Less Woo and More Do: The Four P’s

Four Practical Habits to Help Creatives Stay Grounded and Achieve Consistent Results.

"It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great leap forward only to stumble backward."

- Chinese proverb

As actors, we all have huge dreams and aspirations: one day winning an Oscar, being on a Broadway stage, getting into Marvel-ready shape, or getting that top-tier agent. For better or worse, we think big and relentlessly pursue our goals. We sprint towards them, stumble, pick ourselves back up, run again, fall, cry, take a few more steps, sometimes retreat, sometimes pause, jog a little, take a breather, or jump the tracks.

Blinded by our passion, we often forget simple daily habits that yield consistent and steady results.

A year ago, a few girlfriends and I started a bi-monthly goal-setting group. Typically, my close circle included other actresses, but this year was different; One girl was an accountant, one worked in project management, and the other in finance. These ladies were no-nonsense, numbers-oriented, and strategic. I would add a dash of my creative "woo-woo" energy here and there, but we mostly stayed focused on specific and trackable behavior. Make a plan, stick to it, record your progress, adjust if needed, discuss results, repeat. Refreshingly simple and effective.

My first goal revolved around my new job. I would be working in production on a Bruce Willis movie and heard rumors (because of COVID) the crew was getting cast in some of the one-liner roles. The thought of getting a line in a Bruce Willis movie was very motivating. My position started at the end of the month; I needed a plan; How could I stand out? What would make me shine?

Behind the Scenes of "Deadlock" - Photo by Daniel Shippey

After a few days of elaborate brainstorming, a practical yet straightforward plan hit me - I would follow and commit to saying out loud every morning The Four P’s: Punctual, Positive, Prepared, and Polished.

Over breakfast, I shared the idea with my mom. She was generally uninspired but politely responded with, "That's nice." I followed up with my dad, this time, I started the conversation with, "Well, I know this is kinda obvious, but when I start my new job, I'm going to..." which he answered with a suspicious eye squint and a soft "Duh." Their reactions made me feel somewhat unoriginal (even a little dumb) but not discouraged. In my gut, I knew I was on to something big.

In the next goal meeting, I explained to my comrades The Four P’s:

1. Punctual

I would show up 15 minutes early and 10 minutes early to any other work-related event.

Behind the Scenes of "Deadlock" - Photo by Daniel Shippey

2. Positive

I would start my day with a smile and greet everyone cheerfully. I would be solution-orientated - zero complaining and no gossip.

3. Prepared

I would be ready for the day. Any topic I didn't understand, I would research. I would double-check my day's work, stay in the office to work late, bring work home. I even commit to learning everyone's name on Day 1. Whatever I could find to give me an edge.

4. Polished

An old boss told me: Dress for the part you want, not the one you have. I would show up dressed to impress. My wardrobe was somewhere between leading lady and executive producer. Fashionable and feminine, yet professionally appropriate.

Behind the Scenes of "Deadlock" with Bruce Willis - Photo by Daniel Shippey

And most importantly, every morning, I would recite The Four P’s out loud in my hotel mirror for personal accountability.

I started my job and committed to my plan. I was early, full of smiles, my outfits were on point, I remembered everyone's name, and I oversaw my office duties with a meticulous panache. I was doing a great job and felt my confidence grow. I loved my work ethic and the energy I brought into the room.

I didn't end up getting a one-liner. Instead, the director decided to recast me as the female lead a week into production.

Over the next ten days, I acted with Bruce Willis, Patrick Muldoon, and Matthew Marsden. When we wrapped, I ended up working on the other two movies and went on to book my first episode of Law & Order later that year.

I still keep a small checklist with The Four P’s in my notebook as part of my daily practice. When I'm feeling off track or out of control, I remind myself of these four basic principles and feel grounded again.

The Four P’s may seem small, obvious, and even embarrassing to say aloud. But by consciously committing to these daily P’s, you can lay a solid foundation for steady and continued success. I - using a fifth P - promise you.