“Do not wait; the time will never be “just right.” Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.” – NAPOLEON HILL

 

How's your preparation for 2024 shaping up?

Have you outlined your strategy for enhancing your art skills in the coming year?

Research suggests that the success rate for New Year's resolutions is around 20%, with most individuals losing their commitment and drive by mid-February, as reported by U.S. News and World Report.

If you're aiming for success in your art endeavors, do you have a foolproof plan in place?

Ever wonder why New Year's goals often fall through? Here are a few common reasons:

• Not enough motivation
• Changing interests
• Getting distracted by something more interesting and losing focus on your goal.
• Etc. the list goes on…

However, the key issue I've encountered is a lack of ‘strategies'.

Here's where we need them:

• Set and choose the right art goals
• Stay motivated to follow through with art tasks or practice
• Avoid distractions

It's all about having effective strategies. Good news is that, we can improve on this! Let's read on!

I'll be sharing tips I've gathered from my personal experiences and various resources (productivity courses I enrolled and productivity books I read).

I've tailored these insights to fit the realm of art, so feel free to adopt these strategies instantly for your art practice or any upcoming art projects you have in mind.

Let's get started!

Make a Commitment

You're here because you have art goals to accomplish. Before you start, let's make a commitment to two important things.

First, understand that achieving success depends on using smart ways, how you learn and practice, and also how you plan your time for it.

Second, open to making changes. If you're not ready to make changes, getting better at anything can be tricky.

Following your plan is a bit like forming new habits, and it can be tough. So, committing strongly to both smart learning and being open to change is the key to start planning your success in artistic journey.

Select Your Achievable Art Goals

Artist goals can cover various areas, such as learning new techniques, improving specific art skills, completing a set number of artworks, or taking on art commissions.

For artists, choosing and pursuing these goals goes beyond making a to-do list. It's like having a guide, providing direction, maintaining motivation, pushing boundaries, and progressing toward success.

Setting goals is a powerful tool that propels the creative process forward.

Now, let's explore some examples of effective goals for artists.

• Fulfilling yourself to see the improvement of your art quality
• Becoming a prominent figure in the art community
• Becoming a sought-after artist for commissioned work
• Earning recognition in the professional art community
• Securing a position or partnership with an art studio or organization

WHY You Want to Achieve THAT Goals?

Discovering your “BIG WHY” is crucial for achieving your artistic goals. Picture yourself three years from now, having successfully reached your most important goal. Visualize the scene—what does success look like for you?

And, most importantly, why do you want it?

Connecting with your big why acts as the fuel that propels you forward. Take a moment to get crystal clear on your big why.

Imagine the positive changes in your life, the satisfaction of reaching your art milestones, and the fulfillment of your dreams.

This clarity will not only guide your actions but will also serve as a constant reminder of why you embarked on this art journey in the first place.

Your big why is your compass, steering you towards the life you envision.

Brainstorm Your Goals

Let's plan for the next year by setting four achievable art goals that connect to the person you want to be in three years, your “future self.”

🎯 Goal #1 – Art Improvement: Focus on enhancing your art skills. Whether it's creating more impactful artwork or creating your own unique style.

🎯 Goal #2 – Art Achievements: Think about other art-related accomplishments or revenue (if you aimed to make money from your art). This includes doubling revenue from your art, earning recognition as an expert artist, becoming a prominent figure in the art community, securing a position or partnership with an art studio or organization, and earning recognition in the professional art community.

🎯 Goal #3 – Time Management: Decide on the time you want to dedicate to your art. Determine the number of hours that would make you happy and help you improve. Strive for a balance between your fun time, art-related time, and personal time.

🎯 Goal #4 – Enjoyment and Growth: Consider something less quantifiable but equally important such as ‘fulfilling yourself to see the improvement of your art quality’. Reflect on how much you enjoy creating art and how it contributes to improving your life.

Choose your goals thoughtfully

• Opt for what genuinely brings you joy and fulfillment.
• Ensure they are achievable within your available resources, including time and money.
• Make the process enjoyable; find ways to make even the dull aspects more fun, especially during activities like art practice.

Your Action Steps: Envision Your Future!

Alright, let's explore the steps you can take this week to make a real impact.

Envision Your Future Self and Explore Your Big Why

Take a moment to transport yourself into the future, about three years from now. Picture your life realistically but with optimism.

As you embark on this art journey, consider the following questions:

• Which specific aspect of your art skills have you improved?
• How many hours are you dedicating to your art and other tasks?
• How do you feel about your level of artistic skills?
• What about your art career? Are you considering accepting commissioned art or seeking employment with your desired company?
• What negative habits or unfulfilling tasks are you actively avoiding at this very moment, such as self-blaming or self-doubt?

Define Your Big Picture Goal

• Engage in brainstorming to identify your top four goals, ranked from #1 to #4.

These steps will help you gain clarity on your future vision and set meaningful goals to guide your journey!

Now, You've Got Your Guiding Star!

Remember, your goals are like guiding stars in your art journey. It's okay if they change over time due to intentions, situations, or interests. I recommend reviewing them annually for adjustments.

In the next article, we'll explore how to achieve your goals. Join me as we dive into smart planning and breaking down goals into manageable tasks or mini art practices.