The start of a new year is one of my favourite times, the fresh start, the renewed energy is just something I really love. But sometimes, when the world is your oyster it’s quite hard to know where to begin.
I had intended to build a new website, but having done some research into my favourite photographers’ websites, I had the (fairly obvious) realisation you can have the snazziest website on earth but its the work that’s on it that makes it stand out. So I have immediately pivoted to editing a video I was meaning to put together at the end of last year. Directing is something I want to pour energy into this year, alongside stills, so I thought that was a good place to start.
Just in case you’re excited to get going, but not sure where to put all this new energy, I thought i’d send over some journal prompts. I did these the last two years, and just did again this morning and looking back at what my intentions last January, and comparing that to how the year actually panned out is quite heartening. At the beginning of 2024 I said I wanted the year to feel calmer, less chaotic and more artistic. I said I needed more rest between jobs, and better boundaries; more control. I ended last year feeling a tiny bit… flat. It was quite a quiet end to the year and I wasn’t sure if I was entirely happy with what I had achieved in 2024. But looking back at this, I received exactly what I asked for at the beginning of the year. It was calmer, less chaotic, more artistic year in which I was able to develop myself and my photography, whilst consistently, but not manically, working. It was much more controlled, as I requested (of who i’m not entirely sure… the universe perhaps?) - and reflecting on that has made me feel really good about 2024.
I’m entering this year feeling more rested and more ambitious than ever to break out of my own ‘norms’. I want to experiment, to grow, to progress and collaborate, and so what I’m outlining in my journal is very different. I’m sure you’ve been showered in so much new year crap this will seem a bit late, but just in case you’re still not totally sure where to put your energy, here’s one more list of journal prompts to help you.
My three biggest lessons from 2024— what did this year teach me about my needs, values, etc.?
Three words I would use to describe 2024
Three words I want to describe 2025 as
At point last year did I feel my best? Who was I with? Where? What was I doing?
What did I work on last year that didn’t bring me as much joy as I thought it would?
Three beliefs/patterns/habits I’m leaving behind
Three qualities/characteristics/beliefs I want to develop in 2025
What are three goals that feel big to me that I’d like to pour my energy into next year.
Who are my dream client and how can I become a perfect fit for them? What could I offer them?
What is my monthly income goal for 2025? How will it feel to earn this? What will I spend it on?
Describe a week in the life of my dream future self. Where am I going, who with, why? Who am I communicating with, what clients am I talking to, what does it feel like?
How do I want people to describe me and my life? Who do I want to inspire?
Thank for these prompts ! So many good questions to actually think about instead of simply having thoughts here and there