For the past five years, I’ve used the holidays to reflect on the previous year and begin plotting what lies ahead. To welcome January 1st, I write down my creative new years resolutions.
I know better than to publicly proclaim that I’ll eat more vegetables and less pizza, visit the gym regularly, or read 52 books. Instead, my resolutions read more like career goals. By putting them on my blog, I hope to hold myself accountable, create work/life balance and enjoy living intentionally this year.
This year, I have five resolutions that I hope will help define 2019:
My 2019 Creative New Years Resolutions
Blog with Purpose
In 2018, I worked on some incredible assignments. I had work published by National Geographic, filmed night sky timelapses across Alberta, and continued my work with Eddie Bauer, along with many other highlights. Unfortunately, I also ignored my blog.
In an entire year, I only published 12 articles. This year, I not only want to blog regularly, but I also want to share quality adventure stories, photography tutorials, gear reviews, and travel guides.
Make a film
Last year, I collaborated with Jack Fusco on our Chasing Darkness video series. It was an inspiring project with results I’m proud to share in my portfolio.
Now that I am truly confident in my video work, I want to put them to use. My biggest goal for 2019 is filming a 10-15 minute documentary.
I already have the story, too, so stay tuned for details!
Portfolio, Not Posts
Social media continues to be a driving force behind my business and I am happy to see that continue; however, I want to break a bad habit this year. All too often, I’ve found myself shooting images for social media rather than my portfolio. For the next year, I will focus on my portfolio, not social posts.
Go Big
When I look at other photographers’ work, I am most intrigued by their big projects, not their client roster.
The best examples I can think of is Scott Kranz’s epic 50 Peaks Project and films like Jimmy Chin’s Meru. These projects took huge time commitments and produced some stunning results. Both were largely motivated by personal interest, too, which makes them even more impressive.
In 2019, I want to take on a large scale personal project. I have a few ideas, too, so stay tuned!
Something Personal
My 2018 resolutions included entering a race; however, I never made it to the start line. I am including this resolution again this year, because it reminds me to not only focus on my work, but also on something personal.
In December, I took a small step towards that goal when I signed up for the 2019 Alberta Rockies 700. I have a score to settle with this 700 km bikepacking race. I attempted the inaugural event in 2016 but didn’t finish thanks to an ankle injury.
What about your resolutions?
I create my creative new years resolutions largely for myself and I could easily write them in my journal rather than publish them on my blog. But along with holding myself accountable, I hope they inspire you to plan ahead, live purposefully and reach for important goals.
Before you click away, let me know where you’re pouring your energy in 2019! Please share your creative new years resolutions in the comments below and let me know how I can follow your journey!
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