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As we enter this new year, many artists and creatives ask: How can I set meaningful goals, stay intentional, and navigate an unpredictable creative landscape? Whether you’re starting the year with a clear vision or feeling stuck, this post will guide you through practical steps to make this year, a year of progress, creativity, and connection.
Reflecting on last year: Lessons Learned
Before setting goals for the new year, it’s crucial to reflect on the year that’s just passed. Here’s a framework to help you:
Wins: What were your creative highlights? Celebrate even the small victories. For me, staying consistent with my podcast and blog was a big win.
Challenges: Where did you struggle? Personally, the slow pace of the literary agent journey and navigating industry-wide challenges tested my patience.
Growth: What lessons are you carrying forward? For me, the biggest lesson was embracing slow progress and leaning into hope when things felt uncertain.
Take some time to journal your own reflections. This clarity will shape how you approach the year ahead.
Big Themes for Artists This Year
This year brings its own unique challenges and opportunities. Here are three themes to focus on:
- Building Stronger Communities: Connection matters more than ever. Whether it’s finding a local group of artists or engaging online, your creative journey thrives with support.
- Consistency Over Perfection: Progress comes from showing up regularly, not from waiting for perfect conditions. Set a routine that works for you and stick to it.
- Leaning Into Human Creativity: With AI tools becoming more prevalent, your unique perspective and emotional depth are your greatest strengths. Focus on what makes your work unmistakably yours.
Practical Steps to Start This Year Right
Ready to take action? Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Reflect and Celebrate: Start by acknowledging last years wins and lessons. Use these insights to guide your goals.
- Set Goals: Write down three goals for the year.
- Use a Vision Board: Whether physical or digital (I use Canva!), create a vision board that focuses your actions and keeps your goals visible.
- Find Your Community: Reach out to like-minded creatives. Accountability and support can make all the difference.
- Stay Consistent: Commit to small, regular actions. Over time, these will lead to big results.
Why Hope Matters
One of the chapters in my upcoming book explores the importance of hope in the creative process. Hope isn’t passive; it’s something you cultivate. It’s trusting that slow progress is still progress. As you navigate this year, keep hope alive by focusing on what you can control, surrounding yourself with supportive people.
Want More Insights?
If you found this post helpful, you’ll love my latest podcast episode where I dive deeper into these themes, share personal stories, and offer even more actionable advice.
Let’s make this year a year of clarity, creativity, and connection.
With you on the journey, friend.
Don’t Let Your Creative Momentum Fade
Ready to take your goals to the next level? Download my free guide, Stuck in a creative rut, and discover actionable steps to reignite your creativity, stay consistent, and thrive as an artist this year.
Build a life of love, purpose, adventure & boundless creativity!