AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Your AIM is what you are trying to achieve.
Your OBJECTIVES are smaller, more measurable tasks that help you meet that AIM.
Work within these three key stages to create your objectives:
THE PREP
THE MAKING
THE FINALE
Below are some examples to help you write your own...
(And if you're wondering what a S.M.A.R.T. aim is, look here: S.M.A.R.T. Aims)
AIM:
S - I will learn to knit.
M - I’ll know it’s done when I’ve completed my first hat.
A - I can do it one evening a week for a couple of hours.
R - Yes, my mum is good at it and I’d really love to be too.
T - I will do it every week until the hat is complete, and wearable!
THE PREP
- Research beginner knitting tutorials.
- Buy needles, wool and a beginner pattern.
- Watch a YouTube tutorial on casting on.
- Tell my mum I’m doing it - accountability!
THE MAKING
- Cast on and knit my first rows.
- Work through the pattern one session at a time.
- Take photos of progress each week.
- Ask mum for help if I get stuck.
THE FINALE
- Complete the final rows.
- Cast off and finish the edges.
- Try the hat on - does it fit?!
- Gift it or wear it proudly!
AIM:
S - I want to paint a mural for my son.
M - I’ll know it’s done when I’ve finished the three wee aeroplanes.
A - I can do it when he’s at Gramms and Pops.
R - It will make my son so happy, which makes me happy to see!
T - I will complete it the last weekend in November.
THE PREP
- Measure the wall space.
- Gather inspiration and sketch some wee aeroplane ideas.
- Decide on colours and placement.
- Buy paints, brushes and masking tape.
- Protect floors and furniture before starting.
THE MAKING
- Sketch the design lightly onto the wall.
- Paint one aeroplane at a time.
- Allow drying time between layers.
- Step back regularly - does it look balanced?
- Add final details and outlines.
THE FINALE
- Touch up any messy bits.
- Peel off tape and tidy the space.
- Let it fully dry.
- Reveal it to my son and enjoy his reaction!
And here is a list of other things you might consider at each project stage:
THE PREP
Write a list of materials you need.
Make a budget for what you need to spend.
Research techniques or skills you might need.
Watch a tutorial or read up on your project.
Source and buy your materials.
Find inspiration - books, galleries, Pinterest, nature…
Sketch or plan your idea.
Set up your workspace.
Book time in your diary.
Tell someone about your project - accountability!
Think about what obstacles might get in your way.
Break your project into teeny tiny objectives.
…
THE MAKING
Set up your space, materials and tools.
Re-read your plan and objectives.
Look back at your inspiration.
Get into your creative headspace —-revisit this page!
Make a cup of tea and settle in.
Lay everything out in front of you.
Commit to just starting - even if it’s only for 10 minutes.
Take photos as you go - you’ll love looking back.
Give yourself permission to make mistakes.
Remind yourself why this project matters.
Tick off objectives as you complete them - satisfying!
…
THE FINALE
Complete those final wee touches.
Take a step back - how does it look or feel?
Decide what ‘done’ looks like for you.
Photograph your finished project.
Share it with someone you trust.
Gift it, wear it, hang it up, frame it - enjoy it!
Reflect on what you learned along the way.
Celebrate finishing - properly!
Write down what you’d do differently next time.
Feel proud of yourself - you made the thing!
…