Cloverdew Creative

Evaluation and refocusing are two essential pieces to accomplishing goals, especially for someone like me, who often comes up with tons of creative ideas, but never seems to have the energy to complete them all.

Last week, I posted regarding my goals for 2010 and the plans in place to achieve those goals. This week, I reflect on what’s worked, what hasn’t and where to go from here. I am doing this with just a few simple steps.

1. Review my best laid plans to remind myself of all the things I want to accomplish, both large and small.
2. Assess which goal paths I have been following and how much progress I have made.
3. Look for other goal path opportunities.
4. Act.

Learn

Assessment: I have utilized my free time very well and integrated learning into my work life with much success. I have accomplished a lot in the way of reading (books and blogs). I have deepened and broadened professional relationships, both through my office and no my own. I am extremely grateful to have a great new mentor and other professionals in my network whom I consider positive influencers, teachers, and colleagues. I’ve discovered areas of interest I didn’t know I had, uncovered talents and built skills I didn’t think I had the capacity for.  I view every challenge as a learning opportunity. I’m grateful and determined, working hard on every creative project and taking every chance to develop skills as a young professional. I’ve started journaling (on paper, in ink) again, launched this new blog to catalogue my progress in creative ventures and I am keeping the conversation going on the creative process across disciplines and fields and various platforms. I haven’t made it to any of the finish lines for my learning goals, but I’ve made huge strides.

Next step: I need to get out that 35 mm film camera and take some photos!

Create

Assessment: I’ve started this new blog about the creative process and have been successful with posting fairly regularly. I’ve cleaned out old clothing and have a huge pile of things to donate to charity… soon it will be time to make my own pieces. Though I haven’t completely succeeded here, I’m encouraged to do more the second half of the year. I’m excited about more opportunities to create blog content, my own clothing, jewelry for my roommate (who’s allergic to any metal except for gold), and putting together a cohesive and comprehensive offline journal. I used to carry around a Moleskine, which was not just a journal, but a living piece of art – I’ve started to get back into this practice and it’s amazing what a difference it makes in my life. Even if no one else ever sees it, “Art for art’s sake.”

Next step: Design my logo and put together a site. Completely finish cleaning out my closets and get my art and craft supplies in order in a workspace.

Invest

Assessment: I am doing MUCH better with eating well and have been shopping almost exclusively at the farmer’s market and only at Trader Joe’s aside from that. I have invested money into a personal trainer and this morning I started working out at the gym with her. The monthly membership and training sessions are expensive, but I’m looking forward to getting into shape and staying that way. I felt great this morning and, though I will be sore tomorrow, the investment in my future health is the only motivation I need to keep going. I’ve done a terrible job at keeping track of the accomplishments, but I certainly have been keeping up with the goal of doing something every week that I’m proud of – I think I’m going to start writing them all down for future reference and motivation. As I said above, I’m working on cleaning up and out and getting rid of any clutter (this one still needs quite a bit of work). I’ve been doing great with paying down what little debt I have and hope to continue on that trend throughout the rest of the year.

Next step: Writing in my journal the accomplishments I want to remember, work at better balancing my budget.

Image Credits: Learn – Rachael Ashe; Create – jessica wilson; Invest – connie zhen.

I’d love to know where you are on your goals for the year. How do YOU assess your progress? What adjustments have you made? How do you feel about the rest of the year?

I wrote this post back in January, but considering it’s been almost 6 months since then (oh, MY GOODNESS it’s flown by!), I thought I should post it again as both a reminder to myself what I want to accomplish and a means of checking in on my progress.

The other day, I read a great article on Chris Brogan‘s blog about Wiring Yourself for Success in 2010. He suggests that, instead of making the traditional New Year’s Resolutions and following them up with endless to-do lists, a better alternative is to set goals and lay out mind maps or frameworks for how to accomplish those goals with multiple paths to the same end result. So, instead of laying out resolutions like “lose 30 pounds”, he says he chooses to set a fitness goal and focuses on one word (in this case, active). He then writes out multiple ways, or paths, to achieve this goal and any distractions or obstacles that might prevent him from accomplishing it, then lists out a few steps to take on his path to success, what the “finish line” looks like (3-5 activities a week, looser jeans, a need to go shopping), and ultimately what comes after he has achieved this goal (step up activity level, try something challenging).

Rather than static goals and infinite to-do lists, this approach is accessible and fluid. If you slip up, there’s no need to start over, simply reassess and redirect, keep working your way to that goal. It’s encouraging, motivating, and makes so much sense.

Chris suggests picking three words for the year to start with. Mine will be: Learn, Create, Invest.

Learn

• Goal word: LEARN
• Path 1 to the goal: formal classes (I’m in the process of signing up for graphic design classes)
• Path 2 to the goal: utilize free time
• Path 3 to the goal: integrate into work life
• Distractions: work, other goals, social and leisure activities
• Steps to the path: sign up, work hard in, and excel at online graphic design classes; find free or inexpensive photography tutorials and practice with both digital and 35mm film cameras; read, read, read; observe professionals online and reach out to ask for guidance; work closely with my boss on creative projects and professional development opportunities
• The finish line: working knowledge and understanding of typography and layout in print and online media, five photography sets each with a different concentration (aperture, focus, f-stop, filter, flash, etc.); enough knowledge to push forth and create my own website.
• What’s next: use new knowledge to complete own website, portfolio.

Create

• Goal word: CREATE
• Path 1 to the goal: build own website
• Path 2 to the goal: continue blogging
• Path 3 to the goal: create my own style look
• Distractions/obstacles: time management, lack of patience
• Steps to the path: create a logo for my new online identity/website, layout and design of site, code it, update it; post to blog at least twice each week, keep new and exciting features coming and continue with features which I have already started, keep it fresh and relevant; add at least three home-sewn pieces of clothing to my wardrobe; make at least three pieces of jewelry; clean out any old or outdated pieces and donate to charity; take photos to document looks
• The finish line: a comprehensive, cohesive style and look in person and online; a brand I am proud to push forth in the world
• What’s next: continue to refine look, organize and style home spaces and document with photos, label, periodically refresh look online and in person

Invest

• Goal word: INVEST (I had originally picked “Smart”, but changed it to a verb – I like “doing” words and investing sounds smart, doesn’t it?)
• Path 1 to the goal: invest financially
• Path 2 to the goal: invest my time
• Path 3 to the goal: invest in myself
• Distractions: cash flow, time management, the usual social and leisure distractions
• Steps to the path: eat well (no nitrates, chemicals, preservatives, or hormones, eating a balanced diet, eating often but not lots at once), exercise (walking, biking, and getting out more), learning to view spending money on myself as an investment and not wasteful, do something every week that I can be proud of – whether that’s creating a piece of artwork or excelling at a project at work or donating time or money to a charity I support, spend money and time on quality and not quantity
• The finish line: owning only things that are quality and useful and nothing that can be considered clutter, visible results in health improvement via physical appearance and in hormone test results, a savings account not linked to a checking account that has a small amount in it only used in cases of emergency, a list of accomplishments at the end of 2010 that will challenge me to do even better in 2011
• What’s next: paying down debt on student loans, investing money, a list of equally challenging goals for 2011

Image credits: Learn – Dubio; Create – Thanushyan; Invest – Jordan Liang.

Analysis on my progress with these goals coming soon. In the meantime, I’d love to know what challenges and goals you set out for yourself in 2010. How are you doing with them?

There are several reasons why I like a good challenge:

1. If forces me to think. A good challenge forces me to really think. In order to overcome a challenge, I have to be present, set aside all other projects, and concentrate on the one and only challenge that occupies my brain. It requires a clarity that isn’t always present in the everyday routine. It’s centering, grounding. It draws me from my own selfish thoughts and requires a peace of mind, something that shifts my thought process and makes me a little uncomfortable. A good challenge forces my brain to grow.

2. It forces me to use my resources. When there is a true challenge, I am forced to draw on my knowledge, utilize my skills, pull together my assets and put everything on the table. Not only do I bring my pens and pencils, my everyday experience, but also those untapped springs of talent, those yet unused or undiscovered assets. A good challenge shows me that which I did not know I was capable of.

image from Flip D

3. It forces me to be creative. When a valuable challenge presents itself, not only does it demand time and attention, but it makes all I do take a back seat to the creative process. I have to think outside the box – or reinvent the box – or break down the box altogether – or put the box back together again. A venerable problem or issue is not something I have ever encountered before; it’s something completely new. I like to think of it as an adventure. On this quest, I may surprise myself. Ideas flow forth from that moment of zen, of complete quiet, where my brain has never ventured before. While the process and the solution may well be influenced by past experience, each one is new and completely unique to the situation. A good challenge brings about change.

The other day, I read a great article on Chris Brogan‘s blog about Wiring Yourself for Success in 2010. He suggests that, instead of making the traditional New Year’s Resolutions and following them up with endless to-do lists, a better alternative is to set goals and lay out mind maps or frameworks for how to accomplish those goals with multiple paths to the same end result. So, instead of laying out resolutions like “lose 30 pounds”, he says he chooses to set a fitness goal and focuses on one word (in this case, active). He then writes out multiple ways, or paths, to achieve this goal and any distractions or obstacles that might prevent him from accomplishing it, then lists out a few steps to take on his path to success, what the “finish line” looks like (3-5 activities a week, looser jeans, a need to go shopping), and ultimately what comes after he has achieved this goal (step up activity level, try something challenging).

Rather than static goals and infinite to-do lists, this approach is accessible and fluid. If you slip up, there’s no need to start over, simply reassess and redirect, keep working your way to that goal. It’s encouraging, motivating, and makes so much sense.

Chris suggests picking three words for the year to start with. Mine will be: Learn, Create, Smart.

Learn

• Goal word: LEARN
• Path 1 to the goal: formal classes (I’m in the process of signing up for graphic design classes)
• Path 2 to the goal: utilize free time
• Path 3 to the goal: integrate into work life
• Distractions: work, other goals, social and leisure activities
• Steps to the path: sign up, work hard in, and excel at online graphic design classes; find free or inexpensive photography tutorials and practice with both digital and 35mm film cameras; read, read, read; observe professionals online and reach out to ask for guidance; work closely with my boss on creative projects and professional development opportunities
• The finish line: working knowledge and understanding of typography and layout in print and online media, five photography sets each with a different concentration (aperture, focus, f-stop, filter, flash, etc.); enough knowledge to push forth and create my own website.
• What’s next: use new knowledge to complete own website, portfolio.

Create

• Goal word: CREATE
• Path 1 to the goal: build own website
• Path 2 to the goal: continue blogging
• Path 3 to the goal: create my own style look
• Distractions/obstacles: time management, lack of patience
• Steps to the path: create a logo for my new online identity/website, layout and design of site, code it, update it; post to blog at least twice each week, keep new and exciting features coming and continue with features which I have already started, keep it fresh and relevant; add at least three home-sewn pieces of clothing to my wardrobe; make at least three pieces of jewelry; clean out any old or outdated pieces and donate to charity; take photos to document looks
• The finish line: a comprehensive, cohesive style and look in person and online; a brand I am proud to push forth in the world
• What’s next: continue to refine look, organize and style home spaces and document with photos, label,  periodically refresh look online and in person

Invest

• Goal word: INVEST (I had originally picked “Smart”, but changed it to a verb – I like “doing” words and investing sounds smart, doesn’t it?)
• Path 1 to the goal: invest financially
• Path 2 to the goal: invest my time
• Path 3 to the goal: invest in myself
• Distractions: cash flow, time management, the usual social and leisure distractions
• Steps to the path: eat well (no nitrates, chemicals, preservatives, or hormones, eating a balanced diet, eating often but not lots at once), exercise (walking, biking, and getting out more), learning to view spending money on myself as an investment and not wasteful, do something every week that I can be proud of – whether that’s creating a piece of artwork or excelling at a project at work or donating time or money to a charity I support, spend money and time on quality and not quantity
• The finish line: owning only things that are quality and useful and nothing that can be considered clutter, visible results in health improvement via physical appearance and in hormone test results, a savings account not linked to a checking account that has a small amount in it only used in cases of emergency, a list of accomplishments at the end of 2010 that will challenge me to do even better in 2011
• What’s next: paying down debt on student loans, investing money, a list of equally challenging goals for 2011

Image credits: Learn – Dubio; Create – Thanushyan; Invest – Jordan Liang.

With the beginning of a new month and a new season, my calendar is looking like a school chalkboard, full of letters and numbers, assignments and meetings. However, instead of using it as an excuse to ignore my blog, I’m really hoping to use it as motivation to keep a record of all the amazing things I’m learning and activities I’m becoming involved in. It’s been far too long since I’ve been able to devote the time I’d like to this blog, but the time has come for a re-dedication of sorts.

Even with the multitude of things I have planned for work and personal benefit in the next few months, I am optimistic about the projects I am working on. While work brings meetings, graphics projects, web management and development, awards orders and travel, my personal schedule is even more involved, peppered with social engagements for dinner with friends, getting books signed at the National Book Festival, visiting the Virginia Wine Festival, ushering for the DC Shorts Film Festival, National Novel Writing Month (in which I will attempt to write a 50,000 word novel in just thirty days), not to mention that my roommate and I are working teaching a curriculum at our church starting in January (entitled: Building Your Own Theology) and putting on a production of the Vagina Monologues.

I have a lot more energy in the autumn for creative ventures and feel, as if a I were in school, it is time to reconnect with friends, with academia, and with the full schedule that occupies time in the cold, dark, winter months. When the leaves start to change and the children go back to school, when the days get shorter and the nights get longer, my creativity runs wild. I put layers of clothing together in ways I may never have thought to do before. Instead of using tried-and-true recipes, I experiment with cooking and baking. When I’m stuck inside, I dig out my paints, I play with Photoshop, I scribble in my Moleskine.

Right now, I’m reveling in gray skies, afternoons in coffee shops, and the list of projects I will accomplish in the next few months. What projects, events, or plans are you looking forward to? Mine include a 50,000-word novel, four successful meetings at work, completing pages for our new website, and finalized plans for the adult religious education curriculum my roommate and I are running in January.

Temperance, patience, and quiet restraint are not virtues I possess. I’m loud, passionate, and I have a fiery temper. I tend to talk too much, too often, and too soon.

Perhaps that’s a reason I am drawn to people who embody those traits I do not. When my boyfriend took the time to tutor me with his skills in Photoshop a couple of weeks ago, it became apparent both how different and how complimentary our learning styles are. While I have had the (in)famous program on my computer for some time, I have taught myself how to use it mostly by experimenting and reading an obscure tutorial here or there on the internet. It’s not the easiest of programs to learn, particularly if you haven’t had any instruction, formal training, or guidance.

My personal learning style is a hybrid of visual and kinesthetic, which means I learn best when someone can show me how to do something and I mimic them or I learn while I am egaged in the task at hand. I am excitable and when I think I’ve discovered something new and know how something works, I often interrupt and will blurt out what I think I’ve learned. When I asked him to teach me some tricks in Photoshop, I was shocked and pleasantly surprised that my boyfriend did not get frustrated at my staccato outbursts or needing to look at the computer screen instead of him. He was more patient than I would have been while teaching someone a new skill and calmly, pleasantly reminded me that I had interrupted him and he wasn’t quite finished explaining.

He told me not to get ahead of myself. Being reminded that I don’t have to learn the whole thing at once or even that I have to master one specific thing. Everything worthwhile takes practice. Art does not happen overnight.

Just to drive this point home, I went to church this weekend and heard George Glady give a sermon originally written by Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd. It focused on relationships and used Claude Monet’s waterlilies as a focal point. Did you know that he spent five years painting 48 separate works of the same subject? Here’s the catch, though. Each painting wasn’t really about the waterlilies. It was about the air surrounding the waterlilies, the light reflected off of them, the relationships between them… and the relationship Monet had with the divine in creating these works of art. So many times we find ourselves jumping from thought to thought, task to task, person to person, belief to belief… what would happen if we, like Monet, spent time, energy, devotion on a single thought, task, person, or belief? The deepening of relationship is important, whether the relationship is with another person, the task at hand, the divine, or, in my opinion, most importantly, with ourselves.

Wouldn’t this time, concentration, and meditation on just one task, one relationship help us all to be more patient and, in the end, more thorough, productive, and happy? It’s not just about this project or that skill or sharing specific knowledge. It is about the relationship, the way it all works together. Things will fall into place if you let them.

Stay focused, don’t give up, form a relationship, and you will succeed.

I decided that adventure was the best way to learn…
Lloyd Alexander

In the spirit of adventure, I begin this blog post with butterflies in my stomach and a firm sense of determination to succeed. I recently volunteered to completely redesign and develop my organization’s website, a feat I have yet to accomplish in any kind of amateur experiment and one which I hope to accomplish in just the next six months. Not only will this be my first ever website of any significant size, but it will reflect my own drive, creativity, and perfectionist nature.

By allowing myself virtually no margin for error, I’ve ensured two things: 1) I will do my absolute best on this project, beginning to end, and 2) I will not be pleased with the outcome at launch.

There are good things and bad about both of those things, especially since this is my first project of this volume and depth. (And, while I may not be 100% pleased with the outcome of the site at its launch, because websites are live and can be edited, I will have the opportunity to improve upon it after its unveiling.) However, it is a grand adventure and I look forward to both the extreme highs and the inevitable pitfalls of such a project. It is my understanding that most people, when first learning how to design and develop websites, start off with one piece of the process, master it, then add another piece and repeat until they have fully mastered how to organize, develop, design, code, and launch a website gradually.

Due to the financial restrictions of working in a non-profit and my desire to learn the entire process, I volunteered to take on the complete redesign, beginning to end, as a solo endeavor. It both scares me and excites me.  It is the best of experiments and the most humbling of challenges. I look forward to sharing my experiences, both the frustrating and uplifting, on this blog and welcome any advice or encouragement from its readers.

And so, I look forward to this and embrace the challenges before me. For, as Ovid once wrote, “The bold adventurer succeeds the best.”