Abraham Lincoln wisely said,
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is
more important than any other one thing.”
This New Year, it’s time to embrace that mindset and turn your aspirations into actionable steps.
Welcome to 2025!
At this time of year, many creative professionals are reassessing their journeys and setting goals to shape a successful year ahead. If you want to hit the ground running in 2025, the time to act is now.
Here’s a guide to setting impactful, realistic, and inspirational goals using the Quantum Compass OPIC System—a structured approach designed specifically for creative professionals.
The OPIC System Explained
O.P.I.C stands for:
Objective
Planning
Implementation
Commitment
This system provides a clear and actionable framework for goal setting, ensuring you stay focused and motivated throughout the year. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Objective
The first step in setting meaningful goals is to define your objective. This is the foundation upon which everything else is built.
Be Specific
What exactly do you want to achieve?
Are you looking to expand your client base, launch a new product line, or refine your skills?
Visualize Success
Imagine yourself already achieving this objective. What does it feel like? What does success look like for you?
Write in the Present Tense
Frame your goals as if they’ve already been accomplished. For example:
“I am successfully licensing my surface design collection to international retailers.”
“I have completed my first solo exhibition as a graphic designer.”
Pro Tip: Use a journal or digital tool to record your objectives and revisit them regularly.
Step 2: Planning
Once you’ve defined your objective, the next step is to plan how you’ll achieve it. This involves creating a roadmap that’s detailed, specific, and actionable.
Break It Down
Large goals can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable tasks. For example:
If your goal is to launch a new portfolio, the steps might include:
Researching trends.
Creating sketches.
Finalizing designs.
Updating your website.
Identify Resources
What do you need to achieve your goals? Resources could include:
Time
Tools or software
Financial investment
Professional support
Create a Timeline
Assign deadlines to each step to ensure progress. Use tools like Trello, Notion, or Google Calendar to stay organized.
Pro Tip: Be realistic about your timeline. Allow room for flexibility while maintaining momentum.
Step 3: Implementation
Now it’s time to turn your plans into action. Implementation is where the magic happens, but it’s also where many people get stuck. Here’s how to ensure success:
Start Small, Act Fast
Begin with small, actionable tasks. Early wins build confidence and motivation.
Delegate When Possible
As a creative professional, your time is precious. Consider delegating tasks that don’t require your unique expertise, such as:
Hiring a virtual assistant for admin work.
Collaborating with a marketer for promotions.
Create Systems
Establish workflows that make recurring tasks easier. For example:
Use templates for client proposals.
Automate invoice generation.
Track Progress
Set measurable validation points to assess your progress. For instance:
“I will complete two portfolio pieces by the end of January.”
“I will onboard one new client each quarter.”
Pro Tip: Celebrate small achievements along the way. Recognition fuels motivation.
Step 4: Commitment
The final—and most critical—step is commitment. Without it, even the best plans will fall short. Commitment is the driving force that keeps you moving forward, no matter what obstacles arise.
Stay Resilient
Challenges are inevitable. View them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Eliminate Fear and Hesitation
Commit fully to your goals. Decide that nothing will stop you from achieving them.
Revisit Your “Why”
When motivation wanes, remind yourself why you set these goals in the first place. Your purpose is your most powerful motivator.
Hold Yourself Accountable
Share your goals with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach. Accountability can provide the extra push you need to stay on track.
Pro Tip: Write affirmations or motivational quotes where you’ll see them daily. They’ll keep you inspired and focused.
Example Goals Using OPIC
To bring the OPIC system to life, here are examples tailored to creative professionals:
Objective:
“I have successfully launched a new surface design collection and secured three licensing deals.”
Planning:
Research market trends (January).
Develop 10 pattern designs (February–March).
Create mockups and marketing materials (April).
Reach out to 15 potential clients (May–June).
Implementation:
Dedicate two hours daily to design work.
Delegate website updates to a professional.
Use project management tools to track client outreach.
Commitment:
Share progress weekly with a mentor.
Stay focused by revisiting your “why” when challenges arise.
“Make Tomorrow Today”
The Quantum Compass OPIC system is designed to help creative professionals turn their dreams into reality.
By focusing on Objective, Planning, Implementation, and Commitment, you can set meaningful goals and achieve them with clarity and purpose.
As Tom Landry once said,
“Setting goals is not the main thing. It’s deciding how you’ll go about
achieving them and staying with that plan.”
So, take the first step today. Define your objectives, plan your path, and commit to creating the future you’ve always envisioned.
Here’s to a successful and fulfilling 2025!
- Find out more
- Launch Pad + Accelerator Expressions of Interest
- Selling and Licensing Your Art & Designs Around the World with ArtSHINE.
- Looking for exciting new Art and Designs to license.
We’re here to help you to take action, just like we’ve helped thousands of other entrepreneurs, business owners, and creative professionals all around the globe.
Now is the time to let your passion SHINE.
Now is the time to Make Tomorrow Today!
To your success, Vinh Van Lam and Stuart Horrex Cofounders ArtSHINE.com
- Find out more
- Launch Pad + Accelerator Expressions of Interest
- Selling and Licensing Your Art & Designs Around the World with ArtSHINE.
- Looking for exciting new Art and Designs to license.
We’re here to help you to take action, just like we’ve helped thousands of other entrepreneurs, business owners, and creative professionals all around the globe.
Now is the time to let your passion SHINE.
Now is the time to Make Tomorrow Today!
To your success, Vinh Van Lam and Stuart Horrex Cofounders ArtSHINE.com
