A word about goals. Setting them, working toward them, getting (and staying) focused. The word is: YES.
In my last post I wrote about trying to become more focused on my goals. I needed to shake off the glow and haze of summer that left me a little fuzzy on what was ahead for me. I woke up and saw that each day passes and I really want to make them count - to have something to show for those 24 hours.
So I wrote a post about setting goals. And guess what happened?
In my last post I wrote about trying to become more focused on my goals. I needed to shake off the glow and haze of summer that left me a little fuzzy on what was ahead for me. I woke up and saw that each day passes and I really want to make them count - to have something to show for those 24 hours.
So I wrote a post about setting goals. And guess what happened?
I wrote the "set goals" post and then went about my day. At some point the next day, I thought , “Gee, you should really put your money where your mouth is and actually set some goals.” So I did. And it was fantastic. It was just the little kick in the booty I needed.
I set goals for my creative business – Infinite 8 Creative. Very specific production goals like: by November 15 (in anticipation of the holiday season) I will have made 30 new scarves and 30 new headbands (that’s my thing these days: scarves, and headbands.) Then, I got more specific. I worked out how many scarves and headbands I needed to make per day, over several weeks. In my planning I left time in my days to do other things (like laundry. That’s a big theme for me.) I left time to spend with my family, time to exercise, time to take photos of my creations and list them on my Etsy site. I was so very specific with this goal list.
And at the end of this list I wrote:
Look into craft fair - too late?
and
One new product
Setting these goals was not easy. It was difficult to imagine myself following the path I was laying out. If I wrote it down, then it’s real. And what if… I didn’t achieve the goals? What if I pooped out part way down the path and got distracted by illness, or chocolate, or something shiny? What kind of loser would I be then?
But I wrote them down despite the uncertainty. I even shared them with my husband, which is big because if I tell him, then he’s going to ask me how it’s going and I want to have a good answer to that question. That very morning opened my box of unfinished scarves. The material was cut and even pinned, just waiting for the sewing machine. I finished those up and set out to take photos to upload to Etsy.
Once on Etsy, I got my very first email through the site. Someone local was organizing a Holiday Boutique in Concord (the town right next to mine) on November 16 and asked if I would like to participate. Don’t forget that I said I wanted to complete the production goal by November 15.
With my jaw still hanging open I went to tell my husband. And he said, in his very mellow matter-of-fact way, “Well, you can’t say no. You wrote it down and now here it is. And you’ll be ready for it.”
So I’m doing my first-ever Craft Fair. (I'll share more details about the Holiday Boutique soon) I’m excited and scared and dazed and confused. Luckily I have smart and wonderful friends to call/email with newbie questions like: how much change do I need? And: should I offer free candy?
I set goals for my creative business – Infinite 8 Creative. Very specific production goals like: by November 15 (in anticipation of the holiday season) I will have made 30 new scarves and 30 new headbands (that’s my thing these days: scarves, and headbands.) Then, I got more specific. I worked out how many scarves and headbands I needed to make per day, over several weeks. In my planning I left time in my days to do other things (like laundry. That’s a big theme for me.) I left time to spend with my family, time to exercise, time to take photos of my creations and list them on my Etsy site. I was so very specific with this goal list.
And at the end of this list I wrote:
Look into craft fair - too late?
and
One new product
Setting these goals was not easy. It was difficult to imagine myself following the path I was laying out. If I wrote it down, then it’s real. And what if… I didn’t achieve the goals? What if I pooped out part way down the path and got distracted by illness, or chocolate, or something shiny? What kind of loser would I be then?
But I wrote them down despite the uncertainty. I even shared them with my husband, which is big because if I tell him, then he’s going to ask me how it’s going and I want to have a good answer to that question. That very morning opened my box of unfinished scarves. The material was cut and even pinned, just waiting for the sewing machine. I finished those up and set out to take photos to upload to Etsy.
Once on Etsy, I got my very first email through the site. Someone local was organizing a Holiday Boutique in Concord (the town right next to mine) on November 16 and asked if I would like to participate. Don’t forget that I said I wanted to complete the production goal by November 15.
With my jaw still hanging open I went to tell my husband. And he said, in his very mellow matter-of-fact way, “Well, you can’t say no. You wrote it down and now here it is. And you’ll be ready for it.”
So I’m doing my first-ever Craft Fair. (I'll share more details about the Holiday Boutique soon) I’m excited and scared and dazed and confused. Luckily I have smart and wonderful friends to call/email with newbie questions like: how much change do I need? And: should I offer free candy?
Some of the more recent additions to my store. There are a flock of bird ornaments you should see!
Some people say “Oh, I’m not a believer in magical thinking.” Not me! I never really say that. I’m pretty much a believer. I also believe in setting concrete goals and creating a plan to reach those goals. And then it’s up to me to move forward, but I also believe that there’s something else to it. Magic? Maybe. The power of positive thinking? Sure. It’s also a lot about focus.
Whatever it is, I’m going with it. I’m going to keep looking at that little scrap of paper and keep my eye on the goals.
And… I’m going to set new, dare I say "more lofty", goals. It’s exciting stuff!
Now, back to the sewing machine – thwack! (that is the sound of a whip cracking.)
Before you go, leave a comment about your goals. Have you set them? Have you written them down and shared them? How are they working for you?
Mary
Whatever it is, I’m going with it. I’m going to keep looking at that little scrap of paper and keep my eye on the goals.
And… I’m going to set new, dare I say "more lofty", goals. It’s exciting stuff!
Now, back to the sewing machine – thwack! (that is the sound of a whip cracking.)
Before you go, leave a comment about your goals. Have you set them? Have you written them down and shared them? How are they working for you?
Mary
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