reflect remake, revise, onward!
667 thinking blue skies journal, wc ©beth vendryes williams
So I noticed I had too many tasks to accomplish in one day, there were no time boundaries around daily tasks, and I was missing some of my physical exercises, like walking, dancing and organizing. Writing weekly posts are a habit that hasn’t easily kicked in yet.
When I looked around for inspiration, I rediscovered the [SMART] acronym in Michael Hyatt’s post:
• Specific Have you been specific about what you want to achieve?
• Measurable How will you know if you’ve reached your goal?
• Achievable Is this a goal that you can make happen?
• Relevant Is this goal aligned with your mission, vision, and values?
• Time Specific When do you want to achieve this goal?
After reflection I prioritized three items I then applied these with intent, using a timer to ascertain the reality, and time limits to set a maximum. I then planned physical breaks so I would feel the ned to move.
Specifically, I CHOSE this course of action!
1. 3- 5 hours in studio 10 -12 create work on sketches mind maps for refuge, time travel water, journals and how they interact.
2. Take breaks every 1.5 - 2 hours and do physical
3. Get post and social out in the morning by 10:30
Thus journaling helps before you go too far off course!
It just becomes a redirect; I don’t waste time/energy blaming anymore!
Tell me how you've resolved times like this, when your goals are far from what is actually happening! How did you solve it? You could sign up for my journal workshop today!
How to make a roadmap that meets your dreams in 2017
Oh, how I love this time of year!
The warmth and blessings of holiday gatherings keep the raw cold and unpredictable weather at bay. This break in routine gives me time to think of each of you, who, so generously invite me into your inbox each month, asking questions and responding to my art and writings with encouraging words and appreciation.
Thank you!
You keep me going.
I reviewed my art, writing and records from the past year.
This week, I had no plan, except to reflect on last year and plan the goals for the next! The week before New Years' has become my most effective motivator.
I found a lot to celebrate. I am creating selling my work and keeping better records. I have exhibited five shows and taught three workshops. We are just putting the finishing touches on a home addition that increases space for organization and storage of my art and supplies.
Three areas I have chosen to focus on this year:
I need to get better at sharing my work, and writing my weekly posts and monthly newsletters consistently.
My decision to choose themes that I am most passionate about will require more reading, dialogue with others and observation. I am excited about spending more time in the studio! Showing up each day around the same time enhances the opportunity for creative growth. Journaling, with words, images and photos and work is done outside of the studio will enrich the series.
A flexible timeline and comprehensive editorial calendar connecting both art and the writing will coordinate my thoughts and deepen my work, help me to achieve my vision!
So how can you make a roadmap?
Go to a quiet place and reflect on your year.
What makes you happiest??
Get a journal or small notebook where you can write you observations.
Reflect on your past year.
What makes you proud?
What would you like to change or further develop?
What makes you dissatisfied?
List what worked, and what could be improved.
Imagine now, what you would like next year to be.
Write down two or 3 goals to achieve your dreams.
Then work backward, deciding what tasks you need to do regularly to make those goals happen.
Make a timeline.
Connect it with your calendar.
Whether you create art with or without crayons, reflect on your creative life this past year. Your life is your own to create, with whatever materials you have available to you. beth vendryes williams
Does this work for you? Share your thoughts and tell me what you've discovered!
How to leap into your next awesome big idea
editing in the afternoon 0791 watercolor & beeswax 20" x 30" beth vendryes williams
I will plan a structure for the day, so I have dedicated time to allow my imagination to follow its course, eat, exercise, nurture relationships, take care of my home environment and read.
The structure is not carved in stone, but is a flexible net which can catch me if I start to get distracted.
Then I will take action...drawing and painting as a way of discovering my next direction, allowing the action of creating to discover where I am heading.
If you try this, l would love to hear how it works for you! If you have other ways of jumpstarting yourself after a period of great exertion, p;ease share that! I would love to try different approaches!
The party is over, so what do I do next?
If you have ever had that ungrounded feeling, you know it encompasses both a sense of freedom and inertia. Try this next time you get into this tetherless situation. Below is my breakdown of what I try to do
I am up early sitting quietly and yet distracted by the lists of things I feel I have to accomplish and would like to experience, I feel lured by the call of the internet and the sight of little tumbleweeds of dog fur scooting under furniture in my house.
I meditate, accessing my deepest spirit self, asking for help from within, at the core of who I am.
Next I take care of my body, making sure I am getting the right food, sleep and exercise.
“The structure is not carved in stone, but is a flexible net which can catch me if I start to get distracted.”