Doubled my Goal

I like to post a photo with my posts and this one is from Glacier National Park. We are heading up there this week to celebrate my birthday. There is a scenic road called Road to the Sun that is open only a few months out of the year. We are going to take in the views, swim, fish and camp.

Well, it is my 1 1/2 year anniversary on Etsy. When I first joined I made a goal for this date. I wanted to make 325 sales by this date.

I know it is odd to choose a goal for 1 1/2 years rather than 1 year, but that is what I did.

I am thrilled that I practically doubled that goal at 649 sales. Being self employed I really find setting goals to be imperative.

Often I set goals such as in the month of June I shall accomplish this...for July, that... That way I am not just drifting aimlessly, accomplishing nothing.

When I come home from my much needed vacation I shall post some photos!

Facing ones fear

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy."
Dale Carnegie

Life offered me opportunities at an early age in regards to fear and how I would handle it. In my late teens and early 20's life was a challenge and I stepped right up to my fear, examined them and overcame the traumas.

In my 30's I longed for my own brick and mortar store and used lack of money as my excuse. There was a store front location in the town I lived in that I had thought would be perfectfor my shop idea. One day a "For Rent" sign went up. I had $40 in my pocket and decided to go ahead and speak to the owner. He said I was the fifth person on the list for the place and the rent was...

I just knew it was mine! I felt it in my core. I made some shifts and changes and started banking my cash as fast as I could. When the owner called to tell me everyone else had dropped out of line and I could rent the place, I was ready. I took the place and opened shopped!

Well, years later I moved to Montana and started selling my jewelry fulltime. Folks would ask if I had a website and I always said "No, I am not a photographer" "I don't have a computer". I had a variety of excuses.

One day my partner came home with two laptop computers for us. I faced my fear of an online store and here I am.

Recently I have wanted to take my designs a step up. About a year ago an online site approached me about selling my jewelry with them. They are a juried site and gallery quality and I was completely intimated, honored but intimated.

Time passes, I forgot about the opportunity. Still wanting to challenge myself in my designs and chewing on ideas, I received an email from them today.

So, this Summer I am going to purchase some different jewelry making books and decide what direction would be a good fit for me. It is my goal to face the fear of branching out and expand my wings.

I hope in a few months to be introducing you to my new venue.