Create, Create, Create

Ah, a new year -- that time of psychological fresh starts. Who am I to fight against the tides of goals and resolutions?

Actually, I'm feeling pretty good about my path right now. If you remember January 2012, I outlined my BHAGs (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals). Since BHAGS are by nature BIG, you don't achieve them in one year. I look at it as more of a 5-year plan. To recap, here is my BHAG:

"To live a creative, joyful, spiritual life as an artist and a writer"

I'm happy to say that I've taken some solid steps toward my BHAG in 2012. In 2013 I'll continue implementing practical, tactical goals like starting a newsletter, thanks to the advice of Alyson Stanfield of Art Biz Blog, but my big focus this year will be on creation.

So for 2013 it is Create, Create, Create!

Do you want to learn more about setting a BHAG? Then read my posts:

Don't Fear the BHAG

http://creativesprinkle.blogspot.com/2011/01/dont-fear-bhag.html


Debuting Today: Marie's BHAG
http://creativesprinkle.blogspot.com/2011/01/debuting-today-maries-bhag.html

Debuting Today: Marie's BHAG

“A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn; it can be stabbed to death by a quip and worried to death by a frown on the right man’s brow.” — Charles Brower 

This quote sums up why I am hesitant to put my BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious, Goal) out there in public. What if you laugh at me? What if I can never be that good? Am I silly for thinking I could ever accomplish anything of significance?

On the other hand, what if I don't put my BHAG out there? Then it is just a wish, a dream with no action behind it. Destined to stay within my mind, unfulfilled. Once it is in writing, it gains power, and I can start putting an action plan into place. So here it goes.

Debuting today, Marie's BHAG:

"To live a creative, joyful, spiritual life as an artist and a writer"

Steps on the BHAG path:

1. Be featured in Artful Blogger magazine.
2. Write articles for industry-publications.
3. Publish a book.
4. Have a piece in an art gallery.
5. Use my work to raise money for charity.
6. Teach a writing/communications course.

"How" is as important as "what"
My goal is to be recognized as an artist and writer, but the "how" I get there matters. If the path is lucrative, but stressful or harmful, it isn't the right path. The criteria of "creative, spiritual, and joyful" are there to guide decisions along the way.

So what's next?
Obviously many factors are keeping me from accomplishing this right now. That's what makes it audacious. I've started to inventory those blocks so I can work to remove them. For example, I have a long way to go before my work is "gallery" quality. That is something tangible that I can work on.

In other words, every reason for why I'm not a recognized artist and writer, now become an action step on the path, rather than a roadblock. 

I took one of those action steps toward my goal this week. Carol  McKenna, who writes the blog ArtMuseDog interviewed me for her "Interview with Creatives" series. Carol,the author of  Share the Creative Journey and A Creative Harbor, is a former psychology professor and psychotherapist who is currently encouraging others to find creativity in all parts of their Life Journey.

Okay, I showed you mine. Now it's your turn. What is your BHAG?

Don't Fear the BHAG

 Don't Fear the BHAG. Polymer Clay Mixed Media ©Marie Young (Young Creative)

Do you have a BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal)?
Several years ago I was asked to read Jim Collins' book Good to Great as part of an organizational improvement effort at a previous job. It was to be our mantra, our call to move--well as the title says-- "from good to great." As with so many of these shiny things that catch management's eye in a huge organization, this effort flickered then faded.

That doesn't mean the book wasn't valuable. It's just that a big ship is hard to steer, even if the direction is solid. Personally, I gained a lot from reading this book. Much of what Collins talks about for organizations can be used for personal development. In fact, one of the concepts has been on my mind lately.

The Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal
Collins recommends that you set a BHAG; one that is inspiring, but pretty hard to attain. It isn't a New Year's resolution. It isn't something you can accomplish in a year. In fact, it should be something that takes a serious shift in how you do things (sometimes over decades) to accomplish.

BHAGs are scary creatures.
I have been afraid to seriously entertain a BHAG. I like setting "realistic" goals; goals that I can easily accomplish then cross off the list. BHAGS aren't that simple. BHAGS are scary creatures that require commitment to change.

They also open you up to failure. That's right. If I try, I might fail. Yet what I am beginning to understand is that failure is a stepping stone on the way to success. So really what is the risk?

Shhh, don't tell anyone.
I'll let you in on a secret. I do have a BHAG. I'm trying to find the courage to put it into writing here. Don't worry I will, soon, just not yet.

About the photo:
The word BHAG brings to my mind, well a hag; a scary hag. I created this wonderfully hideous beauty to represent the fear I initially feel in embracing a BHAG. Do you have a BHAG? Was it easy for you to say it out loud?

Don't Fear the BHAG. Mixed Media (polymer clay, fiber, and paper) © 2011 Marie Young (Young Creative)