Remember and Inspire.

This year started out about as dreary as it gets. Like many people, I hit an emotional slump right after New Years. But about three years ago I started doing a little exercise that helps me see things in a better light.

It's actually an extension of a life habit of counting my blessings, so I look forward to it.

This year was a little harder, what with the economic turmoil, but once I got started writing, my eyes just about popped out of my head.

I am going to call this my "Rearview Mirror."

Here's how this goes...

In my planner, before I even write down any goals for the coming year, I divide the very first page in my planner into three columns.

1: What went right? I list all my gains, wins, and positive experiences

2: What went wrong? Here's where I list things that didn't go so well.

3: How to fix/What to repeat. As I look back on what went right and what went wrong, I inevitably see how some simple changes might bring about a better outcome. So I list things like, "Pace myself" or "reduce distractions."

Take a look at the Rearview Mirror page from both 2021 and 2022 and you'll see some remarkable gains that would likely not have happened had I not set the stage in 2021.

Most remarkable gains 2021: Sold my first $3000 large painting. Huge increase in mural sales. Got up the guts to apply for (and got) a spot in my first art residency.

Struggles: Chickened out on contacting galleries for representation. Did not take that photography class as planned because of cost.

Fixes: Hire a gallery owner to critique my work to be sure I'm ready to be in a gallery. Find a free photography class.

Most remarkable gains 2022:

Attended my first art residency (BIG confidence boost there). Snagged a free online critique by well-known gallery owner, Jason Horejs. Created 97 artworks and sold 32 of them. Had enough new larger works to fill a digital portfolio to present to galleries.

Struggles: Chickened out on contacting galleries again. Drastic drop in mural sales. Ran some pour painting classes hoping to make some cash (too labor intensive and not cost effective). Too much time wasted trying to figure out social media.

Fixes: Start with galleries lowest on my list to get practice. Focus more on creating larger works. Offer the miniature paintings to a local handmade consignment or gift shop.

STOP trying to figure out social media...just create, show, offer, repeat.

I don't know if you noticed, but each year, tends to find me a little more gutsy, taking risks I would never have even dreamed of taking just a few years ago.

For instance, I've been following Jason Horejs's blog for several years, scared to death to approach a gallery with my work. But after his critique of my work, I produced enough quality work to fill a portfolio I can be proud of. I finally feel confident to start contacting that gallery list.

See how each new gain leads to greater confidence in taking that next step?

But then, it all starts with a first step, doesn't it?  Mine was to just start journaling.

Do you journal? Have a planner? What kind? How has it helped you?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.