New Year, New You: Creative Resolutions That Stick
So many of us, myself included, sit down this week to make a list of resolutions for next year. But they don’t often stick. Am I right?
We’re human. We think, “Hey this would be a great idea,” but the next minute we can’t even remember what that life-changing idea was. Everyone does it - I’m guilty too!
Resolutions are usually a reaction to something we don’t want in our lives. For example, we don’t want high cholesterol, a cluttered closet or to feel lonely, so we resolve to eat better, clean out our junk and spend more time with family and friends (click here for America’s Top Resolutions in 2019).
Those are all great resolutions, but I can help you make them better.
First, I suggest that instead of thinking about what you don’t want in your life, think about what you DO want. Here’s an example:
So many of my students are “closet creatives,” meaning you love to be creative but because you were told by a teacher or parent that you couldn’t draw or create, you hid your creativity for years. After all that hiding, you are yearning to let your creativity out!
You can make a positive resolution to be more creative. Instead of focusing on what you think you can’t do (“I can’t draw,”), let’s focus on making more of what you can do.
Next, make a SMART goal. When you use the SMART guidelines, your goals are easier to achieve because they are defined. SMART stands for:
S – Specific (or Significant)
M – Measurable (or Meaningful)
A – Attainable (or Action-Oriented)
R – Relevant (or Rewarding)
T – Time-bound (or Trackable)
(read here for more on creating SMART goals and other tips for making resolutions that stick)
The last thing to make a great New Year’s resolution is to keep your SMART goals written and visible. Write about your goals and don’t leave out the juicy details. Experts at Forbes.com says that “people who very vividly describe or picture their goals are anywhere from 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to successfully accomplish them.”
Keep your written description in a place where you can see it most of your day. Place post-its around your home, make it your home screen on your phone and computer, set note reminders throughout the day that will re-send you your description. You’ll be forced to constantly check in with yourself and ask, “Am I moving toward my goals today?”
If you keep your goals visible, you are more likely to take action that brings you closer to achieving them. After a while, looking at the piece of paper will create hardwiring in your brain and you will just remember them automatically.
I love supporting creatives and helping you achieve your goals. I believe that creating things is a unique expression of ourselves and gives joy to us and to others around you. If you are considering nurturing your creative side as a New Year’s resolution, I really encourage you to do it! Make your SMART goals and start creating!
One of the things I love about making creativity a priority is that your creativity gives back to you. You will never regret developing your creative talents (even if you don’t consider yourself “creative”).
This article lists 10 ways being creative changes your life:
It makes us present
It helps us play
It improves our relationships
It opens the door to new opportunities
It lifts depression (and anxiety)
It’s always new
It helps us get out of our own way
It helps build our intuition
It builds character
It adds more joy to the world
Don't wait any longer to jump into your creativity. If you feel a pull toward paying more attention to your creative side, let it shine! Make that commitment to learn a new creative skill or do more creative things this year! You won’t regret it.
I am so glad I followed my dream and started a creative business. And I have the perfect opportunity for you right now.
If you want to start a creative business, or have always dreamed of putting your designs on fabrics, or want to learn what surface pattern design is all about, sign up for my free LIVE workshop: From Doodles to Dollars.
So many new year's resolutions are reactionary and you’ll forget them two weeks later. Think about it, how many times have you gone to the gym for two weeks, and never again after that? I’ve done it!
Decide to lean into your creativity and sign up for my Doodles to Dollars Workshop and learn incredibly valuable skills that will bring you joy in 2020. Think of how accomplished you’ll feel and all the possibilities! No prior experience is required.
Here’s what past students have to say:
“This workshop made me realize how much I’ve missed creating and being around people with the same passion. I’m not usually someone who interacts online but everyone taking this workshop was so supportive and I loved seeing everyone’s work progress. Thank you again Anne for offering this opportunity to learn a new skill.” - Tamerie
“This workshop exceeded my expectations. You made it really simple and you are great and kind!” - Farah
“Everything about this workshop was outstanding, from sketching the design, to importing it into Illustrator, to using Illustrator to trace and then make the patterns. I liked how student designs were used when you did a live demos.” - Lori
“I liked Anne's enthusiasm most and I also loved creating my first repeating pattern! Thank you Anne, I am so grateful for your time and generosity. Love your kind heart and enthusiasm. :)” - Sharon
“What I liked best was Anne's upbeat and positive personality. Her belief in her students success is very inspiring! I loved that she gave different examples when talking about repeats.” - Amanda
Don’t wait. Sign up today. Everything starts on January 9th and you don’t want to miss it!
Remember,
It’s Never Too Late to Create
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MEET ANNE
Hi…I’m Anne!
My creative inspiration comes from a lifetime of observation. I grew up in Paris on the Place St. Sulpice and walked to school through the Luxembourg gardens. And that was only the beginning… Learn more by watching the video on my About page.
