It is important to ask yourself periodically: “Am I pursuing my goals Now?

The Power of Change
A New Year's Topic
(An excerpt from the book Success Now! For Artists)

As a career consultant the traits I have discovered to be most valuable are not necessarily talent, education or wealth – they are confidence, commitment, persistence, and the ability to develop and manage change.

Charles Darwin said: “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” The Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw reminded us, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."

Heraculitus said: “Nothing endures but change.” As your life changes, so will your goals and priorities. A periodic checkup will help you to see if your life’s purpose and current situation are complementary. It is important to ask yourself periodically: “Am I pursuing my goals Now? Do I feel passionate about the kind of art I am producing Now? Asking yourself the right questions will serve as a catalyst for making profound and powerful changes.

31 Questions for each day in January
1. What does “success” mean to me?
2. What are my priorities today?
3. What are my priorities this year?
4. What are my priorities this lifetime?
5. What positive step can I take Now! to achieve success?
6. How am I procrastinating?
7. Why am I procrastinating?
8. Am I currently creating what my heart and soul tell me to?
9. What toxic relationship or materials should I avoid?
10. What step can I take to improve my emotional and physical health?
11. How am I sabotaging my career?
12. How much money do I want to earn this year from my art?
13. How can I channel my talent to serve humanity?
14. Who deserves an apology from me? Gratitude? Forgiveness?
15. How do I want to be remembered?
16. Do I place too much emphasis on proving I am right?
17. Which new medium should I explore or invent?
18. How can I push my art to a higher level?
19. What should I be teaching others about art and artists?
20. What can I do to get out of my safe comfort zone and test my strength?
21. Am I in a state of inertia and need help?
22. What are my greatest strengths?
23. How well do I manage difficulties and challenges?
24. What new positive habit should I start today?
25. What would happen if I changed my career path?
26. How is my state of mind impacting my career development?
27. Am I taking responsibility for my shortcomings?
28. What and why am I most fearful of and how can I eliminate it?
29. What skills am I lacking?
30. What information am I lacking?
31. Where can I acquire more skills and information?

Renée Phillips is an artist career consultant. Learn more.

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