SMALL STEPS, BIG IMPACT: THE MAGIC OF MINI GOALS

By Marilee Jacobi-Popovich           [email protected]

A thriving art business doesn’t just happen—it’s thoughtfully planned. And that’s where a little quiet time, a cozy corner, and a cup of coffee come in handy. With my Think Big, Plan Smart: Goal Setter Workbook at the end of this blog post. We’ll map out a smart, achievable plan for your most successful year yet.

I'm all about taking small, intentional steps every day. Big, ambitious goals are exciting, but let's be honest, they can also feel a bit overwhelming. That's why I love breaking things down into bite-sized, steps that keep you moving forward without spinning your wheels.

To help you map out your year and stay laser-focused, I've included my Dream Big, Plan Smart: Goal Setter Workbook in the attached PDF. This is the exact tool I use to set yearly goals, break them into quarters, and turn big ideas into achievable milestones—without the stress or guesswork.

HERE'S THE GAME PLAN: Choose twelve or more specific tasks you'd love to check off your list this year. Think about learning a new art technique, designing those long-overdue business cards, committing to learning ChatGPT, mastering an email campaign provider and using it, or finally attending that 4-day workshop you've been dreaming about. 

Take out your journal or use the provided Goal Brainstorming Ideas page. Write down all your ideas, and then confidently narrow your focus to three to four goals that genuinely inspire you. Break each goal into four actionable tasks, one for each quarter of the year. Assign each task to a specific quarter, and tackle them step by step. You'll make significant progress towards your ambitions!

The best part? You'll feel that sense of accomplishment with each small win—and trust me, those wins add up.
 
So grab the workbook, map out your goals, and take it one intentional step at a time. You're going to crush this—I just know it!

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IN AND OUT OF THE STUDIO: SETTING
YOURSELF UP FOR A PRODUCTIVE DAY
This might just become one of your quarterly strategies—it's definitely one of mine this year. Take some time to reevaluate your day-to-day routine and find ways to make the most of it. A little fine-tuning can go a long way in setting yourself up for success. Let's make every day count!

LET'S BE HONEST: we've all been there. You go to bed with big plans to crush it tomorrow. But then morning rolls around, and somehow, you fall right back into the same cycle. By the time lunch hits, you're wondering where the day went—and why your to-do list still looks as full as it did yesterday.

HERE'S THE TRUTH: productivity doesn't just happen. It's planned. And it starts the night before. When you take a little time to prepare and get intentional, you're setting yourself up for success—even if things don't go exactly as planned.

BECAUSE LET'S FACE IT: life happens. But when you've prioritized the right things, you can still end the day feeling accomplished.

So, if you're ready to create the kind of day that moves the needle, let's dive into five simple strategies I use to make sure I'm set up for success

I'm all about taking small, intentional steps every day. Big, ambitious goals are exciting, but let's be honest, they can also feel a bit overwhelming. That's why I love breaking things down into bite-sized, steps that keep you moving forward without spinning your wheels.

To help you map out your year and stay laser-focused, I've included my Dream Big, Plan Smart: Goal Setter Workbook in the attached PDF. This is the exact tool I use to set yearly goals, break them into quarters, and turn big ideas into achievable milestones—without the stress or guesswork.

HERE'S THE GAME PLAN: Choose twelve or more specific tasks you'd love to check off your list this year. Think about learning a new art technique, designing those long-overdue business cards, committing to learning ChatGPT, mastering an email campaign provider and using it, or finally attending that 4-day workshop you've been dreaming about. 

Take out your journal or use the provided Goal Brainstorming Ideas page. Write down all your ideas, and then confidently narrow your focus to three to four goals that genuinely inspire you. Break each goal into four actionable tasks, one for each quarter of the year. Assign each task to a specific quarter, and tackle them step by step. You'll make significant progress towards your ambitions!

The best part? You'll feel that sense of accomplishment with each small win—and trust me, those wins add up.
 
So grab the workbook, map out your goals, and take it one intentional step at a time. You're going to crush this—I just know it!

IN AND OUT OF THE STUDIO: SETTING
YOURSELF UP FOR A PRODUCTIVE DAY
This might just become one of your quarterly strategies—it's definitely one of mine this year. Take some time to reevaluate your day-to-day routine and find ways to make the most of it. A little fine-tuning can go a long way in setting yourself up for success. Let's make every day count!

LET'S BE HONEST: we've all been there. You go to bed with big plans to crush it tomorrow. But then morning rolls around, and somehow, you fall right back into the same cycle. By the time lunch hits, you're wondering where the day went—and why your to-do list still looks as full as it did yesterday.

HERE'S THE TRUTH: productivity doesn't just happen. It's planned. And it starts the night before. When you take a little time to prepare and get intentional, you're setting yourself up for success—even if things don't go exactly as planned.

BECAUSE LET'S FACE IT: life happens. But when you've prioritized the right things, you can still end the day feeling accomplished.

So, if you're ready to create the kind of day that moves the needle, let's dive into five simple strategies I use to make sure I'm set up for success.

1 PROTECT YOUR MORNING ROUTINE
Your mornings are prime real estate for productivity, so you've got to guard them fiercely. For me, that means no early meetings or breakfast appointments—ever. My mornings, from 7:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., are reserved for setting the tone of the day. Coffee, journaling, planning—it's my time to get clear on what matters most. Think of it as your runway to takeoff. If you're rushing or distracted, you're never going to lift off smoothly.

2 CREATE A TO-DO LIST
WITH YOUR TOP THREE TASKS
Here's the deal: your to-do list doesn't need to be endless. In fact, it shouldn't be. Every night, I write down my top three must-dos for the next day. These are the tasks that absolutely need to get done—the ones that will move me closer to my goals. I prioritize them and focus on knocking them out first. It's like having a roadmap for your day. Without it, you're just wandering.

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3  SET YOUR STUDIO AND 
WORKSPACE FOR SUCCESS
Before I close my laptop for the day, I make sure it's ready for tomorrow. That means shutting down distractions (no open emails or social media tabs) and leaving only the tools I need to start strong. This simple habit keeps me focused and eliminates the temptation to go down an internet rabbit hole. It's like meal prepping for your brain—you're setting yourself up to stay on track.

4  STICK TO A BEDTIME
This one's not groundbreaking, but it's a game-changer: go to bed at a consistent time. I aim to wind down around 9:00 p.m. and be in bed by 10:00. It's a non-negotiable for me because sleep is what fuels everything else. You can't expect to wake up ready to crush your goals if you're running on fumes.

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5 LAY OUT YOUR EXERCISE CLOTHES
THIS ONE'S FOR MY FELLOW PROCRASTINATORS: if you're someone who talks yourself out of exercising, make it easier to say yes. The night before, I set out my workout clothes. That simple step is a commitment to myself. And trust me, when I get my body moving, I'm always more focused and productive afterward. Whether it's a quick walk or a spin class, a little movement goes a long way.

GIVE YOURSELF GRACE AND
KEEP MOVING FORWARD
HERE'S THE THING: you're not going to get it perfect every day. And that's okay. Just the other morning, I let myself check the news before diving into work. Big mistake. An hour later, I was scrolling aimlessly and already behind. But instead of beating myself up, I reminded myself that every day is a fresh start.

So, let's commit to this: plan your day with intention, focus on the priorities, and give yourself grace when things don't go perfectly. Because productivity isn't about being flawless—it's about showing up, learning, and doing the work that matters most. There's nothing you can't handle! ​

THE BUSINESS AND
ART GURUS I TRUST MOST
Here’s a peek at a few of my favorite mentors—each has shaped my journey uniquely and meaningfully. Some are masters of the art world, while others are brilliant minds in business, and their wisdom has been a guiding light for me:

Amy Porterfield: Amy is a powerhouse for simplifying online marketing. Her podcasts, books, and online courses taught me how to connect authentically with an audience. Her insights are a game-changer.
Learn more about Amy

Eric Rhoads: Eric is a storyteller at heart. As a publisher, podcaster, author, and creator of inspiring YouTube content, he breathes life into the art community. His advice for artists is not only practical but also profoundly inspiring.
Explore Eric’s world

Alyson Stanfield: Alyson is a champion for artists. Her coaching, books, podcasts, and workshops empower creatives to treat their art like the thriving business it can be. She’s the kind of mentor every artist needs.
Discover Alyson’s resources

Michael Hyatt: Michael’s expertise in leadership and productivity has been a beacon for me. His coaching, books, and workshops taught me how to dream big while staying grounded in what truly matters.
Dive into Michael’s wisdom

Each of these mentors has left an indelible mark on my life, blending creativity and strategy in ways that continue to inspire me every day. Who’s inspiring you lately?

​Images rendered in Bing Image Creator