The holidays are a time for family, friends, and —let’s be real— a whole lot of stress. Between shopping, cooking, and party planning, it’s easy to let the busyness of the season distract you from your long-term goals as a creator.
But here’s the thing: the holidays are also a great time to start thinking about what you want to carry out in the new year. While everyone else is focused on the present, you can use this time to set yourself up for a productive and successful 2023.
So, put down the eggnog —just for a minute— and consider these three tips for getting a jumpstart on your planning:
1. Reflect On the Past Year
As a creator, before you start thinking about the future, it’s crucial to take a step back and assess your progress over the past year:
- What were your greatest accomplishments?
- What challenges did you face?
- What do you wish you had done differently?
This reflection can help you identify areas where you excelled and areas where you may want to focus more attention in the coming year. It can also help you set more realistic and achievable creative goals for 2023.
2. Set Specific, Measurable Goals
Now that you’ve had a chance to reflect on the past year, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to achieve in the coming year. When setting your goals, be specific and make sure they are measurable.
For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “grow my audience,” set a specific one like “increase my social media following by 25% by the end of 2023.” This way, you have a clear target to work towards and can track your progress along the way.
3. Make a Plan
Now that you have your goals in place, it’s time to plan to achieve them. This can include creating a schedule, setting deadlines, and finding any resources or support you may need.
For example, one of your goals as a creator is to launch a new product. So, your plan might include researching the market, developing a prototype, and creating a marketing strategy. Breaking down your goals into smaller, actionable steps can help you stay focused and on track.
The Wrap
The holidays can be hectic times, but they can also be a terrific opportunity to plan a successful 2023. By reflecting on the past year, setting specific goals, and making a plan to achieve them, you can set yourself up for success in the new year. So don’t let the holidays slip away – start planning now and make 2023 your best year so far!