, this isn't just a possibility; it's well within your reach if you can harness the power of habit.


The Power of Habit in Creative Success


Today, I'm going to reveal some of the secret habits of highly successful professionals in the creative industries. Getting ahead in this game is not always about raw talent or who you know; it's about what you do every day that shapes your career trajectory, and your daily routines are potentially the most powerful tools at your disposal for unlocking your creative potential.


Author, speaker, and personal development expert, Brian Tracy says "Successful people are simply those with successful habits." and he's not wrong. By understanding and adopting the habits of successful people, and industry leaders you're not just copying a formula— you're cultivating a foundation of improvement and consistent performance. This is how ordinary people like us can transform ourselves into extraordinary creators. Let's dive into what some of these transformative habits are and how you can integrate them into our daily lives, to not only achieve but exceed our creative endeavours.


Crafting Your Path to Success

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." - Jim Ryun

In the world of film, theatre, and television, where I earn my living it's perhaps fair to say that the early bird does indeed catch the worm, and rising early is a common thread among many successful professionals in our industry. It’s about more than just getting an early start to the day; it’s about claiming a few quiet hours devoid of distractions, which can be crucial for creative brainstorming and decision making. This practice can significantly boost your productivity and set a positive tone for the entire day. Rising early allows you to start your day with a proactive mindset, giving you more time to focus on your goals, further establish healthy habits, and ultimately achieve greater productivity and success. If you can crack this one, you'll be well on the way to success.


Another key habit that enhances efficiency is the mastery of to-do lists. This might seem trivial or overly simplistic, but the magic lies in its ability to clear mental clutter. By organizing tasks into manageable segments, you not only streamline your workflow but also enhance your focus. Each item checked off is a small victory, building momentum throughout the day. For creatives juggling multiple projects, this method of task management can be particularly empowering. My whole life, when I am working at my most efficient, and I can assure you that this is not my every day status, is one that is led by o do lists.


In order to help me keep to these however, I also create a list of Not to do lists. A "not to do" list helps you identify time-wasting or unproductive activities, allowing you to stay focused on important tasks, better manage your time, reduce distractions, and increase overall productivity.


Third up on today's list is networking. Networking, though often dreaded, plays an instrumental role in your career trajectory. It's not just about collecting business cards; it's about building genuine relationships that could open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Remember, it’s not solely about what you know but also who you know.


Engaging with peers at workshops, industry meetups, or even through social media platforms can provide valuable insights and opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible. I have found that post Covid, far from things becoming easier on this front, networking opportunities have become far less frequent. With that said, three ways in which you can fairly easily network are as follows.


  • Attend industry-specific events and conferences, introducing yourself to fellow professionals and engaging in meaningful conversations.

  • Leverage professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with like-minded individuals and participate in industry-related discussions and forums.

  • Join local or online associations or groups that are specific to your industry, allowing you to meet and collaborate with other professionals within your field.


Continuous learning is another element of sustained success. The creative landscape is constantly shifting with new technologies and storytelling techniques emerging regularly, especially since the onslaught of AI. By staying updated with the latest trends and continually honing your skills—whether through online courses, workshops, or by simply consuming media—you will ensure that your work remains relevant and innovative.


The 5th item on my list is Time management. It is a crucial skill that enables us to prioritize tasks, work efficiently, and maintain focus on our goals.


Some strategies to help improve your time management and increase productivity are as follows:


  • Set clear goals and priorities: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals helps direct your efforts and allocate time more effectively.

  • Create a daily schedule: Plan your day by allocating time for tasks based on their importance and urgency. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make progress more achievable.

  • Use the 80/20 rule: The Pareto principle suggests that 80% of outcomes often result from 20% of tasks. Identify and prioritize the most impactful tasks to maximize productivity.

  • Minimize distractions: Identify common distractions and develop strategies to manage them, such as setting designated times for checking emails or social media.

  • Delegate and outsource: When possible, delegate or outsource tasks to others who can handle them more efficiently, allowing you to focus on high-priority responsibilities.

  • Practice time blocking: Dedicate specific time slots for deep work, meetings, breaks, and other activities to create structure and balance in your day.


By implementing these time management techniques, individuals can optimize their productivity, better manage their workload, and achieve their goals more effectively.


These habits are not just practices but are stepping stones to crafting your path to success. They are what can set you apart in a crowded industry. As you integrate these habits into your routine, imagine the spotlight on your next big project—not just as a dream but as a forthcoming reality. Envisioning this success isn’t just about personal gain. It’s about how your breakthrough project can inspire others around you. Your success will have a ripple effect, uplifting your peers and influencing emerging talents within the creative community.


As we explore these habits further, think of them as tools in your toolkit. Each one offers unique advantages and when used collectively, they can dramatically enhance both your personal and professional life. Start considering which of these habits you can adopt or improve upon to transform your creative process and career trajectory.


Envisioning Your Breakthrough

"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." - Albert Einstein

Imagine the spotlight on you, heralding your next project's success. Visualize presenting your work to an appreciative audience. Each step reflects your dedication, making a mark in your industry. Your breakthroughs set new standards, inspiring others to strive for more. Envision your journey towards achieving dreams, making a profound impact on the industry. Use that image, to help you stay motivated to embrace these habits that drive your success, crafting remarkable work and shaping your future.


Unlocking Your Potential


Now is the time to take decisive action. Begin by embracing just one new habit this week. Whether it's setting your alarm an hour earlier organising your tasks with a detailed to-do list, reaching out to a fellow professional, dedicating time to learn something new about your craft, or integrating one simple time management system into your routine, each small commitment can lead to significant changes. Monitor your progress closely and witness how these habits influence your productivity and creative output.


Above all, promise yourself to never cease your creative pursuits. Continuous learning and personal development are the cornerstones of a prosperous professional life. Seize every chance to hone your skills and broaden your artistic horizons. Remember, every phenomenal director began with a vision and attained success through unwavering pursuit and adaptability.


By following these steps, you are not merely waiting for opportunities; you are actively creating them. Seize the director’s chair in your life, steering your career path with purpose and accuracy. Let today mark the inception of a journey characterised by growth, triumph, and fulfilment. Take action now— your future self will thank you for it.


I'll end todays episode with a quote from James Clear, who said: "Small daily improvements over time lead to stunning results. A 1% improvement every day for a year results in a 37 times better version of yourself by the end of the year. The power of habit is remarkable."

Five key habits to drive success

Now take control of your own destiny, keep on shooting, actively work to build new and powerful habits and I will see you next time on Film Pro Productivity and Success.


EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: JANET L BUTLER

Executive Producer at Disruptive Film and Audio Productions Ltd.


THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: PETRA KOLB


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© 2018 Carter Ferguson - Film Pro Productivity

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