You may already know this about me, but New Years Day is my favorite holiday. I like to spend the day relaxing and planning ahead for the year. I actually usually take a whole week to declutter, organize, clean, and plan. I made a post like this last year, but I’m going to do it again, for my new friends and just to reinforce my process for myself
words
Instead of New Years resolutions, I like to give myself a word to focus on for the year. It’s not a goal or a mantra or an affirmation. It’s just a word. But words are powerful and hold a lot of meaning for me. 2019 was Satisfied. 2018 was Generous. This year is Nope. It’s a word I’ve been thinking a lot about over the last few months. Especially in the form of consent. It is inherently negative, but for me it’s more about self-definition and staying true to myself. Saying no to opportunities, people, or items that don’t serve me. Simplifying my life and saying yes to things that matter. It’s a little silly, but it’s a good strong word.
goals
Of course, I do set goals for myself and my business. But first, I take some time and think over the last year and write down everything I’ve accomplished, big and small, personal and business. I take this pretty seriously because throughout the year I get stressed out and put a lot of pressure on myself, and tend to forget to celebrate my accomplishments. I go through my calendar for the last year and write down all the important things I did, like travel, getting tattoos, running half marathons, doing art shows, and getting my work into new galleries.
After I write down all my accomplishments, I write down all my goals for the coming year. I get really specific with them, categorize them, and set deadlines for them if applicable. I like to dream big, even if I don’t think I’ll be able to achieve it in the coming year. Last year a wrote “get an electric keyboard” on my goal list, and I did it! I go over my finances for the last year, create a new budget, and set monthly goals for my business.
lists
Two of my favorite things do to are make to-do lists, and then cross things off them. At the beginning of the year I make a week by week to-do list and plan out everything. Blog posts, newsletters, marketing plans, show applications, bills, taxes, budgeting. Everything goes on the list at regular intervals so I (hopefully) never forget to do something important and have to do the last-minute-scramble. I love being able to cross things off, even if they’re easy tasks. I also make daily to-do lists on post-it notes. I write “today” and today’s date on the top, to encourage me to actually get everything done that day.
schedule
I love calendaring. I make a very detailed weekly schedule. It includes sleep, exercise, meals, and of course my admin and studio time. I give myself specific admin tasks for each day and write them on my schedule before hand, so I don’t have to sit in front of my computer wondering what I should work on. I like to get the most import things done first. I try to get my computer work done as quick as possible so I can get to my studio and work.
clean up
Before I start any work, I throughly clean my apartment and studio. I go through all my paperwork and supplies, and inventory all my finished pieces. This way, I know where I’m starting from and don’t have any clutter in my way. I got rid of so much stuff over the holidays - clothes, kitchen supplies, jewelry supplies, and even my old bike. It felt good to release things that I was no longer using. I also print out all my goals, lists, and schedules, and tape them to my wall.
I’m so excited to get creative this year. Happy new year!
