by Kathy Gulrich
 

I'm convinced that the best planning we do happens when we're in the most positive space.  That's why I encourage you to focus on your accomplishments, and celebrate your successes, before thinking about what comes next.

From there, inspiration, ideas and solutions just seem to flow.

(If you find yourself caught up in the negative, you might want to read "Ring Out the Old Year...." from last month's newsletter before continuing on.)

So what would you really like to do this year?  What would make you really proud?  And my favorite question:  What would make you deliriously happy?  

Chances are, you'll have more than a couple of answers.  And that's a good thing.

For now, though, choose just one.  Write it down.  And take it through the rest of this article...
 

1 - Be really specific about what you want

No matter how hard I try to rationalize it, I know my work hours are way too long, and I want to cut down.  

Of course, I don't want to drop any of the cool projects I've got in the works.  And since my bills aren't likely to disappear this year, I'd like to cut down my hours without earning any less.

So that means I've got to work a whole lot smarter.  And maybe even delegate some tasks.  

In terms of time, I'm looking to gain at least 3-4 hours a week.  

Before you read further, I hope you'll take a minute or two to make your goal very specific:
 

• I'll sell my first painting by the end of June, vs. I'll start selling my paintings
• I'll visit two new galleries every month, vs. I'll get out to galleries as often as I can
• I'll increase my sales by at least 20% this year, vs. I'll earn more 

The more specific your goal, the more easily you can create ways support it.  
 

2 - Build on what's already working

You wouldn't have made it to where you are now without doing many things right!  One way to support your goal is to build on what's already working.  

For example, I've developed a very clear process for fulfilling Internet book orders (an example of something that's already working).  How might I change or improve the process so that I can spend less time on it?  

A few ideas that could help:
 

• Instead of fulfilling orders as soon as they come in, I might do them in batches
• Figure out how to export address information from my website shopping cart directly onto mailing labels
• Pre-purchase larger quantities of stamps and mailing supplies
• Prepare a supply of mailing envelopes with return address labels and postage affixed

How will you build on what's already working with your goal?  

(Yes, I suggest you write down some ideas before you read on....)
 

3 - Find support - or create some of your own

We often think of support as coming from people (family, friends, colleagues) - or from organizations (your workplace, church, etc.).  And it certainly can!

I might hire an assistant to fulfill my book orders, for example.  Ask a friend to help out.  Or have a book distributor handle it for me.  

When looking for support, however, don't stop with people.  Take a look at virtually everything around you, and experiment with what you can change - or add - or remove - to reach your goal more easily: 
 

• Where do you do your best work?  Indoors or out?  Near others or alone?
• How might you improve your studio space (or office, or living space) to reach your goal more easily?
• When do you have the most energy?  How could you take advantage of this?
• Is there something you need to stop doing?  Or do more often?
• When are you most creative?  What fuels your creativity?  What keeps your ideas flowing?  How might you capitalize on this?
• Do you need additional resources (money, expertise, space, etc.)?  Where will you find them?  How will you use them?

Every time you make a change that's aligned with your goal, you're that much closer to reaching it.  More easily, to boot!

Now might be a great time to get started....