I’ve always loved setting goals. It probably has something to do with being the Enneagram 1 perfectionist that I am, but when the New Year rolls around you bet I’m creating resolutions!
As I enter my 6th year as an Indianapolis, Indiana photographer and a mom of two littles, my goals have shifted dramatically over the last few years. As a mom your priorities inevitably change, but each year that I’ve been a self employed stay at home mom, those priorities have become clearer and clearer.
I like to take the first week or so of January to hone in on my goals for the year both personally and professionally. It’s easy to look at what other’s are saying their goals are and think you need to do that too, but taking some time to think about what I really want and need to change in the new year to be the best version of myself ensures that I’ll be more successful at meeting those goals. 2023 was a year of adjustment with two kids 3 and under, and I’m excited to share my personal and business 2024 goals with you as an Indianapolis, Indiana photographer on the blog today. Let’s get started!
1. Taking at least one photo a day of my own kids
I started my business just before my first baby was born, and hit the ground running with photographing wedding after wedding. I’ve had periods of time where I’ve made a point to take photos of my own kids with my professional camera, but regularly? Not so much. It’s always seemed easier to pull out the trusty old iPhone instead of carry my heavy camera around. But since I started shooting film, I’ve fallen in love with nostalgic heirloom film images and want those photos for my own family just as much! Between cheap disposable cameras, my new favorite half frame Kodak camera and professional film camera, I’ve been setting it out on the kitchen island and snapping a few when the light hits just right or there’s a sweet moment between my kids. It’s something I feel so guilty about not doing before now, but this year will be about prioritizing photos for my own family just as much as I do for my clients.
2. Eat more protein
Who doesn’t love carbs?! I’ve been working out a lot more at my gym Burn Bootcamp, and beginning to get back to running more as well. As a woman who’s still breastfeeding and trying to shed those last few pounds of baby weight, I know ensuring I get 30 grams of protein at each meal will be crucial!
3. Get back to early morning workouts
Before I got pregnant with my second baby, I was very disciplined at getting up around 5am, drinking my coffee and a light breakfast and getting out the door for an early run or workout class by 6am. It was my favorite way to start the day and kept me so energized all day, as well as freed up my schedule for work or the kids. Pregnancy and sleep deprivation has put this to a halt but 2024 is going to be the year I reclaim this healthy habit.
4. More sleep
When I was pregnant I slept horribly, and for the past 8 months, I’ve been woken up at least twice during the night with either of our kids. So in other words, I don’t get a lot of sleep. We’re working on getting the kids to bed by 7pm so that we have time to relax together and decompress from the day and can get to bed by 9:30pm. An earlier bedtime means more sleep and ability to have a better morning routine, even if I am still woken up! And I think we’re off to a great start, because Leo just slept 12 hours straight last night- hallelujah!
5. As an Indianapolis, Indiana photographer, I want to ensure that my clients are printing their images in 2024
Our generation are photo hoarders. There. I said it. We love having photos taken whether it’s on our phones or with a photographer for your wedding, engagement, family or newborn photos. But printing them? That’s a whole other story. For most people, it can take YEARS to carve out the time to actually print them as art to hang on the walls or in an heirloom album, and that’s just not the point friends. You don’t pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to have your images sit on a hard drive. This year I’m making it a priority to ensure all of my clients print their images for how they intended them to be used. Stay tuned for more on this, as plans are still in the works!
6. Walk the dogs everyday
Two kids in under four years and both parents working, our poor labradoodles Luna and Milo have been neglected on walks. Luckily we have a big backyard for them to run around, but in 2024 I’m committing to walking them a few times a week, even if it has to happen after the kids go to bed.
7. Time blocking
I thrive on a routine and schedule, and with kids, this is often thrown out the window. In 2024 I’m implementing time blocking to ensure I get to everything I have to get to, as well as the things I want to get to- editing, emails, working out, spending uninterrupted play time with the kids, dinner etc. I got this tip from a recent education course I took from KT Merry and it’s been life changing. I urge you to give it a try!
8. Have a growth mindset
In 2024, I’m working on seeing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, versus threats or setbacks. I’m going to be focusing on the process of where I want to be as a mom, a business owner, a wife, instead of only seeing the end result that leaves me feeling like I’ve already failed. I think this is going to do wonders for my stress levels of always feeling behind. Let’s do this 2024!
9. Gain confidence in shooting film
As an Indianapolis, Indiana photographer, I’ve LOVED learning to shoot film the past few months! It has reingivorated my love for photography, especially when I get those film scans and prints in the mail! It definitely makes me feel humble at times learning something new, but as they say, “whatever makes you feel uncomfortable is your biggest opportunity for growth”. I’m excited to begin implementing a few rolls into wedding days and lifestyle newborn sessions, as well as full family sessions. There’s just nothing more nostalgic and timeless than film!
So there you have it! Those are my 2024 goals as an Indianapolis, Indiana photographer and mama. I hope this has inspired you to sit down and think about what your goals are this year, and once you do I would love to hear what they are! Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram @kaitlinmendozaphoto to tell me what they are. It’s a new year, let’s do this!
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