Last week, we talked about sorting through all your projects so you could set yourself up for success in 2018. Now, we’re in the second week of the year and I’m wondering…

Did you get your PIPs sorted?

If you did, that’s terrific and a great big CONGRATULATIONS! But, if you didn’t, that’s perfectly okay, too. I know this can be a pretty big undertaking, so, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at the prospect of sorting through ALL of your PIPs, why don’t you just take a deep breath and choose one project that has you stumped.

There…feel better?

Great! Go ahead and set that project aside. We’ll come back to it again soon. As for all those other PIPs…

schedule some time every day to go through a few of them and, before you know it, you’ll be finished! (Happy Dance!)

Remember, your hobby, whether it’s needlepoint or knitting, is supposed to be FUN, not stressful. 😉

Now, if you’ve finished “kon-mari-ing” your PIPs, then you may be wondering what’s next?! 

Well…

The next step to making this an insanely successful year is to make a list of your biggest problems and frustrations when it comes to pursuing your hobby.

This one ought to be pretty easy, and it’ll really help you decide what you want to tackle first, as you begin developing your needlepoint and knitting skills. Simply ask yourself the following question…

What is it that stresses you the most when it comes to pursuing your hobby?

Be as specific as possible because that’s what will help you make your goals truly achievable. And we’re gonna make those goals S.M.A.R.T.E.R., so they help you become a more confident stitcher in 2018. (Not sure what S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals are? No worries! We’ll talk about that next week.)

Oh – and if there’s more than one thing that drives you nuts or stresses you out, remember to rate each of them, too. For example, if something really, really frustrates you, put 5 stars beside it. If it’s only mildly annoying, give it one or two stars.

And now, my friend, you’ve taken another step toward a happier and more productive 2018.

Be sure and visit me again here next week to learn more about making your goals S.M.A.R.T.E.R. – and remember to share what your #1 needlepoint or knitting frustration is in the comments box below. (Or, if you’d rather, you can write to me at ellen@serendipityneedleworks.com.) I’d really like to know so I can lend you a helping hand. 🙂

Until next time, happy stitching!

XOXO!!!

Ellen Johnson