Growing up in the midwest my favorite season was always Autumn. I love the energy back-to-school brings and as a life-long learner, I enjoy buying new pens & papers each year as I reflect on how I want to spend the remaining months the year has to offer.
Now that I’ve moved to Southern California, without the changing of seasons being so apparent, I have to remember to take time aside and reflect simply because the calendar says it’s fall.
Setting Achievable & Joyful Goals for My Wedding Photography Business & Personal Life
As I sat down today to reflect, I like to ask a few questions…
- How has this year gone?
- What measurable goals were already achieved?
- Where do they still need improvement and can that needle move a bit further before EOYear?
- What locations am I inspired to take into the next few months and how might that translate into next year’s goals?
I’ve found that starting with inspiration & curating a few mood boards is helpful before moving into listing out goals (ensuring they are also joy-filled) for my wedding photography business & personal life’s needs & dreams.
Join me below as I chart out inspo & goals and welcome September!
(All images sourced below are from Pinterest for inspiration purposes and are not my own)
Photography & Wedding Business Related Goals:
- Finalize backend storage & organization systems for digital assets
- Create a relationship network tracking system
- Launch refreshed Pattengale brand & website (cannot wait!)
- Identify 3 locations to shoot at & reach out to venue managers with dates
- Source 6 wedding friendors to guest-contribute for blog post content
- Research 2023 European, destination travel & secure dates on the calendar
- Test out off-camera flash systems & determine the best gear to invest in
- Host a wedding friendor dinner w/full tablescaping
Personal & Family Related Goals:
- Continue with daily workout & healthful eating plan & measure results weekly
- Host both sets of parents and plan a few day trips with them
- Connect with OC local volunteer organizations to pick up trash at beaches
- Commit to a new church & community group
- Update linens in our bedroom
- Practice pasta-making & host friends to try out new dinner creations together
- Plan a mini shoot for updating photos of Stephen & me together
While this list isn’t exhaustive or hyper-detailed, it is a true reflection on my current priorities and in some instances, immediate need-to-do’s in my life & business.
This fall is a bit CRAZY with travels, family in town, and multiple fall weddings on the weekends so I knew I needed to set some clear mile-markers for how to end this year proactively, healthfully & in a way I could be proud of!
I hope you can find the courage to write out a few personal & professional goals.
There is power in being settled, rooted in community & clarity, that can give renewed hope and motivation to accomplish what you dream of.
Cheering for you!
–Tara M
