Shhhhh!!!
Keep your goals to yourself.
I know in January 2023 people are busy sharing their plans, goals, and to-do lists for the new year as we speak. But, can I let you in on a secret? Sharing your goals with friends on social media might do you more harm than good. I can only speak from experience but, I have seen first hand from watching others that this strategy is not ideal. Of course, as an artist and a business owner, I can only speak on this from my own perspective but, I have seen too many artists not achieving their goals at all. I'm not saying that if you don't fulfill your goals you will be kicked out of the art circle. I am only suggesting that as a business owner, it is wise to do as you say.
Your reputation proceeds you
The thing about telling others your plans is that they will take you at your word. They will believe you. They will expect to see something from you eventually. And when they don't, that's when they will not take you seriously. Now, I know you're probably thinking that it's not always about what other people think but more what you think of yourself. True! You shouldn't bother with what other people think or say about you. However, as artists/entrepreneurs/self-employed individuals, reputation is very important. Let's say for instance, an artist on YouTube announces that there will be a free drawing lesson that will be posted on their website in the next couple of days. Let's say it's someone well known like Stephen Silver, for example. Wouldn't you feel sad if he never publishes a free lesson like he said he would with no explanation? Would you trust him again? A promise was made and then it was broken. And that is something you do not want to happen in your art business. Even if you do not have a business, you as an individual artist would want your family/friends/followers to trust you. Once that trust is gone, it is hard to earn it back. People need to see that you are a man/woman of your word. So don't say anything until you are absolutely ready.
The less others know the better
It's okay to have goals. As a matter of fact, it's recommended to have them. But, in most cases, its best to keep them to yourself (especially the important ones that are most precious to you). That's what I did and I found that took away the pressure of fulfilling something in front of other people. Making an announcement saying that you are going to draw everyday in 2023 can be thrilling and exciting at first. But, I guarantee that drive will not last. Instead, focus on doing more and saying less. For example, my goal last year was to get better at drawing the human figure. But I didn't tell anyone. I did not even write it down or post it on social media. I just went to work. And as the months went by, I realized that I was not worried about the plan or the outcome. Looking back I can see how my plans came to fruition as I continued practicing with discipline and effort. Sure there were days when I couldn't practice sketching. There were days where I did not want to draw at all. But that was something I had to deal with on my own because there was no one else holding me accountable. It was just me and the Lord. Before you know it, I was fulfilling my goal without even much thought. I knew what I was trying to achieve but it was in the back of my mind. I was on fire. All the drawings that I posted on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are not even half all of the drawings I've done last year. I was completely focused on my goal and less on trying to show others. It honestly takes away the pressure of having to post all the time on Instagram. There is a greater, deeper sense of fulfillment you get when you accomplish a goal and you have no one other than the Almighty God to thank.
Your eyes only
That leads me to my next point. Make sure you write your goals down. I use a weekly/monthly planner to keep track of my to-do list. This planner should be for your eyes only. Do not share your written goals/plans with anyone. Especially, if they are specific to your future. Give general goals if asked but, details should remain private. Organize your schedule according to your own personal traits. Are you a morning person or a night person? Do you draw during lunch breaks at work/school or maybe while traveling on the bus or train? Do you have a portfolio? Perhaps it is time for you to start developing one. How many sketchbooks should I have completed in 6 months? Things like that you should be thinking about in the new year. Things will go smoother for you in the long run when you have a plan.
My plans were strategic yet flexible. Drawing the human figure was difficult. However, I kept practicing because I was determined to get better. I figured out ways to make it fun other than just sketching models on the internet. If you are subscribed to my YouTube channel you will see I started sketching my favourite athletes as a way to practice sketching the human figure. This turned out to be a fun idea as I was really enjoying what I was drawing. I did not have 'draw favourite athletes' written down in my planner on January 2022. All I knew was that I am going to get better at drawing the human figure with accurate proportions. However, I was getting bored of drawing the same types of figures and searched for other areas that was more unique and fun to me. Even though the method changed, I was still completing my plans of drawing the human figure. I did the work. And that's how it has been in 2022 for me.
I have a YouTube video sharing more about what my plans were last year. Have a look!
Start the year off with your plan
We live in an era now where the need to share everything about what you are doing is an absolute must. Believe me, the older you get, the more you will treasure those art goals and dreams you have by keeping them to yourself. Not everyone will agree that you can accomplish them. Which is why it is best to do the work instead. All those followers you have on social media don't need to know everything about your goals or how you are going to accomplish them. However, they will see you accomplish them when you finally bring share your art (whatever medium it is) to the world.
You're not achieving your art goals for them. You are doing it for you (and the Lord).
Take it one day at a time. Have discipline. Have the right attitude. Concentrate on what you are doing. Results will follow.
Have a Happy New Year! And I'll see you soon.
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