execution & the pain of change

My new year always begins with my December birthday. Since that day I have been reviewing my process and progress – in art and in life. January 1st adds to the energy of my process.

There is a confusion of advice about intentions, goals, planning and resolutions. For the most part I resist the noise of it all. This year it is different. I am trying out a combination of goal setting and planning revolving around the concept of the “The 12 Week Year“. I’m part way through the book and I am almost ready to apply myself to the concept. I expect my first week to begin somewhere around the 7th.

My first impression – notes from the book:

  • results are a manifestation of your thinking
  • when your thinking shifts, everything changes
  • execution requires taking new actions
  • to execute successfully it is essential to have a strong emotional stake in the outcome
  • without a compelling vision you will discover there is no reason to through the pain of change
  • the greatest predictor of your future are your daily actions

Seems like common sense. I get the “I know that” response when I read these things but as the author points out – execution is essential.   I don’t always execute – but get stuck in the “hope” and “someday”.

With these thoughts to propel me I am examining why I do what I do. I am also exploring why I sometimes “not do”. Using this book will help me focus but nothing gets done unless I “do”.

More & more I’ve noticed that the combination of word & image is becoming my focus, my voice. I often feel driven to add imagery when I write. Sometimes I am inspired to poetics when I work with my photos or add text as a visual element when I paint or sculpt. Sometimes I don’t allow myself to try these things. Failure to execute.

This year I intend to channel my energy and inspiration into some fabulous projects and I will post micro-updates on their execution.

In development:

  • a 12 week year
  • a new chapbook of word & image
  • large encaustic pieces using text as a visual element (I tend to work small so getting beyond 10 inches will be a challenge!)
  • new poems
  • a potential Patreon project

The landscape has always inspired and guided me.

“beach thoughts”

photo taken at Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

beach thoughts

Posted in everything, execution, progress.