What I Wished I Did Differently in 2022
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I feel so much hope as 2023 begins. Another year and another opportunity to start fresh. I really love to do a recap before I set my goals for the new year. No use in repeating the same mistakes right? I also choose a word to focus on each year. My word for 2022 was Fulfillment, and boy did I work up a storm! However, there are some things I wished I’d done differently. First, let’s start with the good stuff.
Here's the quick breakdown:
I licensed my first course on fashion illustration with a school.
I worked on Bonnie Christine's support team for the second year.
I revamped my watercolor membership Mastering the Waters.
Rebranded my creative business with a new logo and a new look.
I got a coach and created my best Skillshare classes ever.
I took a course and officially learned how to launch a product into the world.
Created a new pattern collection called An Abstract Life (more on that very soon).
I revived my very old and dusty YouTube channel with some new videos.
I consistently emailed my newsletter, and posted on Instagram. I’m also on Pinterest and Twitter but I’m still working on finding consistency with those.
I created a new course on my own teaching platform called Easy Watercolor Collections (which is still on Presale btw).
I couldn’t have done any of those things without my favorite online tools. It’s taken me quite a while to sort out what works for me and what doesn't. That's because each of us works and thinks a bit differently, and not all online tools are created equal. What do I mean by online tools? There's website hosting, course, hosting, social media, art, mediums, and more.
Here is a list of some online tools that made me more successful in my creative business:
Viviva Colors - Vibrant watercolors that are non-toxic, 100% sustainable,easily portable, lightweight, long lasting, and handmade by a family owned business in India.
Winsor and Newton - Classic and quality watercolor paints I’ve been using forever.
Canson Paper - My favorite everyday watercolor paper. Loose paper and spiral sketchbooks.
Sakura - Beautiful archival ink that won’t run while I’m painting.
Squarespace - Easy to navigate website builder that is equally beautiful.
Seachie.io - My all in one membership and course platform that makes learning so easy and fun for my students.
Flodesk - My favorite and the most beautiful easy to maneuver email provider.
Canva - Quick and easy online graphic design tool for all my needs from social media, to course slides, workbooks, to website content.
Zoom - Perfect for all my Live Painting Sessions, weekly masterminds, and business meetings.
Apple - Working seamlessly between my MacBook Pro, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch is fun and productive.
On a personal note, I did some new and fun things that made the year special.
I started roller skating again! This is an old love of mine from years gone by, so it was really special reconnecting with it. I even got a pair of roller skates for Christmas. :-)
On Thanksgiving week, I finally went on my first trip since 2019. We went to visit a few California beaches, and the weather was perfect. It was a blast!
I did a lot of exploring in my new neighborhood including numerous parks, restaurants, and shopping. That is something I never did on my own and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
Played lots more boardgames and did some puzzles.
Consistent walks in the beautiful parks in my neighborhood.
Went to some awesome movies.
Played some outdoor games like hoop toss and corn hole.
I picked my own fresh produce at a local farm.
I baked donuts, pumpkin pie, and banana bread for the first time!
It was a very big year for me as you can see. But of course there were some things I wish I had done differently:
For starters I overworked. Sadly, I’m more of a workaholic than I’d like to admit, and I have to watch out for burnout. Thankfully, I get better at this each year and I resolve to get even better in 2023.
Consequently, I didn’t get enough down time to catch up with myself. Relaxation, is definitely on my to do list.
I doubted myself way too much and, unfortunately, that led to procrastination. I realize now that had I procrastinated less and rested more, I could have gotten the same amount of work done and enjoyed my life. So I am going to crack down on that for sure.
I didn’t reach out for enough collaborations. Collaboration leads to much growth and exposure, not to mention new creative friends.
I didn’t promote my classes and courses enough. There’s nothing like putting a ton of blood, sweat and tears into your work, only to not get it visible enough. It kind of defeats the purpose, don’t you think? I took a training to learn how to do this better in December, so I’ve got no excuses for 2023, lol.
I didn’t travel enough. I was so exhausted from our move last year that I had trouble getting motivated to go anywhere, but I plan to change that this year.
There were some projects I wished I had completed. (My new POD shop, my portfolio, and some more courses). That just means it will go on the list for 2023. ;-)
I've decided on Intention as my new word of the year. I hope that is will guide me and keep me on track in just the right ways. That means that I'll be thinking about each and everything I do to be sure that it has a purpose. Even rest which I plan to get more of this year. At the same time, I want to be sure that whatever I do, it’s pulling you and me forward (yes I'd love to help YOU move forward this year as much as I can!).
Here’s a link to my 15 second Recap Reel on Instagram if you’d like to check it out. It was really fun to make and I hope you enjoy it. ;-)
Here’s a link to my top 9 Instagram posts of 2022. It’s always interesting to see what content you like the most. This is such a fascinating discovery each year! So far the top posts are either Reels of me painting or showing my finished work. The free watercolor lesson got quite a bit of love too!
I hope that 2023 will be an even bigger year as I work on new ways to inspire YOU. New things are coming!
I'd love to hear how 2022 went for you. Click the button below to share even one thing you're proud you accomplished this year. Or share the whole list. I'd love to celebrate with you! :-)