Throughout my life, I have always been very goal-oriented.  Even as a kid, I would write down my goals on paper and tell everyone about them–I would even hang them on my bulletin board and look at them everyday.  One thing I have always steered clear of is New Year’s Resolutions.  The concept of New Year’s Resolutions never really made any sense to me (and still doesn’t to an extent) so I have never made any.  For me, if I decide I wanted to accomplish something or change something in my life, I set a goal for it that day and don’t wait until January 1st.  The other thing that always bothered me about New Year’s Resolutions is most of the time they are so vague and there never seems to be a plan behind the resolution.  But with all of that said, it just so happens that the end of wedding season coincides with January 1st.  At the end of wedding season, I actually have time to reflect on the past season and figure out what I need to change for the future.  So with that, I’m going to use this blog and you as my “bulletin board” for my goals.  I’m not going to bore you with the details of how I’m going to get there but if you are really interested you can always ask.  Oh, and I’m still not calling these New Year’s Resolutions :).

1) Book 20 weddings for 2013.

2) Photograph one corporate conference.

3) Photograph 12 boudoir sessions.

4) Photograph six lifestyle sessions.

5) Blog twice/week–Monday and Thursday will be my blogging days. (And I will give myself three weeks off for vacations and holidays).

6) Implement a studio software program–needs to be completed by March 1st.

7) Review and record income/expenses every two weeks on Tuesdays.

8)Create a workflow chart by March 1st and follow it for each wedding.

9) Attend the WPPI conference and implement 5 changes in my business by April 30.

10) Attend the Susan Stripling Workshop and implement 3 changes in my business by March 6.

11) Update consultation packet by April 30.

12) Update booking packet by April 30.

13) Design and print 3 sample albums.

Alright, so those are some of the boring business goals to help grow my business and continue to challenge me, but I also have other goals to continue to create a work/life balance for myself.    As much as I love and am obsessed with photography, I really need to make sure that I am making time for other things in my life.  This past year has been absolutely crazy……and crazy in a good way.  I have been so busy and have been working so much to grow my business that sometimes I feel like I don’t even have time to think.  This year, I still plan to grow my business and challenge myself, but I want to make sure I am making time for myself as well so here are some of my more personal goals.

1) Only attend four evening networking events per month.  I have made a habit of saying yes to every networking event I am invited to (and there are a lot!) which is great because I have met so many amazing vendors and fellow photographers, but I need to learn to say no as they might be taking over my life :).

2) Travel and explore another foreign country.  I honestly don’t care where as long as it is somewhere I have never been before.

3) Go to bed by 10pm on the weekdays.  I have to get up at 5am twice/week for swim practice and going back and forth between bed times has really been bad for my sleeping habits.

4) Live outside of my phone and computer.  I think I might be a little too obsessed with checking my email and Facebook.  Sometimes I find myself buried in my smart phone instead of taking in the beauty of the day or enjoying the company of the people I’m with.  I have already been working on this but it is probably going to be a constant battle for me.

5) Write thank you notes.  I always love when someone sends me a hand written thank you note–it makes me feel so much more appreciated than a standard email or a thanks in person.  So, I’m going to start writing them for small things to anyone and everyone.  And I should be good at this right?  I mean I am from the South.  (Also, this might be my favorite goal).

6) Drink more water.  I always get caught up in my day and at my computer and forget to drink water except at meals.  This will change.

7) Work-out in the morning so evening events do not interfere.

8)Practice my Italian 5 times/week for at least 30 minutes.  I’ve been learning Italian on and off for the last couple of years.  Studying was lowered on my list of priorities during wedding season so its time to bring it back towards the top.  After all, I need to start preparing myself for my big move to Italy one day.

I think that might be it! I might go back and add some more as I think of them.  It will be interesting to review these next year so I can hold myself accountable.

Until Thursday 🙂

Ashley

PS-Here is a sneak peak of the blog post that will be coming your way on Thursday.