I QUIT! I am no longer writing long lists of goals.
Over the years I filled box after box with journals that contain oodles of lists of goals that I wanted to accomplish. Literally hundreds, if not thousands, of lists!
Of those goals, yes, some got done. Some dreams came true. I finally lost those 7 pounds I had tried to lose for ten years. Drew and I finally produced the book we had dreamed of since 2010. And, after three years of searching, we moved our studio out of the ‘surf ghetto’ and into a very beautiful gallery space in downtown San Clemente.
But, still, so many of my goals remain undone. And for the longest time they were weighing down on me like a wet blanket. The more that went undone, the more unfocused I became.
I decided to quit writing long lists of goals. I wanted to stop the confusion, drop the distraction.
And here’s what I’m doing instead: FOCUS on JUST ONE BIG GOAL UNTIL IT’S COMPLETE.
The funny thing about making the decision to only choose one goal to focus on is this: it’s guaranteed to get done.
But, even better, knowing that you will CHOOSE just ONE GOAL means that you will choose wisely.
You will choose something that will make a difference. Something that is a little hard, but not impossible. Something that, once completed, will change everything else for the better.
Here’s what happens when we have too many goals: We became unfocused and confused. We try to do one thing, then get frustrated when it doesn’t happen quickly, and we move onto the next, then the next. It becomes a habit, moving from one thing to another but never really MASTERING any of them.
When we commit to just one big goal, that’s where we put our focus. Even if we don’t know how to accomplish it, if we take just one action towards it each day, it will get done.
Setting just one big goal doesn’t mean we can’t have many dreams and desires. We can! But, we have to set them aside while we are making the one big thing happen.
Now that we are entering into a new year, are you ready to get hyper-focused? Is it your year to make that one big thing happen? Join me in a quick exercise that will help you set your one big goal for 2019.
I have three questions for you to answer. JUST THE ACT OF WRITING YOUR ANSWERS to these questions will launch you into the new year with a strong focus.
Grab a cuppa tea or coffee (or wine) and paper and a pen, and answer these questions:
1.) What is the number one best thing that happened for you in 2018?
2.) What is your one big goal that you commit to accomplishing in 2019?
3.) What is the one first step you can take today to get started on accomplishing that one big goal?
Now, be a dear and share your answers in the comments. I would love to know what you are up to in 2019!
If you’re interested, I’ll share my goals also. Read them in the comments below!
Here’s a to joyful and prosperous 2019 for all of us!
Maria xxoo
31 Responses
My answers to the exercise questions, as promised:
The the number one best thing that happened for me in 2018 – I recorded my book ART MONEY SUCCESS on Audio. This was a big deal for me. Also, co produced a new book and helped curate a museum exhibit!
What is your one big goal that you commit to accomplishing in 2019?
Getting the BROPHY ART ACADEMY up and running with new Posca Painting courses by end of March.
My first step, something I’ll do today towards my big goal: I’ll register the website domain.
That makes it real!
What’s yours? Please share!
Hello Maria, I love this email you sent. As you know Lasella and I are using your book to get focused and work together to motivate and inspire each other. Here are my answers to the questions you posed:
1. I was blessed with being on the committee for the Temecula Theater Foundation and help implement the Annual Mighty Mini Masters Fundraiser for the Arts Connection. I was also the featured artist. I also won two 3rd prize awards for the Ralph Love Plein Art Competition.
2. I am in the process of getting a series of paintings of the Vineyards of Temecula together for my solo show October 2020 ( I will send you and Drew an invitation). Therefore I must get those paintings done in 2019.
3. First step I am taking today is going through my reference photos and deciding which Temecula Vineyard I am going to paint next.
I am so glad I bought your book. I have had a tough year financially but because of the information you share I have moved forward and see a fruitful future.
2018 I focused on getting back to seriously pursuing my own art career by securing and having my first solo museum exhibit in 20 years!
2019 I’m focusing on getting back into art licensing with a new agent, and thus back to a full time career doing what I love.
My first order of business is getting my new website up and running so I’m prepared to approach potential agents. I AM SO EXCITED!
Sherry, thank you so much for sharing your one big thing for 2019! Congrats on getting an agent, and, for getting focused. You will see results, this I’m sure of. And I’m excited for you, too! xxoo
The the number one best thing that happened for me in 2018:
I quit my job! After nearly 12 years of working somewhere that didn’t allow me the time to work on my future goals and (also somewhere that I didn’t particularly like!) I took a leap of faith and I quit! I found another job that does give me more time to spend at home working on my goals and it was the best decision I’ve ever made!
What is your one big goal that you commit to accomplishing in 2019?
Now I have more time – I am committed to launching my website in 2019.
My first step, something I’ll do today towards my big goal:
I have a large commission that I’m working on at the moment, so for today I need to keep working on this and once completed it’s back to the website design….. onwards and upwards for 2019!
Sam, I’m so happy for you that you left a 12 year job that was not the best fit. I did 15 years at the wrong job, many years ago – but there was so much I learned so it wasn’t all a waste. The biggest lesson, though, was to never do that again! Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it!
Maria,
I love this post. I agree with narrowing your focus to one large goal. I spent 2018 chasing multiple small goals, by September I was exhausted, frustrated and ready to quit. So in 2019 I focusing on developing one aspect of my illustration career instead of chasing several possible areas. Happy New Year!
Lisa, you said it perfectly – “chasing multiple small goals – exhausted, frustrated and ready to quit.” That describes me and most of the artists I work with when we try to do too many things at once! Thanks for writing xxoo
Oh my goodness, Maria, I’ve been writing LONG lists of goals for years now! Will try your new “one-goal” system instead.
Last year the best thing was finishing several commissioned pieces which lifted a lot of stress and worry off my mind. For 2019, the goal will be to “grow” my little art business. I want to create more art, and so the first step for today is to finish the painting that is on my easel right now! Thanks for all your help!
Have fun with your paintings, Barbara! xxoo
This was fun to read! My best accomplishment for 2018 was starting my podcast about creativity (it’s called Beyond + Back). My biggest goal for 2019 is to create my first digital product. My first step is to write down all my ideas in one place so I can start to decide which to try first.
Krissy, congrats on getting your podcast going! I know how hard that is to do. It’s a huge accomplishment. If you ever want to have me on your podcast, let me know. I’d love to be a guest!
Hi!
The number one best thing for me of 2018 was probably registering as self-employed again after 12 years of child-care (I need to actually start earning though!!)
My big aim for 2019 is to get some ideas out to children’s book publishers.
My first step is going to be to make some mini book dummies, Wish me luck!
Jacqui, while you’re working on connecting with publishers, I recommend you self-publish one book yourself. It’s not that hard to do and it is very rewarding.
Hi Maria,
My best accomplishment for 2018 was losing 38 lbs. This has helped to increase my self confidence and has shown me that I can accomplish what I set my mind to do. I have also been learning a lot about how to get my art business off the ground. My biggest goal for 2019 is to create my own website and open my gallery workshop at home. My first step is to work on my website and write down my ideas for my gallery.
The best thing that happened to me in 2018, was the publication of my book “Jonathan’s Number Party” now available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble! Also, doing a sound interactive poster based on the book for a reading for blind children! Plus getting an interview with an art curator for the first time ever who is excited about my paintings of music!
My one big goal is to create a book of my paintings including my creative process, and demonstrate value.
I am working on my first steps today, by Collecting all my notes together and building a framework for how I’m going to talk About each painting included in the book!
Marina, I’m so happy for you! This is a beautiful plan for 2019. Congrats!
1. I launched my Patreon.
2. Either garner enough patrons on Patreon to be earning $200 per month on Patreon OR sell $500 worth of artwork outside of Patreon.
3. Finish the piece I’m working on. Maybe even put a goal tracker on my white board.
Hi Maria. Great idea on just focusing on one big thing.
1.- The best thing that happened for me in 2018 is my puppy I think. He brought the family together.
2.-On 2019 I want to sell $2000 or more of my art
3.- Starting a collection to offer
Hi Maria!
So true! I also use to write long lists for the new year. And it used to be a problem for me to stay focused and maintain to what I wanted to do. Plus distructions from family issues and great love affairs!! I was feeling like feather in the wind..!!! It has only been a couple of years that I really can say I am feeling more stable and focused. So, in 2018 I was thrilled to be accepted at 3 international high level art fairs for the year 2019! Thus, I am mainly focused in expecting these, plus more opportunities and money. One step at the time…
So strange that I come across this post now. This Saturday, I went to Barnes and Noble and pulled out my sketchbook and notebook, intent on making goals for 2019. I found a cartooned, watercolor-washed page with (I think) 2017 goals, and listed them in the notebook, with ‘did I accomplish?’, ‘why not?’, and ‘am I still interested in accomplishing?’. Well, of all 33 of those goals, I did three and am in process of working on 2 (those two are big writing projects). Pretty sad.
So, I continued and wrote 20 goals, but this time put time deadlines to 5 of them. My main goal: to get out of my job and do art full-time. Your questions:
1.) What is the number one best thing that happened for you in 2018?
Best thing: I helped investigators solve an unidentified person case using my forensic art to identify a 19-year old man.
2.) What is your one big goal that you commit to accomplishing in 2019?
GET OUT OF MY JOB and make a living from art full time.
3.) What is the one first step you can take today to get started on accomplishing that one big goal?
Fixing my web site to be more inviting and sales-friendly.
So grateful for your posts!
Happy New Year,
Christine
Maria, congrats on your successes in 2018! I’m happy that I discovered your Art Money Success book in 2018- it was one of the contributing pieces that helped me leave my geology job to become a full time artist! Although Drew’s style of painting is different from mine, you guys had a lot of great business points that were outside of the box and your book was very motivational! I glance back at it from time to time when I start to feel I’m getting off-track with my goals. In 2018 I spent a lot of time building up my art business and painting commissions. In 2019, I want to really focus on building my target niche in the golfing industry. Thanks again for sharing your successes and taking the time to prepare your newsletters to keep us young aspiring artists motivated!! Happy New Year to you and your family.
The best thing that happened to me in 2018 is that I took a great online class with a wonderful teacher on working in a series: I was able to narrow down all the things I was working on to an ongoing coherent series that I’m super excited about offering to collectors.
My #1 Goal that I’m committed to in 2018 is to optimize my online sales channels, including directly from my website.
The first step I’m going to take towards that goal is to finish retouching the photos of my paintings (next will be to decide if I’m going to go with Shopify or Big Cartel).
I’m looking forward to your new book, and I wish you both all the best for 2019!
1.) What is the number one best thing that happened for you in 2018?
I know this should be art focused, but before I get to that one, I’m going to shout out to the Universe: it was having a healthy and happy and beautiful baby, making us a family of 5 with 3 amazing boys! Now, art-wise, the best thing that happened was that I became more focused. I stopped taking commissions based on people’s pinterest likes and focused on taking on clients who wanted me to make art because they loved MY art. This led to fewer commissions, but a better value of work and the confidence to implement pricing policies, use words like “my business model” and generally made me feel legit. This was a huge growth for me.
2.) What is your one big goal that you commit to accomplishing in 2019?
I’m committed to taking the next steps toward business success. This includes a professional photo shoot (already booked!), a business outline, and a manifesto.
3.) What is the one first step you can take today to get started on accomplishing that one big goal?
Today, I’ll be working on my manifesto. I also emailed my (currently small, but I’m working on that) mailing list today with the news that I have reopened to commissions (I had closed when the baby came in September).
The best thing that happened to me in 2018 was that I took a dear friends advice and learned how to meditate. I had been in a slump, worried about not making enough money to cover my growing expenses, lacking energy to even think about it. Meditating has changed my life, given me back the focus I had lacked for so long, given me energy and hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. My one big goal for 2019 is to market my notecards of my paintings. I have gotten a brochure made and have a list of 200 stores to start with. They already sell well in a few stores, people love them, so if I can sell in a few I can sell in 200! The last detail to finish is my wholesale pricing, and I will be off and running! Your articles are so helpful and inspiring!
1.) What is the number one best thing that happened for you in 2018? I have been in therapy for over 40 years- suddenly I decided to JUST SAY IT- like $^$%# OFF, or SHUT UP &$&$^ or Hey I need you to help me do something. I had been on a perch for so many years being mom and doing everything for my son and family until I was JUST DEAD INSIDE- I finally took control of my feelings/needs and started to JUST SAY IT- it worked — I am not wearing a mask anymore, I am not mad all the time, I am not a victim, I feel my skin tingling and I am alive. I was raised to be polite and all that good stuff but that just RUINED my life. We can’t always be nice and give to our children when it causes us to be bankrupt. I had the cash to get my dreams going and I gave it to my son instead. MAJOR MISTAKE ! ! ! ! Now I wish I could get even 1/3 of it back.
2.) What is your one big goal that you commit to accomplishing in 2019? I want to get my land so I can build my GALLERY and have rental income cabins but I am getting old and out of energy- my dreams don’t die.
3.) What is the one first step you can take today to get started on accomplishing that one big goal? Stop setting around wondering how it will happen and get serious about finding the money I need even if it means partnering with another artist or 10 other artists.
1). My greatest accomplishment of 2018 was the birth of our daughter.
2). My one big goal of 2019 is ‘going back to work’ as an artist. I dabbled back and forth most of 2018 ( and with new baby I don’t know how I did manage to crank out a few pieces) But I am ready to do the serious work this year and focus.
3). Writing down and Setting up a schedule that is flexible enough for baby naps and occasional meltdowns, but dedicating a block of studio time – even if it means the laundry or dishes have to wait.
Happy New Year!
My one big goal for 2019 is to partner with at least one high end gallery in an affluent community that loves, promotes and sells my work and that respects me as a professional artist. I know what is being said about traditional galleries but I still believe. I have avoided the pain of rejection long enough. I’m getting my portfolio ready this month and planning some gallery visits. Thank you and Drew for sharing your experience and encouragement.
Really appreciate your work and have bought your audio book and am waiting eagerly for the worksheets although I have answered many in my journal.
My No. 1 Goal for this year is to polish off and PUBLISH my memoir about the influence of a relationship I had with major artist. Then, I will be freer to focus on selling my own art! I need to generate enough money to rent or buy a studio space and eventually retire from my full-time job to spend that time making and sharing the work I love.
Thank you!
CC
Hi Maria!
So glad to be here!
I found you on IG. Have meant to purchase your book. I will! Inspired by a podcast I heard you on… and here I am.
The greatest thing that came out of 2018 was that I qualified for special Employment Development Dept services and career retraining that they have paid for in full.
I have been a fashion textile colorist for nearly 20 years and I have been be laid off and find that I no longer have the skills needed to get back into the design room. Depressing!!
I am enrolled in a USCD extension Graphic Design program through Spring 2020.
My only goal (well, the main one) is to be able to keep up (Wow, I am overwhelmed with the amount of work. I will do this!) and truly develop my skills so that I am marketable for others as well as for myself. I am also a novice amateur iPhone photographer who loves to edit and would honestly like to really grow in that area. Combining hand done fine art with digital photographic art. All beach and surf related! I live in the South Bay of LA and am part of the surf culture.
I am already doing that step – I am submerged in my classes with the determination to get through it and be more skilled. To be able to create my visions.
Best thing from 2018: I moved back to a town that I love and returned to school to wrap up a PhD in Philosophy. I am currently working on a dissertation that is very much related to my values and experience as an artist. I earn income working as a graduate assistant, which is nice to have as I continue to work on my art business on the side.
Big goal for 2019: I will obtain my PhD by the end of the summer term. But, the reason I am motivated to finish by then is because I am planning to devote the fall season to traveling to live paint at ironman races. I did this back in 2017 as an experiment, and I did very well with sales and exposure. I want to get back out there this year with a better plan and more inventory so I can make a killing!
First step: Get back to work writing!