By Renée Phillips

An excerpt from her book Success Now! For Artists.

A New York Times article reported a survey conducted by umbershoot.net, a web site for discussing ideas. It revealed, "many of the people who seem to have it all harbor dreams about the road not taken."

Among chief executives, 47% said their life-long dream was to be a sculptor. All great journeys begin with a desired destination. We all have a mission in life -- one that fuels our passions and guides us to a complete manifestation of our unique capabilities. As soon as you identify your mission, you can proceed to prepare your goals. Ponder the words of Dr. Robert Schuller: "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" Would you quit your job and become a full-time artist? Would you move to Europe and sculpt huge pieces in marble? Would you bring creative workshops to hospices?

Your art is a powerful tool that you use to accomplish your mission. But, what kind of artist do you want to be? What do you want to do with your art? Your art can serve as a catalyst if your mission is to participate in social change. It can provide solace for broken hearts if your mission is to heal. It can be stimuli for communication among different people world-wide if your mission is to unite.

If you are unsure of your mission, stop and reflect on the events in your life in which you react most strongly. They are the keys to your destiny. They will also help you focus on your creative and career goals.

As you proceed along your creative journey don’t forget to establish financial goals. Financial security increases professional power. The first step to obtaining financial prosperity is determining the amount of money you need to fulfill your goals. Is your newest business plan prepared? Have you written the precise dollar amount you want to earn in the year ahead? What steps will you take to improve your financial situation next year?

Embrace those elusive dreams that often seem out of reach, and weave them into your every day experience to bring them to fruition. What action could you take now that would set your dream in motion?

Ten Simple Tips

1. Create three sets of goals — creative, career and financial — with several strategies for each.
2. Write long and short term goals and make a daily list of specific activities that you need to perform, in priority order.
3. Take immediate action and be persistent. Make the phone call, write the letter, plant the seed, follow up.
4. Avoid self-sabotaging habits that lead you off your course.
5. Give your goals a voice. Talk about them with enthusiasm and confidence with those who sincerely want you to attain them.
6. Develop a support group with whom you meet regularly to encourage each other to stay on track.
7. Spend at least five minutes alone in the beginning of each day quietly and deliberately, focusing positively on the course of your life as an artist with a mission.
8. Examine your energy levels and set realistic and reasonable time frames in accordance.
9. When you accomplish your goals and activities, cross them off the list with a big red marker! Reward yourself!
10. Create new goal plans periodically, and set higher ones with each triumph. Be flexible. When one plan doesn’t work, try another!
    

"Set Goals & Move Forward Now!" Renée Phillips is forming Small Group Workshops now. Call her today for details. 212.472.1660.

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