12 Projects in 12 Months 🚀
Last year, I decided that my word for 2024 would be experiment.
I thought creating 12 experiments or projects in 12 months would be fun. This is slightly based on the 12 Startups in 12 Months projects by Pieter Levels but also very different because I'm not a coder and will not be creating startups.
It's a big commitment, and sharing this with you is scary because my first thought is, what if I fail? I guess that could happen, but if it does, I'll share about that, too.
Why am I doing this?
To build trust in myself. Not only will this be a HUGE creative challenge, but It's also a commitment to showing up for myself and proving that I can see things through.
Having ADHD and being diagnosed only two years ago have made a massive impact on my self-esteem, but I still have a ways to go. I have quite a backpack of failed projects that I didn't finish, and it has made me lose trust in myself big time.
I hope having a monthly deadline will help me keep on track, and having multiple projects this year will be a surefire way of keeping me interested and boosting my dopamine.
Ground Rules and Objectives
Now, some ground rules and personal objectives.
1. Take your time, but not too much.
The emphasis is on progress, not perfection. The project must be concluded, published, or shared by the month's end. But you have permission to take time off because my (mental) health is more important than finishing!
2. Learning, learning, learning.
Every project is an opportunity to learn, to hone my skills, and to embrace the joy of creating. I lost touch with my creativity last year, and my interest in photography has been at its lowest since ever.
I hope by learning new skills and going into multiple rabbit holes, I can get my spark back. Dopamine hit, please!
3. Show my work and the behind-the-scenes.
Transparency is key. I'll share the messy drafts and behind-the-scenes struggles alongside the finished projects. It's not about the destination; it's about the journey.
This will be the most scary part because shame will rear its head when I fall off the wagon or when things don't go as I want them to. But it's when the going gets rough that we learn the most, and I also think it's important to share the messy shit instead of only showing you the finished project.
This project can be a huge success or a dramatic failure, but I know it's going to be wild! Here's to a year full of experimentation, delightful surprises, and the joy of completing things.