How to Keep Setting goals for Yourself
I wrote about learning new things in my 5 ways to get rid of Creative block. We creatives are “forever students”. At no point should we admit to ourselves that we have it all figured out completely. The moment we think we have it all figured out, we become obsolete. Technology and the pace of life moves fast so you have to move with it. Just like running, lifting weights or practicing your typing speed you need to practice using those “student” muscles to keep learning and growing. It’s not about mastering your creative profession, it’s about staying sharp in it.
In order to stay sharp, you have to be okay with being a rookie at something else. Allowing yourself to be a rookie enhances your ability to be resourceful and think in new and different ways. Learning something new could be a variety of things. If you’ve ever wanted to learn UX or UI, then take a course. If you’ve wanted to learn how to paint landscapes, then carve out some time in your weekend to make that happen. In order to become more resourceful in your professional creative work it’s important to exercise those resourceful muscles by throwing yourself into new situations.
Do you have personal projects you’re working on? If you’re not intentionally working on personal projects in your spare time, you can become stagnant in your creativity. Your professional work can become stale and repetitive. When I don’t have personal projects I’m working on, I’ve noticed that I start to feel like a robot. I feel as if I was built to make a pretty flyer. I have to remind myself that I wasn’t given this gift of creativity to just make a pretty event flyer for a company barbecue. So, to keep yourself motivated to create you need to find something you’re passionate about in your spare time and work on that. Something I’ve heard by other creatives is to treat yourself as a “client”. Make fake work that you are interested in.
A continuous goal you should have as a creative is to keep your portfolio up to date. Every couple of months it’s time to get out your portfolio and refresh it. What I’ve noticed in my own practice is that it’s actually kind of cathartic to do this. My spirits are lifted when I see all of the things I’ve done in one place. This is only work that I’m very proud of and willing to share. So, when that list of accomplishments starts to grow, I feel more confident that I can only keep making more and better things. Sometimes actually revisiting old work and refreshing it will boost my creative muscles too. PLUS having a portfolio up to date is great for when people ask what you do and you can just share your web presence right away. There are so many added benefits to keeping your portfolio up to date! Always have this one on your list of goals.
Who are some people in your creative network? This one can get a little intimidating. However, it is very important. If your network isn’t big, then it’s time to start making it bigger. Luckily there are so many great ways you can go about starting to build relationships. Join AIGA. They have great events all over the United States for creatives. Joining a Facebook Group is another option! Or, if your personal project is stand up comedy, then do an open mic night. I’m not talking about networking with people who can hire you at their company. I’m talking about other creative people. People who can help you sharpen your skills. People who are willing to give you constructive feedback and bounce ideas off of. That phrase “no man is an island” should really pertain to creative people. We can’t continue to grow without having people in our lives to help enrich our experiences.
There is a reason in interviews people ask you what your 5-year plan is. That’s because people want to be around people who have plans and goals. It’s healthy to think about what the potential could be for the future. If we limit ourselves to our own brain and its silly rules we tell ourselves then we never will grow. Make goals for yourself and stick to them.