I was going to write two posts (one about last year and one about this year), but since I see this new “word of the year” thing being a regular yearly occurence I might as well just lump it together in one big thought bubble.
If you don’t know about my “Word of the Year” – check out my sidebar. This was inspired by Christine Kane (who I’m a regular follower if not paid recipient of her coaching – yet) – she inspired me last year with the idea of a “word” instead of a New Year’s Resolution. I like the “word of the year” because, unlike a brief resolutino which is made and quickly broken, this is a way to check in with yourself and see what kind of progress you are making throughout the year.
My choice for last year’s word was “Discipline” – in reading through my post at the beginning of the year I realize that that not only was what I needed, but I also really accomplished what I set out to do.
My goal was based on the fact that as a stay at home Mom I had been able to pursue flights of fancy and never really stay focused on anything – just getting through the day. I also admit that I’ve always lacked discipline. I needed – with a new and growing business – to be able to set out to actually accomplish specific things during the day and hold myself accountable if they didn’t happen.
What’s cool is I really accomplished this.
But I really accomplished more. I journaled all year (something I’ve never done – I’ve done it and lost interest and started a new journal book) – my journal changed, but I kept doing it. I did the “yucky” jobs and a lot of fun ones too, but I accomplished a lot. I also – finally at the end of the year – quit “taking days off” and blowing off work completely. I still let myself “ebb and flow” (see my post about ADHD) but I work every day and if something needs doing I see it through to the end.
The only place I really feel like I didn’t totally accomplish this was in my artwork. Which leads me to this year’s “word”:
Focus.
I start new projects ALL the time. I have lots and lots of little strings of things that I pursue and then lose interest in and get lost. One of these things I had been pursuing was writing a book. I have no idea about what, but you know what? I’m really not that great of a writer and it’s really NOT my passion. What AM I passionate about?
My work/company, my family and my art. So, I’m really going to focus on these things.
My current two main blogs – this one and my Midcentury style blog.
Then my business – which is always primary…food, clothing and shelter being not only necessary but the basis of our existence….the great news? I love what I do, so this one isn’t too hard. However, keeping our company focused is also always a big challenge. We’ve had a ton of growth and change the last year and I now need to manage that and make sure it doesn’t go off in 50,000 directions along with my head!
Last my fiber art. I spent the last year finishing projects. Some I will NEVER do again – but some I’ve really loved. I also still have several unfinished projects I need to complete. My HUGE goal this year is the 2010 Bead Journal Project which sets the monumental goal (you really have to know me here) of finishing a project EVERY month! HUGE!
I’m also going to start focusing my art. Little by little I want to take the projects I have been working on, finish them or abandon them and begin focusing myself into an artist with a purpose. I have spent years now exploring different medium and I think I have mastered a few of these well enough to pursue my artistic direction through them.
I think (more to come on this – ha ha).
Anyway, there’s my huge big announcement for the year – wish me luck! One of the reasons I adore blogging is it holds me accountable. I’ll put up something I’ve been working on for years and my readers will say “what, that? Heck, I thought you finished that long ago?” Or give me support with a new direct, or many other feedback. But I really love looking back through my life the last 5 years and seeing where I’ve been and where I’m headed.
Happy 2010 everyone! I think this is going to be a great year!
