Justin Prescribes

Value first as a life strategy

August 6, 2025

There is a concept in business called ‘value first’. It’s exactly what it sounds like, before any business transaction between and buyer and a business, it’s the businesses job to provide value in advance.

If you’ve ever taken a free trial, you’ve experienced value first.

I really like it in business because it’s a no strings chance for all parties to do the thing they all want to do; provide the value and consume it- it’s win win.

It also forces the business to show up as their best; there’s no use giving a free sample that kind of sucks.

This reminds me as well of Steve Martin’s advice to aspiring performers: “Be so good they can’t ignore you”.

He’s talking about value first here. Too often we want to ‘save the goodies’ for paying customers and we lament that ‘if they just gave us a chance, they’d know what I can do!’

Trust me, I’ve had these thoughts as an actor.

I increasingly believe that it’s everyone’s job to do their best, relentlessly and share it for free. And be so damn good they can’t ignore you.

Want to be paid for the thing that you do? Show everyone how great you are at it now. Not so good yet? That’s okay, just keep practicing,

Give value first.

Is this a 9.30 pm problem?

August 5, 2025

Today was a big day of completing a massive bundle of video lessons, pdfs, images and web pages for my clients- I was excited and sure that I’d be able to have it all packaged up and ready to send out tomorrow morning.

As I came down the home stretch- exporting the last videos – I noticed a problem; some of the source videos had been filmed in higher frame rates than others. Basically, some were exporting in slow motion and others had whacked out colour profiles once exported.

I found myself in a google rabbit hole of fixing frame rates in premiere pro. I’m tired, it’s slow and I consider pushing through for a few more hours to get it done tonight as planned.

Then I look at the time and I look at the complex collection of browser tabs and experimental video adjustments in my Premiere Pro window. This isn’t the time. Is this really a problem I want to be solving at 9.30 pm?

Or am I better to shift the delivery date back a day, get a good night’s sleep and make the fixes in the morning over strong coffee?

We both know the answer.

Goodnight.

What’s your favourite thing right now?

August 3, 2025

There’s an unwritten rule when it comes to talking to actors:

“What are you doing at the moment?”

DON’T ASK THAT. It seems harmless sure- but there’s a lot going on in that question. Actors don’t always get to be hired to do acting, so this question can trigger this fact. Worse still, there is a habit amongst actors to equate their self worth to their work.

So when you ask what they’re ‘up to’ at the moment or if there’s anything ‘in the pipe line’ you could be accidentally triggering a series of thoughts that lead to the actor saying to themself “I am worthless”

Yikes, what a mine field.

Instead, I prescribe asking a different question. One that not only dodges any existential crises BUT it also forces both parties to be present, really present with that very moment.

What is your favourite thing right now?

It’s open enough to be a bit of a pick your own adventure for the person being asked, but it’s also specific enough to begin a good conversation.

It’s not perfect- I’ll keep playing with this one and see if there’s something even better.

What I like about it is it gives the power to the other person, gives them status. It allows them to find something that they’re actually interested in, something they’re excited about; their favourite thing.

With that kind of kindling you’re in for a fire of a conversation!

Eat while you feel happy

August 2, 2025

Don’t wait till you’re tired and hungry.

Is this a helpful productivity hack to ride the highs of the day? Sure.

Is this also pretty much a note to self?

You bet it is.

Always measure

July 31, 2025

Not in the measure twice cut once way (though I think that’s a pretty good suggestion too)

If I’m at the gym and I don’t make a proper note of the weight and the reps (or even the exact incline of the machine) it sends a signal to my brain that this doesn’t matter.

No matter what the numbers say (sometimes they may dishearten you) it’s important to measure always. It’s better to have the certainty of where you truly are and have your brain feel that satisfaction of ‘being on the path’ than to remain ignorant because it’s easier.

Don’t sell yourself short. Measure always.

Cologne alone

July 30, 2025

Yesterday I did some filming for the business and today had a big client zoom.

Both times I was home alone.

Both times I wore cologne. It made a difference- it signalled to my brain that I’m ready, I’m on show, I’m with people and I mean business.

Don’t save the cologne just for others.

Give your week a title

July 27, 2025

Here’s something I’ve been trying out recently. What we call things matters. If I say to you, do you want to go on a walk you might say yes- but if I said do you want to join me on my sunset adventure you might get your Indiana Jones hat ready.

We can be activated by words that light us up. Acting coach Larry Moss talks about words that ‘carbonate’ an actor. When scoring a script with action verbs, the word ‘punish’ might be really exciting to play for one actor but the word ‘obliterate’ really gets another going.

It’s no secret that having ‘Week 29’ written on your calender isn’t going to move anyone to action. So how about naming your week something that makes you laugh, makes your excited or conjures up your most creative self to tackle the week ahead.

Names like:

Magic moments and legacy building

Or, Forging futures and being the best brother

I don’t know what it is for you- but giving your week a name is better than not, I reckon.

Oh- and write it somewhere you can see it easily, that’s important!

Ideal ratio

July 20, 2025

Cooking rice is easy when you get the ratio right. 1:1 water to rice depending on the rice.

Great.

Yes ratios are important. A ratio I’ve been thinking of is:

Producing (making things, shipping them to the world)

Consuming (watching movies, reading consuming art)

Resting (Not engaging in an activity that takes you toward a goal)

Unlike with rice, the ratio is different for everyone. And it might change depending on your season. But I think it’s worthwhile to observe and calculate.

Sit like you mean it

July 17, 2025

The place I’m staying right now has got a computer chair that I’ve been using while I work. I’m not really used to working on a proper computer chair so I’ve been enjoying that.

The problem is, it’s a little too comfortable and after about 30 minutes of work I start to slouch, sink and set up my permanent retirement in the chair; it’s incredibly easy to relax in the chair.

As I sink more into my corporate leather coffin, I relise I’m working much slower than usual. Surprise, surprise; my rate of productivity is mirrored exactly by my posture.

Each time I catch myself in my CFO slumber, I radically change my posture and think to myself, how would the most efficient and excited worker sit?

I do that and would you believe it, I’m getting more done.

Do nothing at the gym

July 16, 2025

Anyone I’ve talked to recently will no doubt giggle reading this, I’ve been telling anyone who will listen.

My rule at the gym is the only thing I can do on my phone is update my workout tracker via Google Sheets and listen to music or a podcast.

That’s it.

No texting, no messaging, no email, no social media, no checking stats on the latest video I post…

Instead, between sets (once I’ve inputted the reps) I just sit there. I personally have trouble releasing my tummy and breath during workouts so I use it as an opportunity to do that.

Once I made this choice, I couldn’t believe how much time people spent on their phones. To me, it looks like they’re not even at the gym. If you’re there, be there for goodness sake.

Give it a go for a week or so. Feel the burn of boredom and then feel the promised land of the monk.

JUSTIN ROGERS

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