A Busy Bee…

Hey Friends, Family and anyone else reading this one,

I’ve been away from the blogworld for a few weeks, well just away from my own personal page, I guess. Trust me; it’s for good reason as I’m pioneering away for a better future where I can enjoy the fruits of my labor (one day).

I’m going back into the lab and returning focused, guns blazing, with uber posts for you to sink your teeth into (did I just say “uber”?).

This is a glimpse into my everyday crazy life as a young woman (well, seasoned woman) determined to make good of herself and of course, grind in anyway possible to do accomplish my goals, achieve success, and have a little fun in between (that’s where my post about men come in…smile).

In the meantime, I’ve been channeling my inner urban socialite/busy bee/ “I’m a writer working toward optimizing my blog” skills and using them to network the hell out of this city. Guess, I didn’t do too bad as I just received recent blog lovin’ from ideeli and Fashionindie after MB and myself attended a Marc Jacobs event at The Gates a few weeks ago.

I have to wake up soon, so stay tuned for more grindin’ with Miss Joi

XOXO

Think Big, Be Bold

So, I’m currently reading Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker. It’s a good read thus far and I’m only on page 85, Chapter Title: The Wealth Files. One of my favorite points in the book is Wealth File# 4-Rich People think big. Poor people think small. Mr. Eker explains the reason why most people think small in life whether it’s running a business or playing sports. The top reason is fear of failure and more fear of becoming successful. Hey, I get it. Mediocrity is easier to deal with and no one fears it, since your not risking anything. He poses questions in the book such as, “How do you want to live your life? How do you want to play the game? Do you want to play in the big leagues or in the little leagues, in the majors or in the minors? Are you going to play big or play small? It’s your choice” I had to pause for a second, and I’ve realized that I’ve may be thinking way too small. It must be true, since I’m definitely not rich (smile).

Today, I had a thought…who thinks big? Who seems as if they are ready to tackle the world with their “big” idea (and is not afraid to show it)? Who has a “no fear” type of attitude? It came to me. Actor/comedian, Sacha Baron Cohen aka Borat but now known, as Bruno, he has no fear! He tackles stereo-typical titles placed on race, sexuality, and much, much more. He’s certainly not afraid to push buttons. Trust me, if you’ve seen Borat than you understand what I mean. He takes all of those factors, throws in some comedy and a character driven story, and best of all, he’s seems to be enjoying himself and making money while doing it. He’s totally outlandish and I love it! He’s filling an entertainment void in Hollywood. Essentially, Sacha is a problem solver which is the definition of an entrepreneur according to T. Harv Eker.

I heard him on the a radio interview this morning with Ed Lover and Free on Power 105.1FM (WWPR) as his Bruno character and I must admit that I got out of my bed filled with laughter and with a huge smile on my face (but you got to be in to that type of comedy). But, what put the icing on the cake for me is his July cover issue on GQ posing in the nude (recreating the infamous Jen Aniston GQ cover) as Bruno, his new alter ego, who is a gay fashion reporter from Austria. I actually saw the cover today while passing a news stand. All I could do, was shake my head, laugh, and mumble to myself (yes, myself) “WOW! This guy is BOLD!”

So, I encourage you all and myself, Think Big, BE Bold and never, ever sell yourself short! Hell, Sacha did it and you can too!

XOXO,

Miss Joi

P.S-Bruno admitted today on the radio, that Obama is HOT! I totally agree! What do you think? I want to read your comments…

Self Motivation is a Bitch!

I mentioned to someone recently (not really sure who it was) that I was on a deadline for story like yesterday and they instantly said, "What sign are you?" I responded, “I’m a Sagittarius.” They just gave me a look and I said, “Yeah, I know, we’re procrastinators by nature. I know.” Hanging on to the last word of my comment, I felt as if I was accepting being lazy (on the verge of giving up). But if I give up, there would be no point of this blog, THE GRIND and I’d definitely go into hibernation, a true dark place, and just be…But who wants to settle for going through life clueless, lifeless, helpless, and unhappy?

I’ve always wondered, after someone reaches a certain level in their career and is known amongst their industry, what it took for them to get to that place. I’m sure that they had to start some where and prove to themselves that they could make their dreams come true. But, it takes hard work, it takes dedication, it takes thinking smart, and it takes momentum. Honestly, sometimes your thinking can get blurred and you go through humps in your plan that can lead to a detour in the road (the plan). So, how do you get back on track? How do you stay motivated? How do you avoid throwing your hands up and saying, “I give up”?

I think that you got to really look inside yourself and ask yourself and/or tell yourself, “Is this what I really want?” Can I go on? Do I have what it takes to make it?

If the answer is “Yes”, than you stick to your plan
-You may have to modify your plan (if that’s what it takes)
-Write down your goals and plan of action
-Work on completing those goals/list, daily (even if its small task)
-Network
-Utilize your resources
-Promote Yourself, business, idea, product (whatever your dream may be)
-Get a mentor (if possible)
-Always do research and educate yourself (stay aware of fresh news happening in your industry or in the profession that you want to break into)
-Find new ways or ideas that will keep you motivated
-If you have business partners, define each other’s weakness and strengths (preferably in the beginning) so that you are aware of who can execute certain duties directly
-Accept constructive criticism (take it with a grain of salt, especially if it’s an experienced veteran in the industry that you want to go into)
-Never, Never, Never, give up on yourself (you can definitely tweak your plan but if its really want you want to do, than go for it!)

“If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?”

Always,

Miss Joi

Defeated

Hey All,

New York has kicked my butt over and over again for the past two weeks. I'm feeling a bit defeated. So, I apologize if I have not posted anything fresh and new. But THE "real life" GRIND has been weighing on me heavy lately. I'm coming up on some very important decisions that I must make soon (in order to grow and continue on with life). Honestly, I'm kinda afraid. More afraid of that I will have to fight (negotiate) for what I really want and that has never been my strongest skill. I've always accepted crumbs or pennies that have gotten thrown my way in the past. But in due time, you just grow bitter and disappointed in yourself that you didn't' speak up and/or take a stand for what you really wanted. I will not continue to do that to myself anymore. In the end, keeping my mouth closed has bitten me right in the ass every-single-time!!!! I know my worth. Don't I deserve all that I'm worth and more?

What do you think?

Miss Joi

Miss Independent

Hi There... Miss Joi has gone "independent"! This is not a post about being independent, doing it all on your own and bashing men in the process. But what I mean is that my first written piece was recently published online for The Independent, a magazine obsessed with covering the independent film industry since 1978. They've cleverly managed to move from print to online media. I'm totally siked, so I had to tell someone!!! You know that women can't keep secrets (wink, wink). So, click here and read my article on Pamela Cuming and Lee Ross, the phenomenal writing duo behind the psychologically intense drama, Downloading Nancy starring starring Maria Bello (Thank You for Smoking, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor) and Jason Patric (Sleepers, Expired)

Let me Know your thoughts! Thanks, Miss Joi