As we look into 2016, a lot of us will be looking back upon the last year - everything we accomplished to everything we didn't and we will also make a list of dreams we still want to achieve. I think goals are great. Many times in my life, I have written out lofty ideas that have somehow manifested themselves far sooner than I could have ever imagined (You can check out a recap of this year on the Photogen Inc. blog).
I wanted to touch on a topic that is often missed at this time of the year: Doing the Work.
I've had countless conversations this year about 'What it Takes' to be successful in a world where it seems like every where you look, everyone else is having BIG things happen. It could be their epic breakfast or celebrating they got their laundry done - let alone all of the creatives boasting about their projects and ALL the work they have (guilty). My point is that it can be overwhelming - to see everyone else posting these big, exciting things and you might feel - how do I get all of that? Why isn't my success happening faster? It seems like it is instant for everyone else. The truth is that instant success is actually a myth.
Yes, some people are lucky and I am very happy for those who have the actual 'instant' success. But behind every successful person who is building something for the long haul, I would like to argue that before all of those sweet gigs, behind all of the social media attention, and before they truly made money in their business - they did the work.
They worked two jobs. They put in the late nights and early mornings. They networked. They fostered relationships. They made phone calls. They were praised and they were called not good enough. They were challenged and they learned how to thrive in that. They showed up every day to create. They made the work - no matter what other people might think of it. They learned to listen to people's opinions, but they didn't put their self worth in that. They asked the hard questions. They took the risks. They were tired. They had to take a break. They chose to still do the work after rest. They discovered themselves a little more each day and they began to understand the purpose of their passion.
It is such a simple idea, but one that many freelancers, creatives, and small business owners forget all too easily. A lot of the big success comes from the tiny victories. It comes from actually sitting down, being focused, and doing the work. It comes from the dedication of practicing your craft and knowing why you are doing what you love.
So, this year, as you make your goals for 2016, I encourage you to definitely list out your goals - and dream big. But also spend some time thinking and planning how you will work towards these goals. What are the small steps you will do to make sure you are making progress?
Who are the people you will surround yourself with? How can you plan out your days to be more efficient? What do you need to cut to create more space and allow yourself to grow? What little thing will you do for yourself to make you happy?
I would also like to acknowledge that your daily to-do-list is very different from setting your goals. Your Goals should be the big picture and your to-do-list is a daily list of attainable actions that drive productivity towards your current projects and those big picture ideas.
I'm a big list person and last year, I started using the Momentum App as my google homepage. It allows you to set your intention for the day, manage your to-do-list, and even gives you an inspiring quote and a pretty picture. I can't tell you how many times I have gone to open Facebook and am reminded of what I actually HAVE to do. It keeps me on track and has been a lovely tool.
Hell, buy yourself a fresh new notebook, clean your office and post those goals on your wall. Look at them often and I bet you will be pleasantly surprised in just how far you have come in a few months!
Here is to the New Year and all of the exciting things to come!
