Looking forward with a theme.
I’m not big on resolutions, but I have come to appreciate the concept of a yearly theme that can help guide one’s decisions and assist in keeping things heading in an intentional direction for the year. Myke Hurley and CGP Grey have spoken a lot about this on their Cortex podcast (highly recommended). The concept of a yearly theme is to choose a word or phrase that represents an overarching focus. As you move throughout the year, you can keep tabs on whether you’re staying focused on your higher-level theme and whether or not your accomplishments and energy are helping you on a path towards desired outcomes.
The Year of Balance
For me, I’ve chosen the year of balance as my 2022 theme.
In 2021 I did a pretty good job of keeping things going from an operational standpoint. Emails got answered. Gigs got booked. The newsletter got sent. Chores got done around the house. I was solid as I worked in my business and other areas of life. But I neglected many aspects of working on my business (and family, and hobbies).
This coming year, I’m focusing on balance. Yes, the day-to-day work still needs to happen. But I also need to keep the bigger picture in sight. I need to work toward not just operational success, but longer-term growth. Specifically, I’m looking at four areas for the new year:
- Launching a new line of business, the fine art venture that I’ve been kicking around haphazardly for about nine months.
- Maintaining and refining operational efficiency in my existing business areas (photography, writing, and speaking).
- Ensuring meaningful, intentional time spent with my family each day.
- Diving into a hobby. I have a bad habit of turning hobbies into businesses. I need something just for fun. I have an idea I’m exploring.
My theme of balance applies both within each of these areas, but also between them. If I excel at one but neglect the rest, that’s problematic.
I’m not really a journaling guy, but I did purchase the Theme System Journal to help me track and focus. We’ll see if that sticks, or if I develop an alternate method to stay true to my intended path. My plan is to share how things are going quarterly with folks who are in the loop. A bit of a public face helps keep me accountable, right?
Do you have a theme, plan, or resolutions for your photography ventures this coming year? I’d love to hear where you’re headed.
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