2025 - Micro Goals

Embrace Winter’s Energy: Small Steps for Big Creative Growth
 
Dear Creative Friend,
 
I hope this message finds you well as we step into the New Year.
 
This season can be full of excitement and possibility—new ideas, plans, and dreams. But let’s be honest—it can also feel a bit overwhelming.
 
If you’ve already set big, ambitious goals for the year, that’s wonderful! If bold resolutions have worked for you in the past, I encourage you to keep doing what fuels your creativity and growth.
 
But... if you’ve ever felt frustrated by those lofty goals—especially at the start of winter—you’re not alone.
 
I’ve been there, staring at the possibility of a big project, wondering why I couldn’t muster the energy to leap into action.
 
Well… what if winter isn’t about leaping but instead about small, meaningful steps?
 
Our ancestors knew this. Winter is the time for reflection, rest, and preparation for what’s to come.
 
Yet today’s busy world pushes us to keep going at full speed, even when the days are shorter, darker, and colder.
 
What if we listened to the season instead?
 
What if we slowed down… like winter?
 
The Power of Micro-Goals
I’ve discovered that winter is the perfect time for small steps—micro-goals that feel achievable, even on the hardest days.
 
These small wins build momentum and confidence, which naturally lead to bigger successes in spring and summer.
 
For example:

• Instead of trying to dive into an enormous project, commit to just five minutes a day—jotting down thoughts, sketches, or little doodles.
• Start with a single, small piece—a poem, a color study, or a tiny drawing.

 
Five minutes is a success! If you do more, fantastic. If not, you’ve still succeeded in your five minutes a day.
 
Consistency is Key

• Consistency builds success.
• Success builds confidence.
• Confidence fuels creativity.

 
Five minutes a day will build more momentum than waiting for the “perfect” time to jump in or expecting yourself to finish it all in one sitting.
 
Winter as a Creative Season
Think about it: In winter, nature slows down.

• Trees conserve their energy.
• Many animals hibernate.
• Even the sun rests a little longer each day.

 
This isn’t a time to exhaust yourself with “go big or go home.”
 
It’s a time to nurture your creative energy so it’s ready to bloom in spring.
When we resist this natural rhythm, we feel it.
 
The common winter flu, burnout, or exhaustion often isn’t just physical—it’s our body and spirit crying out for rest.
 
But when we honor winter’s energy, we create space to reflect, restore, and gently grow.
 
This season isn’t about producing your masterpiece—it’s about preparing yourself for the consistent creativity of the seasons ahead.
 
A Creative Challenge for You
This week, I invite you to try something different:

1. Think about one creative project or habit you’d love to nurture this year.
2. Break it into micro-goals—tiny, achievable steps that you can do in five minutes a day.
3. Reflect on how it feels to slow down and honor the season, knowing that even the smallest steps are preparing you for something bigger.

 
If you’re still hesitant, remember this: Winter is temporary. The small steps you take now will set you up for the longer days and vibrant energy of spring.
 
Let’s embrace this season of rest and reflection as a powerful foundation for our creativity. While winter may feel slow, it’s quietly preparing us for the brighter days ahead.
 
Warmly,
Nicole
 
P.S. I’d love to hear about your micro-goals or how you’re honoring winter’s energy this year. Hit reply and share your thoughts—I’m always here to cheer you on!

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