Starting Fresh: A Clean Slate
Hello 2023!
Like fresh falling snow, holiday decorations neatly crated away for next year, or in my case, a wiped-clean computer, there’s nothing quite like beginning anew. Whether it’s a blank canvas or a new year, we all like the feeling we get a chance to do things differently. Yes, there can be a little angst at figuring out how to begin, but let’s tackle this together!
I LOVE fresh starts, and may be guilty as you are of trashing older projects for shinier ideas, but for some reason there’s nothing like January to put me in a mood to plan.
Last month my mother’s computer was hacked, which means I began receiving “very” unwanted emails which were suspiciously similar to ones I ordinarily get. As a result I had to painstakingly change a zillion passwords to remove all traces of their mischief. My world is a much happier place now, although I’m drastically less trusting of people online.
Now my computer runs smoother and faster, and I get an opportunity to change how I organize files if I wish. Life is like this too. We all need some Perspective. It’s one of my favorite words.
If you haven’t heard yet of Cultivate What Matters planners, hop on over and check them out. For years I have used their method of an annual review of how things went in areas of my life such as relationships, health, career, finances, etc., noting highlights of what things worked and areas that need more attention. Then you select several areas (I pick 3) you want to focus on in the next year and write down “Why it matters,” Writing down long-term goals can help you figure out how to spend each day toward achievable goals.
Check out Cultivate What Matters Planners - It’s a game changer, I promise!
Assess last year in areas of your life: Spiritual, Family/Marriage/Kids, Friends, Health, Finances, Work, Recreation, Environment
Ask yourself what you have been chasing?
Celebrate the Good!
Look ahead to 2023…write down “What Matters”
List 3 areas to focus on
Select a word of the year
Grab a calendar and break down yearly goals into chunks over the months
List projects with clear, attainable goals broken down into steps and put on your calendar
Use a program like Trello or Asana - there are free plans available!
This is just a sneak peak into the process, but there is so much more to it! I hope you are inspired to plan your year.
“Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”
Norman Vincent Peale
As for ART Planning… I’ve been listening to Bonnie Christine’s new podcast, The Professional Creative, and just downloaded her list of prompts for the entire year. It’s kinda cool because I already created a card in Trello with a huge list of prompts for the year. I aim to learn surface pattern making in Adobe Illustrator and have dedicated this year to just that! (Edit: I did not get to take this course in 2023.) Camping out in one area will help me grow a body of work to submit for art licensing.
What are your art goals this year? Have you listed them? Are you going to camp out or flit around like a butterfly? What are you aiming for?