I'm not always good about starting projects, even those I really want to do. Once I begin I usually find that it's easier to continue.
Sometimes this feeling is understandable.
For example, right now I'm reluctant to start my taxes because, well, taxes! Does anyone really need an explanation for this? Luckily, over the years I've developed a tax strategy where I do one small thing like sort all my business receipts or double-check that all my expenses were input into my accounting software. Eventually all those small tasks add up and the whole process feels like less of a burden. It helps that there's a deadline, so I can't procrastinate too long.
It's harder to figure out why I'm reluctant to start a project if it's something that is a little more fun. I have so many ideas for art, baking/cooking, and writing projects, but some of them seem permanently stuck in the "someday" folder in my mind instead of the "now" one. There are many reasons I might delay: it feels frivolous or unimportant, it might be too difficult or boring, it doesn't have any intrinsic value, I can't guarantee it will work, it will take too much time or money. Wouldn't my time be better spent working? Or at least doing laundry?
Trust me, the laundry will still be there if you or I spend ten or thirty minutes working on working on a project that brings a little spark of happiness. I've already saved you the trouble testing this concept as I spent at least one delightful hour, possibly two or three, in that weird week between Christmas and New Year's Day doing nothing but painting little watercolor circles and the laundry still got done the following week.
This year rather than having a one-word theme, I simply want to remind myself: "Today is a good day to begin."
Ten minutes on a project is better than zero minutes. It does not need to be perfect. It certainly doesn't need to be finished the same day. Or even ever. It doesn't need to be something that can be sold. It doesn't have to be something that other people might value. It just needs to be started.
The Sticker
As with many things that I make, this sticker was inspired by my own experience. I hope it resonates with others, too.
I began with my abstract green and blue ink painting and layered the reminder "Today is a good day to begin." on top. The square sticker measures 1.5 inches and has rounded corners.
I'll be including one free sticker in every Etsy order while supplies last (hopefully most of 2022!). I want to inspire you (or a friend, co-worker, or family member) who seems stuck.
The small stickers are created for indoor use. However, the local company that printed the stickers I bought (Sticker Giant) placed some of them on the outside of the cardboard shipping box. They arrived in excellent condition, despite being delivered during a Colorado snowstorm! So it's possible they might be able to take some light, occasional outdoor use if you forget to bring them inside.
Here are a few ideas on where to use your sticker:
- bookmark
- bulletin board
- calendar or planner
- envelope
- file folder
- gift box
- greeting card
- laptop or tablet
- lunch bag
- notebook
- phone
- water bottle
Let's All Get Started!
Wishing you all the best this year as you get started on those projects you've always wanted to do!