For many years, Drew and I have written new goals and resolutions every January. It keeps us on track and gives us something to work towards.
Tomorrow we will drive up to the snow in Big Bear, and while we are enjoying the evening glow of the fireplace in our cabin, we’ll have our annual exercise of writing down our wish list for 2011.
It’s exciting writing down our goals, because the new year brings with it a fresh slate.
If you didn’t finish everything you wanted to in 2010, or if you feel disappointed about achieving less than you had planned, you still get a new start!
On my personal list for 2011:
Lose 7 pounds (this will bring me back to my wedding day weight!). I’ll do it by juicing, switching to a 50% raw food diet and exercising every day. I remember that when I was in my best shape it was when I was surfing almost every day – so I’m going to buy myself a new wetsuit and get back into it. (One thing to help me with this goal: I’ve joined the Live a Healthier Life in 21 Days Challenge. You can, too! And it’s free)
Spend the summer in Europe. I am itching to go back to Europe and spend few months in one spot, where I will be inspired to write and Drew will paint and Dylan will pick up a new language! We are looking for a home exchange in either San Sebastian, Spain or Peniche Portugal or even Bierritz, France. We want to be where the surf is good and the culture is rich.
Finish my e-book series for artists. This was one of my frustrations this past year. I didn’t reach my goal which was to finish my 3-book series by December 15. I’ll go easy on myself and make it happen in 2011.
Make time for the important stuff. I have a habit of getting side-tracked by unimportant things like Twitter and cleaning the house and reading too many blogs. I want to make better use of my time so I can focus on my family, the big projects (like my e-book series) and be more efficient so I work less and play more.
There are many other things to go on my 2011 list as well, such as the small house projects that Drew and I want to complete, minimizing our belongings for a more simple life, and all the other places we will visit besides Europe. Oh, and as a separate exercise, we go through this process with our business, too! (Setting new goals, reviewing 2010 and strategizing for 2011, etc.)
Most people don’t bother to write down their goals, though they carry them in their heads. But writing them down tends to create a little magic – you end up reaching your goals when they are down on paper. Even when you write it then forget about it.
The reason writing down your goals makes them happen is this: You have to KNOW WHAT YOU WANT SO THAT YOU CAN WRITE IT DOWN. You can’t write down what you don’t know. If you don’t know what you want, then you can’t get it. To get what you want, you have to decide what you want.
Get it?
So, that’s why when you write down your goals, or a list of what you want, it’s likely to happen.
Try this: Write down your list of goals, then file it away. Six months later, pull out your list. You’ll be surprised at just how many you’ve made happen!
For the creative person who could use a little help setting resolutions, I’ve put together a list for you:
FIVE NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR CREATIVES:
1.) I RESOLVE TO PROMOTE MYSELF SHAMELESSLY. I will always have photos of my work with me to show to people I meet. I will introduce myself as an artist, and I will have a business card ready to hand out and make it easy for people to remember me and what I do.
2.) I RESOLVE TO CULTIVATE A KILLER WEBSITE. I will love it and nurture it and keep it updated weekly. My site will clearly demonstrate what I do and how to reach me. My sites’ URL will bear my name (i.e. www.joejohnson.com) so people can find it easily.
3.) I RESOLVE TO OPERATE WITH COMPLETE INTEGRITY. I will do WHAT I say I am going to do, WHEN I say I’m going to do it, 100% of the time. I will earn a reputation for being reliable and upfront, and dependable. I will become the person that people come to because not only do they love my art, they trust me and can count on me.
4.) I RESOLVE TO EDUCATE MYSELF IN THE BUSINESS OF ART. I will read at least 3 new books this year on marketing art, selling art, the business of art, etc. and learn new, better ways of doing things.
5.) I RESOLVE TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS AND SHARE INFORMATION. I will spend more time with other creative people, sharing information and ideas and exchanging pricing strategies, tips on techniques, and anything else that will help a fellow artist (and myself) be more successful. I will be generous with my time and information. I will come to believe that the success of others only helps with my success, and vice-versa.
Write these down, in your own words, and add your own to them. Go easy on yourself, get excited about the new year, and enjoy your life to fullest.
Maria xxoo
Great topic! I’ve been ‘listing’ this week quite a bit, and my next and last list to do is the one with my goals for 2011. I’ve already partially started in on it by researching venues for miscellaneous ideas I have, and going completely gluten-free (and already losing 6lbs just from that!) but my main goals are solidifying well, and easily attainable with focus and organization. It sure is nice to cross things off of a list and look forward to what’s next!
Kristina, awesome goals! I’ve often wondered about the gluten thing…doesn’t leave me much left to eat if I cut that out! But, I’ve heard it’s made many people healthy and looking great. You should consider joining the Live a Healthier Life in 21 Days Challenge!
I’m actually easing into the Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson – marksdailyapple.com. Protein, vegis, minimal sugar, good fats, fun workouts, sunshine, long walks… can’t beat that! Next week I’ll cut out caffeine… eesh.
It’s funny, after having my daughter in October my art goals have changed a bit, mostly so I can spend more time with her. The main thing is making sure I have a few solid and focused hours a day (mostly evenings) to get my work done. I can ‘social media’ myself just fine during the day with her, but it’s almost impossible to get actual work done. Planning healthy meals is a huge part of that, because if I prep on Sunday, I can have things ready to go all week, hand off the kid when the husband gets home, make a quick dinner, and then get to work. That way we’re not tempted to order out! (plus it forces him to pack a healthy lunch as well hehe)
Oh, and another goal is to get back into bodyboarding this summer. Found the ‘sponge’ I want, just need a nice thick wetsuit for our balmy 55 degree summertime water, and some fins!
Thanks again for your great website 🙂 I love Drew’s new site as well!
Wonderful! Great goals and totally achievable. I’ve been plotting and planning too! I’ve got a white board full of goals. I want to create new original artwork, market on a regular schedule, earn double last year’s income while going back to school for my BFA(!), and explore licensing some more. It’s pretty ambitious, I know. I’d like to share my knowledge too. I might speak to some students and give some more lectures : )
Aileen, I have no doubt you’ll achieve your goals. You seem to be on top of it all, you’ve never been afraid to put yourself out there, or to work hard!
Maria,
Once again, I want to compliment you for the lovely photo of your family. The three of you look picture perfect and happy campers.
Every time you do well in your personal and professional life, well, that makes me feel happy for you. I know you deserve it too.
You’ve had so many ups and down, trials and tribulations, and you have worked through it instead of sitting idle and complaining.
So, you’ve earned the success and happiness and I can’t wait to hear more about your sojourn to exotic lands and destinations. Do write to us about your experiences there. We await the news eagerly.
Your self-deprecating style endears you to us and whenever you share so much of who you are, well, it just goes to show the real you.
May this new year bring to you and your family health, wealth and prosperity. You know you and your family will be in my thoughts and, needless to say, I will be praying for all of you too.
Have a fun vacation and spend as much time on the beach, for heaven’s sake, gal, surf’s up. Don’t forget the sun tan lotion, mexican hat and a tipsy tequila sunrise. And stay away from the sharks.
Cheerio, my friend.
Thanks Archan! Life is a cornucopia of beautiful things, and I”m always on the lookout for new exciting adventures! I get bored easily, I guess! Thanks for your comment – i wish you the most wonderful 2011. Let me know when you start your blog!
Great reminder Maria. This is one of those topics artist forget to do, but is necessary. Thanks for sharing:)
Happy Holidays.
hi Maria*
Big Bear- my home town!!
thank you for your inspiration in 2010-
because of you I started a blog, absolutely stellar advice!
http://lucky2bu.blogspot.com/
wishing you the best New Year 2011~
happiness and peace
Hi Maria,
Thanks for this great post; so true about writing it down, which in itself helps manifest those goals just a little bit. Love all your resolutions, and am happy to say I just completed No. 2 yesterday! Now the trick is to keep it fresh.
Good luck in reaching all your goals. I don’t doubt that you will at all.
Happy New Year!
Hello! I’m big fan of you!
I saw your photo, were you in Seattle? It is Seattle Art Museum.
I like there.
I am new to licensing. I do Japanese Calligraphy. I am learning from your advises. Thank you! My first deal is Skinit. My design will be up soon.
Thank you and have a wonderful new year!
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Happy New Year!
I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful ideas and resolutions!
I have taken your ground work and used it to fashion my own! I have also linked it back to you! You’re wonderful, I hope you and your family have a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year!
i need advise on something….i make handmade bgs, the materials are not too expensive, how do i effectively price my finished goods to get maximum benefit?
how does an artist place value on wat he does?
Hey Vera,
My advice on how to price your bags: First decide are you going for volume (where the price would be lower) or do you want your bags to be a specialty item (price would be higher).
Once you determine that, then research how other hand-made bags in the same category you’d like to be in are being priced and use that as a benchmark.
When it comes to handmade items, you can price them much higher because a) it’s a specialty item b) it’s one of a kind c) it’s art that’s not made in a factory. (The materials cost is rarely a factor, unless you are using diamonds or high priced items that have to be worked into the cost).
I wish you luck!
Maria,
Thanks for sharing this info!!! You inspired me to write my goals for 2011, and I posted them on my blog to motivate me. Best of luck in 2011
I really like this one, Maria:
“I RESOLVE TO EDUCATE MYSELF IN THE BUSINESS OF ART.”
Do you have any suggestions on what books should be read I read Seth Grodin’s blog a lot, have read tipping point, read some web design sites about business, etc, but would like to read more books/blogs geared toward art business.
Thanks in advance,
J-Bird
Ha. I like the “Resolve to promote yourself shamelessly”.
That is what I’m doing right now. However, I’m finding that a lot of very sexy and intelligent women run blogs. Meow! 🙂
Hi Maria, just wanted to say I downloaded your e-book “living the dream” and have read your posts for a bit now. Very inspiring, I’m currently in a mid-life crisis at the moment so every little bit of positive information I can get helps. A lot of stuff you say gets me thinking on how to change my life, artistically, for the better and to really truly “live the dream”.
That said, I do have a concern when it comes to your book. You mention that you were, shall we say, envious of others living this wonderful life and you, as well, wanted to be there. So please, don’t get me wrong, but didn’t you just marry into it? It sounds like Drew had already worked to establish his dream. Giving advice to people about how to live the way you want when you didn’t actually achieve this on your own seems a little short sighted, no?
Again, I do enjoy what you write in your blogs and I will continue to read them as a source of inspiration and positive outlook and maybe one day I will be able to live my dream. Hopefully before I die 😉
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Happy New Year!
It has been awhile since I been on here. But Excellent tips here nonetheless. As a creative type I can definetley appreciate and identify with the the tips here.
Love this post Maria. So true that when you write down goals they actually become much more real and you’re far more likely to achieve them – especially if you look at them weekly or more and have tactics to go with them to achieve them.
I’m looking forward to seeing you achieve yours in 2011. And I like that you’ve put to go easy on yourself, I have 3 major projects right now which is really 2 too many so am aiming to become very focused on one and then finish the others.
Natalie
The most gorgeous place in France is Provence and along the Meditteranean coast near Nice. Monte Carlo is nearby.The Impressionists have their homes there and you can visit them.You will love the markets and boutiques. You can check out my website to see.