Last week I encouraged you to take time from your bustling schedule to celebrate all of your accomplishments from 2007. As promised, I did the same and wrote about it on the blog: http://www.artbizblog.com . If you haven’t celebrated your 2007 accomplishments, I hope you’ll take the time to do that. You’re going to be pleasantly surprised at your progress.

Now it’s time to look forward. It’s the time when pressure stampedes at you from all directions to set goals. Set goals, make a plan, and clarify your vision. This works for some people, but is too linear or restrictive for others. This year, try planning your wins instead. Take that list I gave you last week (also available as a podcast on the Art Biz Blog) and turn it around to plan ahead for your 2008 wins. You don’t want to leave your success to chance.

Ready?

How will you promote your art consistently?
What new ideas or tools will you try?
What will you do to amplify your online presence?
What technological skills do you need to learn or improve?
How many people would you like to add to your mailing list?
What cool or influential people in your community would you like to meet?
What printed marketing piece do you need to create or revamp?
What medium or skill will you attempt or master?
What will you try that is completely new?
What have you been procrastinating because it’s uncomfortable, but you know it will be good for you?
What art events, galleries, and museums will you plan to visit?
How will you improve your studio habits?
What books do you need to read to help your career? ( Hey! The pre-publication special offer for “I’d Rather Be in the Studio!” runs out at the end of the year. Take a look: http://artbizcoach.com/sale.html  )
What seminars/workshops/lectures will you attend?
What organizations will you join or become involved with?
What grants/honors/awards will you apply for or receive? Getting the application completed is a win in itself.
What articles would you like to see written about your work?
What galleries, exhibits, or other venues will you submit your art to?
Where can you save a wad of money?
What is the single thing you can do in 2008 that will move your career ahead the fastest?

Once again, I’ll be working on my list along with you. I’ll be at my desk, with the usual candle lighting and inspirational music, on Thursday, December 27 from 10 a.m. to noon Mountain Time. I hope you’ll join me.