20 Goals for ’09 Recap and Keeping It Real in 2010

If any of you read my blog last January, I had posted twenty pretty lofty goals to accomplish in 2009. Some were business related, some were personal, but I was gonna do my darndest to get ‘em done. All twenty of ‘em…plus hold down a full-time job, work as a part-time photographer, take photography classes, be a good wife/daughter/friend, play with my dog, exercise, eat right, sleep, and breathe (not necessarily in that order).

My husband, when I proudly told him of my monumental manifesto, said to me, “Twenty goals for this year? Don’t you think that’s a lot?”

“Pffft…whatever,” I replied. That was way back in January 2009. I had a clean slate with which to work and an “I can do it,  just you wait and see” attitude.

Fast forward to January 2010, and this is all I have to say. “Ahem…” {deep breath and long exhale} “you were right, dear.”

I didn’t even come close.

Out of twenty goals, I attained only two: buy a new computer (my iMac, which was the best decision ever) and photograph a wedding (I was actually chosen to photograph three). One goal had about a 95% success rate, five goals came in under 50%, and the other twelve…let’s just say they got shelved for lack of time and energy. You know, the proverbial “bit off more than I could chew” scenario.

This year, I’m taking a different approach.

“A goal is a dream with a deadline.” – Napolean Hill

Starting in January, I will choose to focus on two goals per month. If I complete them by the end of the month, I will post two new ones in February. If not, I will not choose new goals until I complete the original ones. I realize that this limits me to short-term goals, but one of my long-term goals is to finish what I start before I move on to other projects…another suggestion from my ever so practical husband. So, in a way, I’ll really be working on three goals total…should be a bit more manageable, don’t ya think?

Therefore, I give to you my first TWO goals for the month of January 2010:

1.  Update my website with all of last year’s sessions, as well as my “fine art prints” which will be available for sale…here is a sneak preview of one image that will be part of the collection:

2.  Order two sample albums to show to prospective customers.

I’ve got 25 days and counting; I have to admit the burden doesn’t feel nearly as heavy as it did at this time last year. Self-imposition is a terrible thing. So is lofty goal setting and an “I’ll do it, just you wait and see” attitude. Here’s to keeping it real in 2010!