December is the month I begin to look at the goals and affirmations I made back in January to see what the year has brought; what I have accomplished and what I want to create for myself in the coming year. It’s the time of year I also look at my business and write my new year’s business plan. Now, if you own your own business, you can understand how this can sometimes be an overwhelming task. In fact, if you are a creative soul, like myself, it tends to be one to be avoided at all costs. We like to make it up as we go, be a free spirit! However, this I believe, is the kind of thinking that has tagged artists with the saying, “The Starving Artist”. I for one, do not subscribe to the starving artist way of being and am here to say, “You are the creator of your own life.” When my art students begin to show signs of intimidation in their own ability to be creative, I am known to say, “You are the boss of your own painting!” They then look at me and smile and sit up with a renewed confidence that they are indeed a creator.
So just how does the artist or creative person write a business plan or set goals? Just like everyone else - one dream at a time. The first thing I do is forget about my business and just focus on what I want in my life. My business is a means to support the life I want to create for myself. Last year I discovered the E-Myth Business Coach website and delved into some very helpful questions listed there. By answering these questions I was able to see with more clarity into the purpose of my life. It made writing my business plan so much easier. Whether you are a business owner, a student or just simply trying to set goals for your life, I think the following questions are ones that will help you be “the creator of your own life”.
What do I want in my life? What don’t I want in my life?
How do I want my life to be on a day-to-day basis?
What would I like to be doing two years from now? Ten years from now? Twenty years from now?
Of all the things on my life, what has given me the most satisfaction or pleasure?
What if I had everything I ever wanted; what would get me out of bed in the morning?
Ready? Go forth into the New Year creating the life YOU want and remember, “You are the boss of your own painting!”
Colleen Sgroi is a teaching artist and owner of Colleen Sgroi Gallery & Art Classes, 12 Andover Road, Billerica, MA You can call her at 978-667-1009 or email her at colleen@colleensgroi.com or visit her website at www.colleensgroi.com
