Saturday, January 23, 2010

Goals for 2010

by Lynne of cozycottagecreations

It's that time of year again. I'm talking about when we look back at what we've accomplished, and set our sights on new goals. Personally, I have mixed feelings about this practice, although I can't seem to stop myself from doing it every year. I love the part when you look back and feel really great about what you achieved (who doesn't, right?). However for me, there's always the sinking disappointment of what didn't quite make it off the list. In setting new goals for myself, I get really excited and optimistic about the possibilities, yet I know in the back of my mind my habit for overreaching, knowing that I'm setting myself up on some level to fall short. I'm assuming I'm not alone out there - that this is the way it usually goes for creative types, isn't it?

So this year, on January 1st, I turned back to my list I'd written a year ago on what I'd like to achieve in 2009, and was shocked, shocked, SHOCKED, I tell you - !!!!SHOCKED!!!! - to find that I could write the exact same list for 2010. How is that possible? This was one of the most productive years I've ever had, and with that I decided I couldn't possibly be bothered by it. That instead it was time to look back on the year with great appreciation for all those things that somehow did happen, without my planning on them ahead of time.

First of all - here's what I didn't do:
- Convert my attic space into my studio (yes, I still hear you up there calling to me)
- Stay on top of my budget so that I'm not looking at 12 months of receipts in January (hello box of receipts waiting for me!)
- See a profit (damn you, fiber addiction)

There were a few others, too, but I won't go into them here. So, to take care of my page with no check marks on it, I simply crossed off 2009, and wrote 2010. There - that's something to look forward to!

Now - I'm thrilled to say I did accomplish some other very important things that weren't even goals a year ago.
- I learned that I'm able to produce a lot of product when I budget my time well.
- I got really good at balancing the different aspects of my life. Kids are thriving, house is clean, I'm working out at the gym, and cozycottage is getting all the attention it requires and deserves.
- I've been told that I really grew as an artist. Yeah - I'll accept that. I'm really proud of the level I'm at in my work.

So looking back I realize that this was a growing year. I love it. It's good to have those. And hopefully I've grown enough to clear away just a wee bit of extra time for my attic - and those receipts. I suppose staying out of yarn shops will help with that.

I leave you now with one of my new products for 2010 that I'm really excited about - Valentine's Day cards! Love ya!

1 comment :

  1. Love this - so nice to see gratitude triumph!

    ReplyDelete

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