December Monthly Goals

I’m approaching the end of the year with such an intense and confusing mixture of joy and sorrow that it’s hard to tell which emotion dominates. This has been, by far, the happiest and hardest year of my life. The hardship makes me glad to see the tail end of it, the happiness makes me want to slow down and savor every moment for just a little longer, please. How is it possible to feel two such intense and conflicting emotions at once?

November was hard. Possibly the hardest month of the year. And December (all 18 hours of it so far) is already shaping up to be equally challenging. I’m too busy to think clearly, and too busy to delegate well, but in spite of everything, and even though it feels like I’m drowning, I’m still delivering quality images to my clients on time, still exceeding expectations, and still taking care of my family. So all in all, we’re making it! Amazing, isn’t it??

I had the realization last night that even though my shooting calendar is fully booked, and even though I’ve produced some of the best portfolio work of my career this year, the blog’s silence implies that I’ve lost momentum post-baby. I assure you, that is NOT the case. I’m just behind in blogging. As always. Ha! But I’ve just added a great team member to help me with that, so (fingers crossed!) you’ll see a lot more on the blog.

As we enter Christmas season, my soul craves quiet, reflective space. I just started reading Present Over Perfect, and hope to start Essentialism over the holiday break. I’m desperate for better boundaries, better ways to live a deep, quiet, simple life.

Now on to December goals. 🙂

I just looked over my November goals, and was shocked at how many I achieved! I survived Buck’s work trip, spoke at Creative at Heart, spent time with several good friends, photographed two weddings, did Thanksgiving with my family, brought on an office assistant, and picked up journaling again. We had family photos taken (twice!), cut down a Christmas tree, decorated our home for Christmas, made cocktails at home, and did Early Black Friday shopping on Thanksgiving night (Outlets at 10pm with a baby is kiiiiinda crazy. but fun! ha). Trying hard to slow things down for the rest of this year and really only give time to what is vital. I want to cherish my friends and family, and prepare well to step into 2017 planning.

December Goals, business:

List unused photography equipment for sale
Write out my client experience and evaluate “touch points”
Finish reading Entreleadership
Read Essentialism
Publish 11 blog posts this month
Deliver all weddings (3) and portrait sessions (2) currently in queue
Attend one networking event
Mail client Christmas gift process!!
Start my Day Designer for 2017
Get a message to celebrate the end of my 2017 shooting season
Prep for my first newsletter in January!

December Goals, personal:

Work out 3x/week (at gym or at home)
Drink 90+ oz of water per day
Finish reading Present Over Perfect
Stay with my parents during Buck’s trip
Journal 3x per week
Take time off when Buck has time off
Be in bed by 10pm every night
Time with girlfriends while Buck is away
Mail Christmas cards!!
Finish Christmas Shopping
Night away with Buck
2017 Bradshaw Family planning retreat with Buck over the holidays
Christmas in Greenville
New Years with the Wofford Crew
Take London to see Zoolights!!