September 19, 2005

I was reminded this week about the power of 1) setting goals; 2) writing them down; and 3) sharing them.

As you undoubtedly know by now, last fall, Bruce Baker and I set up a business partnership of sorts. In about six weeks, he'll be coming to Golden to give a workshop. He's been to the area before, but was disappointed in the attendance last time. I was determined not to allow that to happen again.
 
I wrote, at the time, that I wanted 100 artists from 10 states to attend our two-day workshop. Well, we're six weeks out and we already have 90 artists from 9 states! I am so excited to have all of this talent in one room for two days and can just imagine the connections that will be made over the course of the weekend.
 
Here's the trick . . .
 
I didn't just write down my goal and keep it to myself. I told people my exact goal and I got a room big enough to accommodate 100+ people comfortably. In other words, I envisioned our success.
 
Everyone needs to do this. It not only helps to align the stars in your favor, it gives you purpose and direction. Since writing down the goals for my book proposal (self-imposed deadline: December 31), I have also had an easier time saying "no" to things. I know that my book is the most important goal for the near future. If I don't make it a priority, it simply won't happen.
 
What is your BHAG (big, hairy, audacious goal) for the next year? Gallery representation? Teaching a workshop? Writing an article? Producing a new body of work? Now is your chance to write it down and share it with the world on the Art Biz Blog. (You'll also find more ideas and resources for setting goals.)
 
Goal setting is also part of Setting Up Your Art Business, which begins next Monday:
http://www.artbizcoach.com/classes/settingup.shtml