Setting goals is like breathing to me. I do it for everything. Whether it be timelines or budgets or meal plans, it's all goals. Things I hope to do. And I plan out these things all the time.

I'm also a huge fan of putting things out there. Into the universe. I meditate on my hopes and dreams nightly, with the hopes that playing them over in my head will cause some sort of cosmic bang. If anything, it makes me more in tune with what I want, and makes it easier for me to start with the actions required.

I chat all the time with other creatives about setting and achieving goals. This whole idea of talking, but then following it with some hardcore doing. And talking about them will create a force field of positive energy around you, and will make people want to help you succeed.

It's a little woo-woo, but it works. And so, I'm going to start sharing more of my goals, starting with monthly ones. You will be my positive energy for awesomeness.

Here's what I'd like to accomplish in November: 

1. Tell you what my top-secret project is.
I've been doing some local volunteer work as the project lead on a currently-secret fundraising campaign. I've been planning and having meetings, and hopefully within two weeks I'll be able to officially announce this really cool project. I. can't. stand. not. telling. everyone.

2. Overhaul the Indie Shopography email newsletter.
Making my newsletter fabulous has been an item on my to-do list for 6 months, and though I've brainstormed a ton, November will be the month that I'll start implementing.

3. Get some studio space.
Since moving, my studio downsized to about one-sixth the size it was. I'm cramped, my files are in storage, and I miss my counter-height work table. While we're still not ready to upsize our living conditions and commit to living here for at least a year, I am committed to stretching my arms, both creatively and quite literally. I think a small studio space somewhere around downtown is a good idea. I think this will also include finally moving my bank accounts. Finally.

That's it! Simple, doable things. Let's go, November.

I have rocked out my to-do list this week. 2 websites developed, website design finalized, blog design finalized, some website maintenance complete, a consulting call, a meeting to jumpstart volunteering. And I've answered every single email that has come my way. My inbox is 100% empty.

I'm feeling good. Refreshed. Ready to tackle anything.

And so, this weekend I have one goal: perfect the croissant.

I have the ingredients, I'm just not sure that I have the patience.

But with an empty inbox comes a healthy dose of zen. And with zen comes patience to fold and roll, with only the coldest of butter.

By Monday I hope I can come back with a story of success. Here's to empty inbox-induced zen, butter, and homemade croissants.

There are almost 2.5 years of really great blog posts archived away in the depths of Indie Shopography.

The emmarie Designs archives is full of great recipes, business posts, fun travels (including a little trip to Paris), and so much more. If you're interested in digging in, then be my guest!