If you feel you need a little more clarity about how to proceed in the new year, I want to guide you on a thinking exercise that will help you launch into 2020 with clarity and purpose.
The exercise is so simple that you might blow it off. But believe me, it will generate a subtle shift within that gives you a powerful start for the new year!
Grab a pen and paper and go somewhere quiet. Block out 10-15 minutes. That’s all you need, and it’s FUN!
This exercise guides you to look back and see what you accomplished last year. Then, it helps you to get clarity on what you want for this new year.
Looking at what you accomplished before planning on moving forward is a powerful way to close out the past and prepare for the future.
My 2019 was a little, no, a lot, of difficulty. I had a few tragedies that broke my spirit. My dear mother had a stroke and my longtime friend and confidant, Dan, died of a sudden heart attack. These events shook me hard. I learned some lessons from both that one day I will share in another post.
But, there are so many GREAT things that happened also! Drew and I started BROPHY ART ACADEMY. I had dreamed of building this company for about five years and it finally came to life.
I also lived out another dream of teaching my courses online. I began with ART EXHIBITS THAT SELL and it was HUGE success. The first 40 students that signed up loved my course. I’m opening the cart again in a couple weeks and this time I’m opening it up to 100 students.
Lastly, and the most important of all; I healed from an “incurable” autoimmune disease after many years of pain. I healed myself completely (using natural means) and it’s amazing how wonderful life is when your body feels good.
It also feels good to take note of our accomplishments. It’s a form of appreciation for ourselves, and that causes an energy shift internally that gives us confidence and launches us towards our next big accomplishment.
HERE’S YOUR NEW YEAR EXERCISE:
Write down answers to the following questions with pen on paper. Writing on paper gives us greater access to answers that reside deep within ourselves.
#1: List your top 3 accomplishments in 2019 (big or small, size doesn’t matter)
1.)
2.)
3.)
#2: Name ONE BIG THING that you would like to accomplish in 2020 – something that once you’ve completed it, it will make everything else easier. (Example: art exhibit, a new website, finish a series of art, get a sponsor, finish writing a book, etc.)
#3: Describe the #1 challenge that you have with completing the ONE BIG THING you wish to accomplish in 2020:
#4: Name ONE THING that you will do first, NOW, to get started on your ONE BIG THING that you wish to accomplish in 2020: (For example: source a web designer, hire a consultant, buy art supplies, contact one company, etc.)
Now, give yourself a date that you will complete the task you gave yourself in #4. The idea is to get started – once you do, you will get momentum and continue until it’s complete.
See how easy this is?! Just four questions, and you got clarity on what you want for 2020 and the first thing you need to do to take steps towards making it happen.
Clarity + Focus + Action = Success!
What is your ONE BIG THING for 2020? And are you inspired to take action on it now?
Please, write in the comments and share! I’d love to know what you have up your sleeve for the new year. I read all of my comments and I’ll be happy to hear from you!
Maria xxoo
Hi Maria
First of all—I’m a big fan of you and Drew. Love his art and your art biz advice! My big focus this year boils down to one thing—marketing—all I need to do to make a difference this year is to set aside dedicated time to do steady consistent marketing. Sounds easy but I hate sitting at the computer. I keep thinking I could be painting instead of sitting there and it derails me.
Hi Jill,
Art is a new venture for me, but I am realizing I have a big advantage coming from a sales background. Remember nothing happens until someone sells something. Begin to think of marketing your work differently. Why are you making art if no one sees it? Marketing puts your creations in the spotlight. It’s an opportunity to show off your accomplishments, and when someone buys it, you have the funds to make more art. If you hate selling, put it on your schedule first and get it over with. Call those five people who have bought your art before and enjoy their accolades and sell them something new, or at least make them want to see your new work. Then call five who haven’t bought your work yet and talk enthusiastically about your newest creations. Make them want to see it. Mark your calendar for when to call them again to follow up, and send whatever images or other materials promised for follow up. Then you are done for the week, or whatever you want your marketing schedule to be. With yeses, not right how’s, or no’s , you are free to go make art and not think about it until your next marketing day. The point is to keep yourself on the minds of your target clientele. It can be fun.
Having read this I thought it was very enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this informative article together. Blakeley Gannie Tom