The Year That Was and The Year That Is To Be

By jimdiggitydog

I’ve been remiss with updating this blog - with some good reason. I’ve gone through a rough couple of months personally. My wife, my children and I have gone through the ups and downs of a miscarriage (my wife is blogging about it here) and I’ve been undertaking an overhaul of my business.

It’s been rough to say the least.

But - it has reminded me of one thing: Why I am a freelancer, and why I’m happy to be a freelance designer going into 2008.

When I started my career as a graphic designer, I was in “Corporate America,” and I missed so much of my life making a buck. When presented with an opportunity to strike out on my own, I jumped at the chance and the change. I wanted to spend more time with my wife and then only son. I wanted control over my time and my creativity - but mostly, I wanted to be around for all the little things that I missed when I was at the office.

I love being able to wake up in the morning, make my coffee, chat with my wife and tickle my children - but the thing I love the most is when I hear the door to my office creaking open to reveal a little smiling girl, waiting for me to turn around and smile and let her know it’s o.k. to come in and show daddy her latest dolly or piece of sparkly something. It’s being here - doing what I love, and near to the people I do it for…

So - that’s what I’ve come out of 2007 with. Not some great artistic discovery or some great business tip. It’s perspective - and appreciation for why I do my “job.”

In 2008, I have some goals:

Get Out of Debt
Grow My Businesses
Get Better Clients
Have More Fun
Paint at Least 10 Oil Paintings
Fill Up Another Sketchbook
Learn to Play the Guitar and Ukulele
Get a New Laptop
Go on 2 Vacations

But mainly, my goal is to be better. A better man, a better husband, and a better dad. And, better at putting the important things first.

My design is important, my business is important, and my art is important - but the most important thing is why I do all of that. I do that so I can spend better and more time with the ones I love.

So - I encourage you to make a list of what you want for yourself in 2008. I suggest examining why you want that, though. What’s important in your life? Why do you do what you do?

Once you figure that out, you’ll start seeing that it’s all very easy - because what you’re doing will bring you closer to what you love.

So there - 2007 is over. 2008 is here…