goals

©Marcie Cohen, Snowy Bank. Used with permission.

Fill In The Blanks to Set Your Goals

It’s a New Year and new start.

Everyone is talking about either setting goals or why you should avoid setting goals or making resolutions at all costs.

I’m not big on resolutions, but I stand firmly in the “goals are good for you” camp. I’ve seen them work for my clients and know they’ve propelled me further than I would have been without them.

So, let’s set some goals!

I’ve adapted the questions from the annual review and The See Plan to help you set goals for the New Year.

Promise not to go crazy with the process. Aim for 3-5 big goals for your year. This list is a starting point.

1. Creativity

Fill In The Blanks to Set Your Goals Read

the case for focusing your art

The Case For Focusing Your Creative Energy and How To Do It

You have so many ideas. You’re full of creativity and ready to apply it to any material you come across.

You paint for the pleasure, you paint commissioned work, you make jewelry, you snap photos, and you teach. You know who you are. You’re going 90 miles an hour in every direction with your hair on fire.

People say you should focus – pick one thing and get on with it.

There’s that “s” word again: should. Beware of this word. I’ve been guilty of using it a lot myself, but I’m becoming increasingly aware of how dangerous it is.

The only thing you should do is to be in integrity with your goals, your purpose, and your vision. How this manifests itself in your life is a delicate negotiation between you and the Universe.

There is, however, a reasonable argument to be made for concentrating your creative energy in one area.

The Case for Focusing Your Art

When your work is moving in multiple directions simultaneously, at least four problems arise.

The Case For Focusing Your Creative Energy and How To Do It Read

Dharma-Small-Basket

In the Zone of Discomfort

Attendees at Art Biz Coach workshops are deliberately placed into uncomfortable situations. They are asked to 1) meet everyone in the room before the end of the event; 2) share workshop exercises with people they don’t know; and 3) change seats so they sit next to someone new. I do this because dealing with discomfort is necessary for growth as an artist and as a businessperson.

In the Zone of Discomfort Read

poison

Beware of Poisonous Relationships

The second principle of no-excuse self-promotion, according to I’d Rather Be in the Studio is: “Connections are critical to your success. To succeed, you must make an effort to meet new people and to maintain relationships.” But not all connections are equal. Some connections can be detrimental to your art, your emotional well-being, and your growth.

Beware of Poisonous Relationships Read

My tracks at Nye Beach, OR. Photograph ©Alyson B. Stanfield

Track Your Business Growth

For years I’ve been tracking monthly numbers in my business. When I slack off on the tracking, my numbers decline. It’s the exact opposite of “Ignorance is bliss.” I believe that tracking numbers tells the Universe that you are committed to your business. And the Universe doesn’t give you more of something until you’re ready to accept more.

Track Your Business Growth Read

To Goal or Not to Goal

One year ago I had the pleasure of interviewing artist and coach Jennifer Lee as a guest for the Artist Conspiracy. Jennifer and I discussed why artists don’t like to set goals and how you might be able to find your own way of achieving your heart’s desire. I invite you to listen to the interview.

To Goal or Not to Goal Read

©2009 Shane Cooper, Clemintino y Javier. Oil on canvas.

Week 26 Income Check-up

This week marks the halfway point in the year. How are you doing on your goals? Because my primary concern is about your business goals and financial well-being, let me remind you of a couple of articles about achieving your income goals. Have you read these? 6 Steps to Identify Your Income Goals The 7th

Week 26 Income Check-up Read

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