Over dinner recently, friends discussed a radio segment asking whether the year on reflection had been a “slay” (total triumph), “maintain” (coasting), or a “flop.” For one member of the group, the realisation was clear: their year had been a flop, particularly in their dwindling career in the art world. Reflecting on what went wrong, they voiced what the issue was—a lack of structure in their 2024 goals—and decided it was time to approach 2025 with a more intentional plan.
Determined to help my friend make 2025 the year they move forward in their career, I dove into some research about goal-setting. Turns out, there’s actual science behind why some people seem to crush their resolutions while others flounder. Setting career resolutions can feel overwhelming (that mile-long list of dreams, anyone?), but here’s the thing: written goals are magic. Don’t believe it? Let science convince you. Studies published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that writing down your goals increases achievement likelihood by a substantial 42%. That’s almost half the battle won right there. Plus, the simple act of writing helps sharpen focus and productivity, meaning you’ll spend less time daydreaming and more time creating.
Here’s your 2025 resolution blueprint:
Get Specific with Your Creative Goals
“Improve my craft” is nice, but “complete a series of six paintings for a local gallery by June” is far more effective.
Embrace Accountability
Share your goals with a fellow artist or join an online art community. Peer support can turn ambitions into actions.
Dream Big, But Keep It Real
Want to host a solo exhibition in Paris? Brilliant! A big goal can feel daunting, but dividing it into smaller, actionable tasks makes it achievable. Instead of “launch an online store,” start with “research platforms,” then “create a product list,” and so on. One step at a time leads to big accomplishments.
Journal Your Prompts to Reflect on 2024 to Inspire 2025
Create a journal of reflective prompts for 2024. What worked well? What surprised you? What could you improve? These reflections will not only celebrate your successes but also provide inspiration for setting even bolder goals in 2025.
So, will 2025 be the year you transform your career in the arts into a slay? Or will you maintain or flop!
