Acknowledge yourself and celebrate!

You’ve been going at it all year! “Do this, try that,” I advise. But then you look at everything left on your task list and become discouraged.

TIME OUT! Instead of thinking about what you still want to accomplish, consider acknowledging all you have done. Take time to write down your accomplishments for 2008.

This is an annual tradition that I started with the newsletter a number of years ago. I do it for myself, too. Those who record what they have gotten done during the year tell me it’s a powerful exercise.

It’s easy! Start now. Don’t try to do it all at once, but dedicate a page in your journal or a document on your computer. I recommend writing it all out by hand.

Here is an inventory of questions to get you started. In 2008 . . .

Lyndal Hargrave, Harmony. Driftwood, screws, and glue, 82 x 82 x 82 centimeters. ©The Artist Photograph by Carl Warner

How did you promote your art? (Check out I’d Rather Be in The Studio! for ideas. The Big Book Sale ends December 21!)
What did you do to enhance your online presence?
What technological skills did you learn or improve?
How many people did you add to your mailing list?
Who were the top ten cool or influential people you met?
Whom did you mentor or help out?
Did you create a new business card, portfolio, or other marketing piece?
What medium or skill did you attempt or master?
What did you try that was completely new?
What did you try that was uncomfortable, but helped you grow?
What worthy cause did you support in some way?
What new art events, galleries, and museums did you visit?
What resources did you discover?
How did you improve your studio habits?
What books did you read to help your career? What videos or films were useful?
What seminars/workshops/lectures did you attend or teach?
How did you enhance your office or studio environment?
What organizations were you involved with?
What grants/honors/awards did you receive?
What articles were written about your work?
What exhibits, grants, contest, etc. did you submit your art to?
Where did you save a wad of money?
What was the single best thing that happened to your art career in 2008?

After you’ve written everything down, give thanks. Be grateful for the energy you found, the people you came across, and the experiences you learned from. Then . . .

Celebrate!

KNOW THIS———-~> There will always be more stuff to do.

THINK ABOUT THIS—~> If you don’t acknowledge your accomplishments, who will?

DO THIS————~> Acknowledge yourself for everything you have accomplished in 2008 and celebrate your wins. This is such an important exercise that I advise carving out time on your calendar. Think about joining me to kick up some group energy . . .