Setting the right artistic goals is beyond energizing and inspiring! You step into your power when you create a crystalline artistic intention. In fact, you start living like the artist you’ve always dreamed of being.

Don’t let this remain a pleasant chimera. Learn right now how to set the kind of artistic goals that allow you to achieve what you really want out of life.

Create only goals that empower you

It’s easy to get too caught up in fantasies. Initial brainstorming of possible outcomes can lead to unrealistic plans to achieve your goals. A bit of wild dreaming is to be expected and it can actually motivate you. But if you don’t apply a reality check to every option, you may end up disappointed, discouraged, and throw off your goals altogether.

Your path to rewarding artistic goals

Here are 10 success-driven steps to setting winning goals:

1. Identify your target market.

In order to thrive as an artist, you need to establish a clear mental image of your target market. The goal is yours alone, so be completely frank.

2. Create specific goals.

A common goal is to paint and show more of your work, but this is too general to be useful. Instead, define what you really want: eg “I want to exhibit in 6 shows and paint 2 paintings a month in 2012.” This is an achievable and measurable artistic goal.

3. Set short and long term milestones.

Milestones have a dual purpose. First, they motivate you with a focused goal. Second, they break big, overwhelming goals into smaller, more manageable ones. That is how:

• Imagine your ideal long-term milestone. Make it vivid and let it energize you!
• Mark this end point on a calendar.
• Now, from your “due date”, work backwards. Schedule each short-term milestone that leads you to your ultimate goal.
• Write it on your calendar.
• Then, develop weekly goals to move toward each milestone in the short term.
• Working backwards helps you achieve your goals by seeing the big picture first.
4. Create small, achievable artistic goals.

These will keep your enthusiasm and momentum going.

5. Expect setbacks.

To expect that you won’t experience any disappointment during your trip is simply unrealistic.

6. Protect your focus.

Determine how you will handle interruptions, unexpected events, and low creativity before they affect your productivity.

7. Have confidence in your dream.

Affirm that it is okay if others lack the time or energy to encourage you. The one who needs to be fully committed to your dream is you. So go full speed!

8. Re-evaluate your intention over time.

That’s fine and often you need to periodically reassess your initial goals. So do a review at regular and realistic intervals. Is this goal still valid?

9. Revise your goal as needed.

Instead of holding on to a goal that no longer suits you or seems feasible, update it so that it continues to be feasible and attractive to you.

10. Modify your strategy to adapt to changing times.

Sometimes the goal works well, but you need to change your steps to achieve it. Changes in your life situation can challenge you to be more resourceful. Accept this as an opportunity to grow!

The artistic objectives are yours. You can do with them whatever you want. So bring them the dedication they deserve. So live your life with passion, conviction and success!