Well, it’s been almost 2 months since I bid adieu to Corporate America.  I honestly thought that I’d constantly be wondering what’s going on at my old job, if people missed me, whether I was appreciated now that I was gone – but – I DON’T THINK ABOUT ANY OF THAT!!!  I feel so much relief after leaving that I haven’t really looked back.

Today I present another personal blog post to you…about GOALS!

When I began my photography journey, I had no intention of making this my full time profession (I do use the word profession because this is a job – I’m a small buiness owner).  Photography was just something I loved to do and I wanted to get better at it.  As I got more and more jobs, it became clear that something was going to have to give.  Photography was becoming a full time job and I couldn’t handle the pressure of 2 full-time jobs.

When you’ve found your passion, it’s hard to focus on anything else.

(Ignore the hideous cell phone quality photo…says the professional photographer)

I had so much desire to just be a photographer – nothing else.  I remember in August 2013 writing the simple goals in the above photo during a session with my mentor, Heather Lahtinen (WeddingsByHeather.com).  I sat down and we mapped out – together- exactly what I wanted my life to be.  August 2014 – Ask for Demotion.  August 2015 – Quit & be a full-time photographer.

Well, I didn’t ask for a demotion.  I knew my company wouldn’t go for it, so I stuck it out, but I knew that I wouldn’t last until August 2015.  So I hunkered down, focused and left the company full-time on 12/31/2014.  Worked for an extra few weeks as a contractor but left on 2/10/2015 – 6 MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE!!

Goals are necessary and force you to grow!

Goals are so important, and constant reminders of those goals are equally important.  This note, along with another that Heather and I wrote together were hung above my computer and I looked at it 10 times a day!  I wanted to hold myself accountable for the goals we established and looking at it each day would do just that.

This piece of paper still hangs on the wall above the computer even though I’ve accomplished these goals.  Why?

Because it reminds me that if I put my mind to it – I can accomplish anything!

Goals should be unique to you – what does success look like for me?  That is something each person needs to answer for themselves.  When I was first starting out in photography, I was thinking, “Oh, I want to be like [insert name of your favorite photographer].”  But, I quickly learned that comparing myself to others was a trap and I should not be reaching for a goal in trying to be like someone else.  For me, I have a goal for the number of boudoir shoots I do a month.  That same goal wouldn’t mean anything to another photographer!

When making your goals, define your success.  What will work for you will not work for others!  Be courageous – step out of your comfort zone and think about what your goals are – then write the steps to get you there.  But, do not – I repeat – DO NOT – compare yourself to others when defining your goals!

What are my goals for 2015?  Well, for one thing I’m working on more value added blog posts – not just blog posts with photos.  It’s a lot of work but I’m committed to this goal.  I also have some specific goals around birth photography, boudoir photography, and making connections for marketing of the business.

What goals do you have this year?

The one thing that really helps me with reaching my goals is having people around me that support my dreams.  Do you have someone that helps you define your goals?  I must give a huge shout out to two people.

First – my mentor, Heather.  She is so passionate about helping others grow … and she’s helped me do that in leaps and bounds!  She sits down with me and we go thru goals, and then throughout the year we touch base on those goals – she helps keep me accountable.  Heather has been an invaluable resource to me as I’ve made my way thru this journey, and it’s so great to have someone like her – someone so invested in my success – to help me figure out what is going to work best for me and my company!

Second – Mr. Chick.  He has been so incredibly supportive in helping me reach my dream.  He wants me to succeed in this job and is always offering moral support.  I love that I have someone by my side that knows exactly what I want and will do anything to help me achieve those goals – even if all I need is a hug when I cry! 🙂

I am loving my journey so far in 2015 and haven’t regretted leaving Corporate America for ONE SINGLE MINUTE!!