Four Photographer Resolutions (That Have Zero to Do with Photography) 1It’s Resolution time again!!  Okay, wait, don’t hang up yet.  As someone who gets a kick out of setting goals I may be in the minority, but I know I’m not completely alone.  And this year I kept one big theme in mind while crafting my thoughts for where to focus this year:  attainable.  See, that doesn’t sound so bad, right?  I’m not saying it’s right or wrong, it’s just where I wanted to be this year.  So without further ado, I give you my own personal goals.  Nothing more motivating for keeping up with them than putting ’em out there for the world to see.  Feel free to share any of yours in the comments, in case I missed a good one!

Photographer Resolutions #1: Get control of the cleaning (so it doesn’t control me)Four Photographer Resolutions (That Have Zero to Do with Photography) 2

I see a lot of people advocating for letting go of the cleaning and spending more time with the kids.  Great idea!  Unfortunately, I’ve found that it makes me insanely grumpy.  So if I spend the afternoon playing and the evening stomping around and yelling orders like a drill sergeant, it seems like it cancels out.  Or worse.  As a not-naturally-neat person, my goal is fairly modest: to not be embarrassed if someone stops by, but also to not be a slave to housework.  Wish me luck.  I’ve decided to try something new this year to keep me on track.
I created an “admin” calendar of house and life tasks (cleaning stuff, bills, hair appointments, all that annoying stuff that’s never really done ’cause you’re just going to have to do it again shortly) and put them all into one calendar.  Now I can see them all in one place and space out the activities to no more than one a day.  That way I can actually keep up with everything with a few minutes every day.   I can glance at the calendar and see what needs to be done.  Or I can see exactly what didn’t get done if I fail, but let’s think positive until proven otherwise.  Is that a mixed metaphor?
Anyway, over two months, everything gets done, but I still have time to play with the munchkins every day.  In full disclosure, I actually started this one in December so I could have a head start (read: practice time) so it wouldn’t feel so overwhelming on January 1st.  Feel free to peek at my schedule here if you’re looking for ideas.  Just don’t judge when you see I’m only washing my sheets every other week… I decided realistic was better than nothing 🙂

Photographer Resolutions #2: Me time!!!

Four Photographer Resolutions (That Have Zero to Do with Photography) 3

Sure, we all saaaaaay we’re going to make time for ourselves, but it’s so much easier to keep putting everyone else first.  If we don’t, who else will, amiright?  Luckily, everyone loves a martyr, right?  No?  Well, in that case…. join me and make some dedicated time for you!
I’m going to plan on it, have it on the schedule, and most importantly observe it.  I am so much better for those I love when I am energized instead of run-down.  I’m thinking at least once a month something relaxing and totally unoriginal, like a glass of wine and a great book, shopping at target ALONE, getting the nails or the hair did, etc.  The classics are the classics for a reason.  Feel free to call me out on whether I’m making it happen, and I’ll do the same for you.  Resolution junkies gotta stick together!

Photographer Resolutions #3: Prioritize my husband (and our marriage)

Four Photographer Resolutions (That Have Zero to Do with Photography) 4

One of the best pieces of advice I got as a newlywed was to put my spouse and marriage first before our kids.  At the time it seemed a little counter-intuitive, but I’ve come to completely embrace the wisdom that creating a solid foundation of security for our family is good for all of us.  I also tend to think it’s good for the rug rats to know that they are not the center of the universe, even if they are the center of my world.
That being said, this is another one of those easier-said-than-done things, so this year I’ve got some specific ideas on how to be more intentional about putting the man that loves us all, ahead of us all.  At least every now and then.  If you want some ideas on how to do this yourself, check out Practical Ways to Put Your Spouse First from CatholicMarriagePrep.com (great resource regardless of your religious affiliation!) or 6 Ways to Put Your Marriage First from MakeItBetter.com.  Let me know in the comments if you find any that work well for you!

Photographer Resolutions #4: Maintain healthy habits (80% of the time)

Four Photographer Resolutions (That Have Zero to Do with Photography) 5

Going into 2017, I hit my “panic weight.”  And then crept right past it.  I finally got to that desperate point of feeling so far past myself that I needed to do something drastic.  So I did what almost always works for everyone… I ate right and exercised.   Okay, it wasn’t that simple, I had a really great support team and all kinds of information on work outs and how to make healthy food habits, etc., etc., from a friend that is a beachbody coach (Check out Jillian’s page here if you want help with your health goals.  She has SO MANY great resources that helped me this past year!).  Long story short, I lost a little over 10 lbs and a bunch of inches in the first half of the year, and (even more amazing) I’m starting the new year without having found it again!
I feel so much more in control than I did going into 2017, and this year I just want to stick with the habits I’ve built already, and continue to build more concrete habits that make healthy choices the obvious choices.
So that’s it… cleaning, me time, telling the hubs he’s the man, and staying healthy.  Feel free to share yours in the comments, I’d love to hear what you’re focusing on in this amazing new year that’s ahead of us!

7 Easy Questions to Pick the Right Photographer

A quick reference that Includes the best questions to pick the photographer that's just right for your style, your budget, and your family.   

 

You'll also get a simple chart to quickly and easily compare your top choices, and timeline for reserving and working with your 1st choice photographer!

Success! Check your inbox for your goodies!

Subscribe to our VIP List

Be the first to know about deals, events, and what's going on!

Almost finished... just check your e-mail to confirm your subscription and retrieve your cheat sheet!

Wondering What to Wear to Your Session?

Check out these great tips and resources to help you pick the perfect outfits that will look great and show your family's personality!

Almost finished... just check your e-mail to confirm your subscription and retrieve your cheat sheet!

Let's chat!

Interested in a session?  Here's where you can get all of your questions answered.

We're also available by phone, email, or text, at contact@hightphoto.com or 678-820-8350

Look Forward to Chatting with You!