January 12, 2025

Thoughts as we approach the halfway point of January:

I dissolved my business last year but I never did actively pursue the business side of art.

Today I registered a new business name, Sticks and Stones Studio, with the intent of attending a local art fair or two. This will mean I will need to figure out a setup and have some inventory.

For each random idea, there needs to be a list of tasks to complete. Producing new work is merely one aspect of getting this underway. I must also think about the business aspect of this venture, and I am putting together my list accordingly.

I am writing this as both a reminder to myself at where I am starting, and in hope that someone might gain courage to take the leap from part-time creator to independent business entrepreneur.

Cheers! Today I place a tentative foot forward.

Starting a New Year - 2025

New Year Goals - Bite-Sized Tasks

It's that time again, when many people focus on their "to do" list for the year ahead. This can often mean fitness goals, small promises to ourselves to improve financial responsibility, establishing new routines for a healthier life, or being mindful of those emotional cycles that cause us more grief than benefit.

I think it's always a good idea to set goals, but I believe the mistake that people often make is not developing a plan to make those goals a reality. Often, people become overwhelmed with the end result instead of taking small steps forward. A small tip is to be patient with yourself. Creating a journal where you can write a plan to accomplish steps towards your goal is an excellent way to keep yourself accountable. For example, say your goal is to lose 10 pounds. Try writing a plan to accomplish this goal and do not expect to lose it all in a couple months. Track your calories and macros, get your steps in, lift weights and make room to enjoy a treat once in a while.

As for me, I have a few things in the works. I plan on writing down my plans to make those initial steps toward these bite-sized tasks. Once I write them down, I will post them where they are visible, lest I forget (because I am getting old).

Happy New Year!