As a digital nomad and journalist, I travel the world while logging around 70 articles a month. To effectively manage a country-hopping lifestyle while also building my bylines and clients, I turn to the advice of seasoned movers-and-shakers who have developed habits and strategies for success. Each week, I’ll highlight the daily routine of influential professionals, making for the right kind of fodder while you down your coffee.
It all started with E.T. for Drew Barrymore, who has been dazzling audiences since she was a child star. As the granddaughter of John Barrymore, the ability to captivate and portray characters runs in her genes.
Often considered one of Hollywood’s sweethearts, Barrymore is known for her portrayal in iconic romantic comedies including Ever After, Never Been Kissed, 50 First Dates, The Wedding Singer and many more. Her dramatic roles have earned plenty of accolades, including a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award and a BAFTA nomination.
In addition to acting, she’s also a producer and director, and the co-owner of a production company, Flower Films. In 2013, she also dipped into the entrepreneur scene, with her cosmetic company, Flower. Today she sells everything from makeup and perfume to eyewear and beyond. Did we also mention she’s written two memoirs? All of her diligence, expertise and hustle has created an astounding net-worth of $125 million.
To fight through drugs and alcohol abuse as a child and grow to become an influential celebrity, personality and mom of two, Barrymore adopts certain mindset and habits. Here, a few to inspire you.
1. Her work fuels her - but not entirely.
Or more so, she understand the value of a work and life balance. While many artists are fueled by their passion, Barrymore is careful to not let it be all encompassing as it once was. In an interview with The Guardian, she shared at one point, her approach to work was more fed out of desperation.
“...I felt that everything I did in film mattered. It was my whole world,” she continued. “Now it’s kids, friends, marriage, work, health. I don’t want my girls to grow up saying, ‘Oh wow, yeah, she really worked hard, but I didn’t see her.’ I want them to be like, ‘I don’t know how the hell she was there for all those things, and she still worked!’”
In fact, her level-headed approach to her work life is something she’s proud of -- and one she wishes she could apply to every aspect of her lifestyle.
“I’ve always been a woman in the boardroom. My personal life was never as advanced as my [career]. I’d think, Why can’t I be in my relationships like I am in a business meeting? I’m direct, I’m clear, I’m articulate,” Drew says with a wry smile. “[My personal life] always had a lot of catching up to do,” she shared with Women’s Health.
2. She ‘marches in an army of optimism.’
Of those people who are able to live their life fully, wholeheartedly and often, with ease, remaining positive is their superpower. For Barrymore, choosing the lighter path and seeing that infamous glass as half-full has made a difference in her success, her mindset and of course, her attitude.
“I always say that I march in the army of optimism ….. you have to …. I also don’t ever want my kids to see me being affected by mean people. I want them to see me rise above it and face things with grace and class. Putting positivity out in the world is extremely important to me,” she told Marie Claire.
As she’s picking roles, she’s careful to consider what audiences will feel as they watch her performance. If it isn't excitement and if they aren’t smiling, she reconsiders.
“I’m very conscious about the way people feel. When I was making movies, I just didn’t want to tell a depressing story; I wanted to tell one about some type of self-improvement. I thought, ‘There’s enough shit in life. I want optimism and joy.’ At the same time, I don’t like magic-wand happy endings -- and now I don’t like magic-wand makeup or magic-wand clothes,” she shared withInStyle.
3. She says “no” - even when it’s hard.
When you’re Googling around on ways to transform your life and shake up your negativity, you’ll likely find plenty of push to say ‘yes.’ To travel, to adventure, to quitting your job and trying your own thing, to breaking up with that awful, toxic partner you should have kicked to the curb months ago. But there is also an undeniable strength in shaking your head, and saying ‘nope, not for me.’
When Barrymore was a kid, Steven Spielberg, the director of E.T. gave her this advice when she was given countless endorsement offers. “He said it was OK to say ‘no.’ Basically, don’t sell out just because you can. I remember that so well, and he was right, companies did come knocking and it was tempting. It was just me and my mom and we didn’t have any money, but you have to make decisions that will have the best long-term outcome, which isn’t always easy,” she shared with Marie Claire.
4. She focuses on growth.
It isn’t always easy to address areas in your life where you’re lacking. But becoming self-aware is an essential part of blooming into the person you knew you were destined to become. Considering flower power is at the core of Barrymore’s ethos, it makes sense why she isn’t afraid of a little change.
“Well, I wouldn’t have listened. I’ve grown and changed and evolved throughout the years, but I’m not, in spirit, that different from the kid in the pictures wearing giant poofy dresses. I just had a lot of rebellion that had to calm down. But it did,” she told InStyle.
5. She thinks nice girls do get the corner office.
Confidence is cool. So is the ability to stand in front of a boardroom and conquer the room. The same goes for standing up for yourself and demanding respect. However, in Barrymore’s mind, there’s also success to be found in being, well, a good person.
“Just behaving. Being as nice as I can. Not being a total A-hole. Just being in a good mood at work, not losing my cool when my kids lose their cool. Not sweating the small stuff. I’ve realized that even when the little things aggravate you and seem really big and monumental, or even very public within your own circle and you just wish you could hide your problems, you just can’t lose your cool,” she told New Beauty.
“Be nice through all of it. That’s always when I feel the best, no matter what. Go put it out in some private corner and then show up and just be good to everyone.”
For more Daily Habits:
- 5 Daily Habits to Steal from Mark Cuban
- 5 Daily Habits to Steal from Will Smith
- 5 Daily Habits to Steal from Meghan Markle
