That classic new-year vibe You wake up with a twinkle in your eye and optimism in your heart, looking forward to a new beginning and a bright year ahead! Given the great year we’ve all had, the positive sentiments brought on by the new year will be felt more strongly than ever. Then you realize… you’re still an architect. Of course, you’ll be reminded right away that, despite the joyous arrival of 2023, the day-to-day professional challenges remain. As Monday comes with multiple Zoom meetings with clients, consultants, contractors, and everyone in between, not to mention late-night drawing revisions and the traditional tidal wave of caffeinated drinks, it may feel like a daunting task to get off on the right foot on the new year.
But don’t worry: There’s nothing like a great new year’s resolution to focus the mind and rekindle motivation. Consider this your definitive collection of motivating posters for architects in 2023!
Make a list of your goals and keep track of them.
According to research, people who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them. While big dreams are admirable, pursuing them can be overwhelming. Journals like Ink + Volt and the SELF Journal combine daily productivity with long-term plans to help you achieve your goals daily.
Devote more time to your art.
Extra time—whether it’s five minutes, an hour, or even more—can lead to more creative projects. Try using an app to limit your time on social media, or better yet, take a social media break to motivate you to work on a project you’ve been meaning to try.
Complete a small project.
Even if your resolutions list is filled with large-scale projects, start with a small one to keep you motivated.
Make in-person connections with other creatives.
Join a professional networking group or attend events where you can meet other creative people. Do you find networking intimidating? First, try going with a friend or meeting people online. Just make sure to try new things while you’re there!
Discover a new aspect of your field.
Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do? Learning a new approach or technique is not only enjoyable, but it can also be beneficial. Once you’ve mastered it, you can incorporate it into your current work and take your portfolio to unexpected places.
Create a separate studio space for your work.
If you have the space, rearrange your furniture and create a design studio. Even having a desk is a great way to get into the creative mindset.
Go to more exhibitions, seminars, galleries, and craft markets—whatever is within your reach.
Get out of your studio and look around at what other people are making and doing. If you’re a painter, set a goal for yourself to go to more gallery shows. It’s always beneficial for makers to attend craft markets to see how other people market their wares. Both are fantastic networking opportunities!
Show someone your work.
Make it your goal to begin displaying your work to the rest of the world. This can take place in person or through social media platforms such as Instagram, Behance, and TikTok.
Look for ideas offline.
Instagram can be inspirational, but it can also make you envious of other people’s projects and careers. Put down your phone and tablet, close your laptop, and seek inspiration elsewhere—in a museum, exploring the urban jungle, or going on a hike. Take note of what catches your eye and consider how it might inspire your work.
Take up a new hobby.
Our creative lives do not take place in a vacuum. Consider picking up a new interest that has nothing to do with your design project while you’re looking for inspiration away from your computer and phone. Try your hand at cake decorating if you enjoy design. You might be surprised at how another outlet will influence your other work.
Continue to read books.
Aside from seeking inspiration elsewhere, another resolution idea is to read more books. They could complement your creative practice or be completely unrelated to it—who knows, you might learn something useful for your work.
Join a Facebook group for members of the architecture community.
This is another type of networking, albeit a digital one, that can assist you in making meaningful connections with others in the industry. There are thousands of Facebook groups for all types of creatives.
Go to a conference.
Conferences can be expensive, but if you can afford them, they can be valuable (and enjoyable) opportunities to meet like-minded people, learn the latest techniques, and understand the issues affecting your industry.
Use your creativity to find ways to give back to the community.
If you want to volunteer, think about how you can use your creative skills to help where you live. This could include doing design work for a community organization or assisting another in spreading their message. This year, try to look for these opportunities.
Take care of your mental and physical health.
Because you are not a machine, make time to replenish yourself. Get enough sleep (most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep per night) and develop a workout routine that works for you. Meditation apps can help you relax your mind and keep a gratitude journal to remind you of all the good in your life.
Be scared, but do it anyway.
You can talk yourself out of taking the next step in your creative practice in a variety of ways. One of the most significant is that “it’s simply not the right time.” I’m sorry to break it to you, but there will never be a “right time,” so start now. You’ll be happy you did.
Although the design and architectural worlds have changed dramatically over the years, it is critical to consider our own unique goals, objectives, and aspirations. There is no “correct time” to resolve, but completing a 365-day cycle and receiving peer motivation results in accountability and progress tracking. Whether 2023 marks the start or end of a degree, a new job, a new initiative, a new setup, or whatever big or small milestone you’ve set for yourself, consider this our new year’s gift to empower you and be a catalyst for your dreams. Here’s to a prosperous and healthy 2023!
References:
10 New Year’s Resolutions for Architects – Dykeman Architects [online], (no date). Dykeman Architects – Design Every Day. [Viewed 8 January 2023]. Available from: https://www.dykeman.net/10-new-years-resolutions-for-architects-3/
Lam, S., (2016). 22 New Year’s Resolutions for Architects [online]. ArchDaily. [Viewed 8 January 2023]. Available from: https://www.archdaily.com/802074/22-new-years-resolutions-for-architects
Architects and Usefulness, A New Year’s Resolution | BUILD Blog [online], (no date). BUILD Blog. [Viewed 8 January 2023]. Available from: https://blog.buildllc.com/2015/01/architects-and-usefulness-a-new-years-resolution/
