January 2, 2017
I’ve been thinking a lot about what my word will be for this new year. For 2016, I focused on “grace” and “letting go.” I worked on finding balance between work and my personal time (and I still work on it everyday.) It was a huge time for growth in my life as I started taking the next step in my business. With teaching other photographers, hiring assistants and interns, and opening another business, I had to learn to release the tight grasp I had on my work life. I had to let go of control and trust others to come in.
Over the next twelve months, I’m gearing up for even more travel, more weddings, and more educating opportunities. While planning for 2017, my words finally came to me. Two words to carry me through the year – “Serve” and “Joy.”
My first word I want to focus on is “Serve.” At my last wedding of 2016, I saw two other couples whose weddings I’ve photographed. They spoke such sweet words about their images and how much fun they had on their special days. I was reminded how important it is to love and serve my clients. Not for my own gain, but because they deserve it. They deserve to be treated well. I think as business owners we become so fixated on doing things for own benefit, like gaining exposure, more referrals or more followers. But in this life, it’s not really about us. It’s about focusing on others.
For 2017, I want to love and serve others fiercely and without hesitation. I want to cast away my worries and thoughts about what I can get out of it and help just because it’s the right thing to do. I want to give even when no one is watching (especially when no one is watching.) I want to lead for the sake of leading, not to be recognized as a leader. I want to pour into others to help them better themselves because everyone deserves the right to feel good! It was put on my heart to serve for the sake of serving and I hope I can fulfill that in the new year.
My second word for the year is “Joy.” I’m definitely a goal-oriented person and I feel so good every time I get to cross something off my list. But if something does not go as planned or I have an off-day, I feel so down about not completing my to-do list. That’s where Joy comes in. Life is full of unexpected turns and surprises, some positive and some negative. My goal for this year is to find the joy in all of it! Not just when my to-do list is finished, my inbox is at zero, or my editing list is complete. I want to enjoy every single day, no matter what is going on in my business life or my personal life. I know it sounds simple or small but to choose joy instead of stress or negativity can make all the difference in the world!
This is our one life to live and I’m choosing to make the most out of each and every day. I choose to fill my days by serving others and enjoying the journey! What is your word for 2017? How will you make the most out of this year?
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