(New post) 10 High Performance Habits that Lead to Success #SelfLoveSaturday

I think I read one of these lists every week. There’s always one floating around face book along with “20 overrated things about being in your 20’s” which I also read and I’m going to stop because it does nothing for my life!

But back to my story, I found this list late last week and I liked it, it had some things that I already knew but it was simple, too the point and it didn’t try to make you feel bad for not doing everything on the list. I’ve been on a serious “success” and “living to my potential” obsession for almost 2 yrs now and whether you think that’s crazy or not doesn’t matter to me because it’s helped me a lot! As many of these lists that I stumble on and search for and even if they all say the same thing over and over again I read it because it reminds me of what I’m after and what will help me get there.

Of all the things on this list below that I need to work on the most it’s probably to “take advantage of my morning”. I love to sleep, and unless I need to be on a set at 6am or do a live morning show interview at 5:30 in the morning then I will be a sleep to a decent hour, nothing crazy like 12pm or anything but just not anything before 9am! But I would love to figure out the ways of changing my sleep pattern and waking up earlier to get more done in my day, I guess that’ll be my next task for my “self-improvement mission”. Check out this list below and tell me what you think, which of these habits have you already picked up and which ones are you working on? Happy Self Love Saturday! 

1. Win the Morning

While the world sleeps, the high performer works. Could you imagine if you woke up on purpose, with purpose every day? How can you expect to achieve excellence when the first decision you make on a daily basis is to procrastinate the day by hitting the snooze button?

Win the morning by waking up earlier than you normally do to get a workout in, feed your mind with good books, and fuel your body with a good breakfast—all before the rest of the world is deciding whether to get up or not. Win the morning.

 

2. Do Hard Things

We are surrounded by people who want the fastest and easiest path to success, but not you—not anymore. Rather than run from the challenge that is keeping you from doing what you want, stare it in the face; learn about it; and embrace it.

“The road to greatness is easy”, said “no one ever”.

Doing hard things will teach you lessons you wouldn’t learn otherwise, and will make you stronger than you thought possible.

You can do hard things.

 

3. Embrace feedback

The average person hates to be told what they are doing wrong or what they can do better. Learning to accept feedback is not easy, but once you decide to seek it out and act on ways you can improve, you will dramatically improve your progress.

Embracing feedback doesn’t mean to do what everyone tells you; identify key mentors or coaches who are great at what they do and more importantly, who care about your future, then allow them to take you places you wouldn’t have gone otherwise.

 

4. Learn from Failure

No one likes to fail, lose, or mess up; but high performers use adversity to learn lessons, and refuse to allow them to disable them emotionally. When you fail, identify what you did well, what you can do better, and what you are going to do about it right now.

 

5. Choose your attitude

One of the most important decisions you make every day is the attitude you are going to have when you walk out your door. Don’t take your attitude for granted or it will get the best of you.

 

6. Do one more

As an athlete, you can do 10 reps in the weight room, or you can do 11.  As a sales rep you can choose to make 15 calls or choose to do 16. One of the best ways to build mental strength is to do something you might not want to do, but you know will help you.

Do one more—because the average person won’t.

 

7. Have a purpose

The clearer you can see your target, the more likely you are to hit it. High performers don’t do things “just because”, as mentioned earlier, they do things on purpose, with purpose. When you know why you do what you do, you’ll have more power to do it.

 

8. Recommit every single day

One reason the average person doesn’t achieve their goals is because life catches up to them and they allow the things that they have to do blind them from the things they want to do. Every day, recommit to the things that matter most.

You empower yourself when your priorities are in line.

 

9. Be patient

Success is made in a slow-cooker, not a microwave. High performers understand that overnight success comes after years of hard work. Be patient with yourself, keep your eyes on the prize and focus on the process, the results will take care of themselves.

 

10. Fear no one

Refuse to allow people to intimidate you. You don’t need anyone’s permission to do something great. Putting others on a pedestal because of their talent, experience, and or accolades makes you susceptible to beating up on yourself because you feel that you’re not as good as they are. Anyone can be beat, including you; so respect your competition but refuse to fear them—who knows, they may fear you.

 

 

 

 

(New Post) Song of the day – “Be Your Girl” by @TeedraMoses #tgif

I’m working on a new album right now and most of my musical inspiration has been coming from the good ol’ late 90’s early 2000’s R&B and hip hop era.

Beautiful melodies and music that made you naturally want to groove! I love that time and the music that came with it because it was feel good and had a sense of positivity!

In my research/inspiration mode I get to listen to some of my favorite singers like Ms. Teedra Moses! She’s the baddest! I went to one of her shows in LA a few years ago and the place was packed with nothing but strong, intelligent women who were all in conversations about how much they loved her while waiting for her to hit the stage, the vibe in the room was great! When she finally came out she was the epitome of class and what an actual diva-veteran-star should look and sound like, I was blown away! She probably did an hour set and didn’t take a single sip of water and her voice sounded better and more powerful then on her recordings, it was some of the best singing I’ve ever heard! So in honor of my love for solid r&b and great voices, my Friday Jam is “Be Your Girl” – By Teedra Moses! Enjoy and Happy Friday! xo

(New post) “Be Grateful for Your Journey” – Thursday Evening Positivity

I’m sitting at home sick as a dog but I’m thinking about my journey and I’m feeling very grateful for the entire thing!

The people I’ve met, the places I’ve been, the great things I’ve been a witness to and the horrible things that I had to push through. All of it has been for a reason and I greater plan and the more I stay on this journey the more  aware I become of what its all for and where I’m going and the more confident I become in myself that I will get there.

The journey is long but i’s great! As I said I’m able to now feel very grateful for every part of it and I hope that all of you can look back at what you’ve done, what you’ve gone through and where you’re going and smile! Happy Thursday, stay positive, stay beautiful and don’t stop doing what you’re doing! 

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(New Video Post) Self Help Books and Stories #SelfLoveSaturday

Happy Self Love Saturday!! A few of you asked me if I read self help books and which ones would I recommend. Well here is a list of just a few that I’ve read in the last few months and ones that I’m currently reading! Let me know your top books in the comments or tweet me @missandrealewis with the hashtag #selflovesaturday. Let me  know why those books inspired you! Check the video below!

(New Video Post) What is your creative outlet?

What is your creative outlet? Last year I was in a terrible place and feeling very lost in my creative life. One day I had a really strong urge to paint, I felt like I needed to do something to feel creative again. Painting really helped me to feel creative again, to relax and to just start to enjoy being an artist and not worry about it! I think it’s very important to have a creative outlet and take the pressure off. What is yours?

 

 

(New post) Thought of the day – Your words are powerful, choose them wisely

“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.”

– Mohandas K Ghandi

Watching my words has been my theme for the week. I’m listening to the words I use and thinking about why? Making a conscious effort to think and speak positively. I truly believe in this quote and I want my words to be a true reflection of my life and where I’m going. Happy Monday!

(New Video Post) Fears, Reboots and Updates – #SelfloveSaturday

This is a quick post to give you guys an up date on how my 10 day cleanse went, for the most part it went really well, I lost a couple pounds, but my intent was not to lose weight but rather just clear my system and give myself a reboot for September/October because I’ve got a lot coming up in the next couple months with “Black Actress” and my music! Woop! Woop! Let’s also talk about fear? I’ve been getting in my head a bit and having a bit of fear for running a marathon but luckily I’m aware that the fear is trying to cripple me and I’m working on getting over it and trust and believe me I will be running a marathon in the next 2 months! So like I said, this is a quick update video, hope you’re all having a great #selflovesaturday! xo

(New post) 10 Day Juice Cleanse – How to Guide and Recipes!

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It’s Juicing Time!!!

It’s about that time of year again, my body feels like it needs an oil change and a moment to collect itself and get my energy and focus back in the right place! For everyone that wrote me on instagram, twitter or Facebook and wanted to be apart of this 10 day cleanse I’m giving you a virtual high five, now let’s get started. If this is your first time doing a cleanse the steps below will help to guide you and walk you through this process and welcome to the juicing club! I’ve written out a basic guide line for the way your next 10 days should play out in terms of “meals” and a bunch of different juice and smoothie recipes, some I’ve tried and some came from other people but all of them are good and will give you the nutrients you need over the next 10 days.

First things first make sure your equipment is up to par, whether you’re using a juicer, blender or both, make sure that everything is clean and working. Next check your fridge, see what you have and what you’ll need to stock up on at the grocery store. I suggest over the weekend getting all of your veggies, fruits, seeds, coconut water etc so that on Monday you can start without a hitch! Also ease yourself into the cleanse, over the next few days add more fruits and veggies to your diet, eat more fish. Stay away from dairy, red meats and sugars, make your transition as easy as possible.

Even though this is a juice cleanse, which means you’ll only be drinking for the next 10 days don’t be afraid to listen to your body and don’t go over board, if at any time you feel you need food then please have a salad, nuts, or fruits and keep going! Take notes, mark your progress and how you feel during the next few days. I can tell you this from my own experience day 3 or 4 might be tough and you may hate this whole thing but once you get past those days its smooth sailing! And please don’t forget WATER!! Over the next 10 days drink as much water as possible, I’m talking by the gallons, you’ll need it and it’s good for you! Like I mentioned before I’ve listed a bunch of recipes but you know your own taste buds, mix it up, experiment and make sure to have a variety of fruits and vegetables! Best of luck and please tag me in any pics or posts just cause…I like it! 🙂 #juicenation

Oh and if you need convincing or inspiration please check out the films “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead” and “Hunger for Change” these films will keep you motivated! As well keep in mind that when you’re finished the cleanse you’ll need to ease yourself back into eating solid foods, don’t go crazy on junk lol, go for fruits, veggies, nuts and healthy choices so that your body can adjust.

Juicing Daily Guide 

Wake up: Drink 2 glasses of hot water with lemon or ginger 

Breakfast: smoothie

Mid Morning: Drink 16 oz unflavored coconut water

Lunch: Green Smoothie or Juice 

Afternoon Snack: Juice

Dinner: Juice

Dessert: Smoothie 

Bedtime: Drink herbal tea 

*Drink as much water as possible throughout the whole day!!  

 

Smoothie Recipes 

 *note for smoothies use your blender*

 

Berry Beet Smoothie 

Ingredients:

1 cup of coconut water

1/2 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup cherries (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)

1 Tbsp. goji berries

1/2 – 1 small beet

1/2 small carrot

Ice (optional)

 

Sweet Green Smoothie 

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups coconut milk (or almond milk)

1 cup water

3/4 cup diced mango

3/4 cup diced pineapple

1/4 avocado

1 handful arugula

 

Strawberry Coconut 

Ingredients:

1 fresh coconut (can be found in the fresh produce section)

1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries and raspberries

½ cup of ice (optional)

2 teaspoons of pure honey

2 Tbsp. of coconut yogurt (optional)

 

Peaches and Cream 

1 peach

1 banana

1 Tbsp. chia seeds

8 oz unsweetened coconut milk

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon honey (optional)

Ice

 

Raspberry Recovery 

Ingredients:

1 medium banana

1 serving plant-based protein (optional)

1 cup coconut water

1/2 cup raspberries, with a few for garnish

1 large handful spinach

 

Mango Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup almond milk or coconut milk

1/2 frozen banana

1/2 fresh mango

1 Tbsp. flaxseed oil (or ground flaxseeds)

Small handful of goji berries

Large handful of spinach

 

Clean Green Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 green apples

1 cucumber

2 celery sticks

1 lemon

Handful parsley

1 cup coconut water

 

Tropical Green Smoothie

Sliced Pineapple

1/2 frozen mango

Large handful of kale or spinach

1 cup coconut milk

1 tbsp flax seeds

 

Juices 

*use your juicer or blender but if using a blender chop everything up before hand*

 

The basics

4 green apples

2 beets

4 carrots

1 knob of ginger

 

Beet Them Away 

3 carrots

1 cucumber

1 beet

1 knob of ginger

 

Cucumber Madness 

4 carrots

1 cucumber

1 knob of ginger

 

Put a Spring in Your Step 

4 carrots

4 sticks celery

1 of knob ginger

 

Soul Food 

4 carrots

1 red bell pepper

1 head of broccoli

1 sweet potato

4 green apples

 

Peachy-keen Nectar-een 

3 peaches

3 nectarines

1 knob of ginger

 

So Long, Fare well!

2 grapefruits

3 oranges

1 lemon

1 knob of ginger

 

Red Riding Hood 

2 Red Delicious apples

2 pears

2 kiwis

3 plums

2 cups of raspberries

 

Raspberries Are Rude 

1 pineapple

3 cups of raspberries

1 knob of ginger

 

Limelight 

3 pears

½ pineapple

½ lime

 

Sweet Potato Dream 

1 sweet potato (peeled)

5-6 carrots

½ pineapple

1 knob of ginger

 

“Hulky” 

1 head of celery

1 bunch of kale (or any other leafy green)

1 cucumber

4 apples

1 lemon (peeled)

1 knob of ginger

 

Simple Simon 

1 bunch of kale

4 apples

1 lemon

 

The Hawaiian Jungle

1 pineapple

1 medium beet (greens, stems and all!)

1 bunch of spinach

 

 The Ultimate Sweet Green 

pineapple

1 bunch of kale

1 cucumber

 

Sweet Sunshine 

pineapple

2 apples

4 carrots

4 stalks of celery

 

Southern Comfort 

4 carrots

2 orange

1 grapefruit

1 bunch of mint leaves

 

Lunch Lady 

1 head of broccoli

4 stalks of celery

3 pears

1 knob of ginger

 

Have a Riot 

2 beets

2 oranges

4 carrots

 

Beet Merry 

1 pineapple

1 beet

 

Sunset Beach 

2 peaches

3 apples

5 carrots

 

Citrus in the City 

2 oranges

2 grapefruits

4 carrots

1 knob of ginger

 

Bloody Beet

2 beets

5 apples

1 lime

1 knob of ginger

 

Mean Green Juice

1 cucumber

4 celery stalk

2 apples

6-8 leaves of kale

1/2 lemon

1 knob of ginger

 

Danielle’s choice 

Kale

Spinach

Mango

And a small slice of lemon

 

 

(New Video Post) “Black Actress” Behind the scenes – web series coming in September

This has been the best month of my life! I’m so excited, confident and in control of everything that I’m doing and I cannot wait to share it with you guys!

I told you guys before that over this last month I’d be doing a bunch of traveling for my web series and I’m glad to say that both my trips to LA and New York were incredibly successful and productive and I got everything done on my to-do list! There’s nothing better than having an idea and courage and vision to see it through and I’m so glad that I’m finally in the stage of my life where I am not afraid to go big or go home when it comes to my ideas, dreams and plans! I’m getting shit done son!

“Black Actress” is completely on schedule, we had an amazing shoot because of the hard work of both the cast and crew and to top it off everyone had a smile on their face! Out of all the sets I’ve been on, this was my favorite for very obvious reasons but mainly because I really saw where my life is going and that this is the position that I’ve always wanted to be in and feel most comfortable in. It’s a good day in “Lewyville” check out the video below to see some of the people I had the pleasure of working with for “Black Actress” Can’t wait to share it with the world!  You can follow “Black Actress” on both twitter and instagram for more behind the scenes and updates!

 

(New Video Post) Actor Stuff 101 – You need a voice demo

A few weeks ago I made a voice demo! My agent has been asking me to do this for YEARS and for whatever reason I’ve always slacked on doing it but now I’ve finally got my stuff together and I made one!

I went to the see the lovely people at Demomaniacs  and they hooked me up! They wrote out a script of “mock” commercials and gave me a ton of tips on how to get the best demo possible. Big Shout out to my friend and fellow actor Emmanuel Kabongo for helping me out with one of the commercials too. I’m really looking forward to stacking my resume with more voice work! If you’re an actor I encourage to not slack on getting your demo made, a lot of actors make extra income when they aren’t in front of the camera by doing commercials and cartoon voice work so go on and get those checks!