8 Goal Setting Obstacles for Photographers and How To Overcome Them

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In a recent Facebook post, I asked photographers just like you what stops them from setting goals, and their quick responses were surprising.  It seems we all have places we want to go with our businesses, but obstacles in our way.   So, we had a great little online conversation and here is what they feel are major obstacles:

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1. Don’t know how or where to start

 

The best way to start is just putting pen to paper, write down what you want out of your business, and revisit those goals often! There is a technical side of goal setting, but you can get to that later. Just give yourself 5 minutes and write it down!

 

2. Lack of confidence

 

Sometimes we wish we could buy confidence. I would feed it to my kids for breakfast!  Confidence comes with achieving small baby steps, so your goals are the same way, start with small goals, small achievements, and build up your ability to see yourself for what you really are!  Take a deep breath and put yourself out there a little more today than you did yesterday!

 

3. Thinking negatively – as in, the glass is “half empty”

 

Have you ever heard of a gratitude journal? It really helps you change that mind set over time! We all know that we choose our thoughts, but that doesn’t make having positive thoughts as easy as flipping a light switch.  It is a habit that changes over time.

 

4. I’m not good at thinking far ahead and want quick results, so I have a hard time spreading things apart

 

What about taking your short goals and adding them up to a year? That way you have a long term vision, but staying focused on your immediate goals will be what gets you there.

 

5. Not patient enough, I want the end result to be now not later

 

I am the same way! I have found that allowing myself small celebrations helps! I go out to dinner when I have reached a small goal, or treat myself to a pedicure. Then I work really hard to get to my goal faster…LOL!!

 

6. Time is also an issue…juggling a full-time job, two kids, and trying to do photography. However, I know I’m not the only one in this boat so I know it’s possible just wish I could get the energy/motivation

 

I know EXACTLY how you feel! I learned that you can’t chase 2 rabbits, because you won’t catch either one. But for a while it is necessary! It really is baby steps. Set small goals, and then celebrate them so it builds your confidence! Your ceilings will become your floors, and you will get there!

 

7. Time. I have 2 kids. One in kind that needs help before and after school and one 10 month old that needs me all the time and don’t forget the hubby who always needs something, lol

 

I can relate. I have 4 kids, a husband, and my dog is about to deliver puppies any hour! Haha!!   If this is important enough for you, then implementing some time management will really help you squeeze this into the nooks and crannies of your life. I have a really great podcast about that and working with kids at home, it’s all I know how to do! 🙂

 

8. Lack of funds!

 

That is the very reason to set goals!! When the pain of remaining the same is great enough, then the pain of change won’t matter! My husband is a school teacher, and I do photography to help  put food on our table, so I totally hear ya!  Just take it a day at a time, prioritize your expenses, and look for ways to do free marketing that will bring in the funds to help build your business! Social Media is a great source for that.

 

Thank you to the wonderful contributors to my Facebook page!  I have a couple simple goal setting tips to get you on your way, and help those obstacles turn into stepping stones.

 

  1. Write down a specific goal with a date.  Don’t be general.
  2. Create a vision in your mind of what that goal will look like when achieved.
  3. Revisit that goal and vision often.  Two or three times daily.
  4. Figure out your “why” and attach that to your goal.  What is it that drives you to do this?

 

Amy Fraughton is the founder of Photo Business Tools, an online site offering business resources for photographers through blog posts, podcasts and downloadable forms.

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  1. Ryne Galiszewski-Edwards on February 8, 2012 at 10:03 am

    This is positively inspiring. The most honest answers that could possibly be given to those questions. Most days, I just make out enough time to read MCP’s blog and Facebook posts. I rarely have time to write a comment. To further support your post, I have 3 children, a very demanding job in a large tax office, rental property to maintain, a photography business, all the household and business budgeting/spending/saving/paying, keeping life and needs in order for a military husband, and do a tremendous amount of research for myself, my family, and people in need of help. I believe I have decided to quit my tax job at least 10 times, quit my photography business about 6 times, and swore I was selling the rental property 3 times. Notice how I never quit helping others. Someone told me for 5 years that I needed to make time to serve me and make me happy. Finally, I listened. Keep up with everything you have to do. Just plan, schedule, allot time periods to what you have to do. You’ll be able to do it all!

  2. Amy F on February 8, 2012 at 10:32 am

    Thank you Ryne, it looks like your chasing alot more than just 2 rabbits! I am glad that you can relate! Your a great example of making the important things happen because of your choices!!

  3. Alice C. on February 8, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    Thank you! That was such an inspiring post.

  4. Ryan Jaime on February 8, 2012 at 9:20 pm

    so true, so true

  5. James lomo on February 8, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    Such a good post my friend. I have had many obstacles trying to make photography more than just a hobby. Thank you so much.

  6. Image Masking on February 9, 2012 at 2:14 am

    Great inspiring post, i got some great idea from your post. Please keep posting….Thanks for sharing 🙂

  7. Karina on February 10, 2012 at 8:08 am

    Wow! thank you so much, this is the first post (and first website) I have found that relates to where I am at with my new business. Starting out I was trying to tackle everything at once, but need to learn to take baby steps and celebrate when I reach those small goals along the way.

  8. Tara on March 5, 2012 at 9:06 am

    I really needed to read this today. I had a breakdown this morning b/c getting photography work isn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I’ve been so down on myself lately, b/c I feel like this has been my dream for so long and I can’t seem to make it work. I need to remember to make baby steps and to believe in myself.

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