We dream about having more creative freedom. So we keep saying we’ll get to that passion project, but can't find time for it. We’ve been meaning to start that solo side-business, but... maybe next year.
After a snowboard accident upended the life I’d built around my dream, I thought I had to abandon creativity in order to find stability again. So five years ago, I hatched a plan to make a career change. Ironically, it started with working three jobs at once. Then, four years ago, I got sober and started working only one job... but I also got broken up with and moved across the country—all in the same week.
Three years ago, I wanted to track my habits as a way to try and improve my happiness. I started with a spreadsheet. It worked, so I built it into a system that had a loose project plan for working on stuff and getting results I could actually see.
Two years ago, I meditated every day for a full year. That’s not super relevant, I just think it’s cool. And meditating was really good for me. That was the year I used my system to design a business—as well as a website, newsletter, and podcast. One year ago, I built and launched them.
Making room for creativity and stability to coexist—digitally and in everyday life—is possible without burning out. I'm doing it again. But this time, I didn’t want to do it solo. That’s why The MAP Year Project kicks off Monday. If you want to be a part of it, you can sign up here.
onward.
-dmac