Hello 2016! Goal Setting for the New Year

As I'm sure is the case for many of us, the end of 2015 snuck up faster than I was ready for. The holidays were cheerful, stressful, and wonderful. The spirit of celebration seems to be in the air from November to December. But now that that I'm just barely settling into the idea of it being 2016, I find myself feeling a little introspective. Was 2015 a good year for me? Did I do OK? Did I do enough to help my family, my business, myself?

There are a lot of people who are great at making (and keeping) New Years resolutions. Goals that they plan to accomplish in the coming year to better themselves, and by gosh-come hell or high water-those goals get accomplished! But I'll confess to you, I'm not exactly one of those people. Oh sure I set lots of goals for myself. In fact my favorite part about New Years resolutions is the day that I get to start them, because I love beginnings. As if to say, this is the first day of the year, the first day of my goal, the first day of me starting to be awesome! But more often than not I set my expectations too high, and then get discouraged when I don't come close enough. Or I set myself a goal that in truth I have no idea how to achieve. Once again after a few months discouragement sets in.  Well that's just not how I want to do things anymore. I want to focus on the positive, live a happier more up-lifting life. I know my husband would appreciate it...

So with 2016 already begun (and now we're halfway through January), I've decided to try to break the cycle. No big lofty goals that I don't actually know how to achieve. But a few smaller goals that will help me better myself either physically, emotionally, or creatively. I've already started on one of my goals and am excited to start on the next one soon. One thing at a time, so I can devote my full attention to it! My creative goal is to continue improving my skills in photography. You never stop learning! I know, that seems like one of those broad undefined goals that I might eventually give up on. But I'm narrowing that down to learning new techniques. So how do I plan to actually achieve this? By educating myself, and then making sure I try something new creatively on a regular basis. For me that means at least once a month. You can do just about anything at least once a month. You've just got to make time for it. So I'll be setting up projects for myself every month that I hope will improve my skills or get me thinking outside of my comfort zone. 

That said, with at least 12 potential projects this year, I'll be on the lookout for people to collaborate with. Be that either models for me to photograph, or other creative people to help bring my vision to life. If you're interested, please let me know!

In the meantime, I wish you only the best in your endeavors for 2016!
Happy New Year from my family to yours!