MAMBA MENTALITY…
The overarching theme for 2023 is redefining my discipline. I’m headed into my Kobe year with the need for a mamba mentality. Whether that means waking up early or putting in the extra hours, it’s time to get after it. I’ve spent the last two months waking up earlier which has helped me accomplish more goals. Whether it be going to the gym or finishing work before I have the chance to be distracted. I’ve enjoyed maximizing my time. A major motivation in my life is constantly moving forward in hopes to better myself. Big tasks can be completed with big actions but also with consistent ones. Now that you know my motivation for the year, let's get into my 10 goals and ideals.
1. Shoot personal projects on a more consistent basis. Working based on a spark of inspiration is amazing, but I want to push to create even when I’m not feeling it
2. Invest in family time. My dad is getting older and nearing retirement which makes me wanna spend true quality time with him
3. Optimize my studio space, curate the space to fit the work I am creating.
4. Expand the reach of my paintings. My work as a photographer has been shown and sold but only a select group of people even know that I paint. In 2023 I’m aiming to change that.
5. Work on moving into the new house. My brother and I are moving into a house that needs some serious TLC, the goal is to chip away at it over the next few months to get it back into shape
6. Get back into hiking. It's a great way to catch up with friends and exciting for my dog :)
7. Continue to cultivate relationships. College is coming to an end and I want to continue spending time with the people I love. We are all moving on to bigger and better things in the future, which makes this final semester of college that much more essential. I will be leaving LMU with life long memories and friends who I will continue to learn with.
8. Get back to growing my own food. My Dad and uncle taught my brother and I how to garden at a young age, making it part of our lifestyle. College has put a pause on my gardening time but I hope it picks up when I establish the new house
9. Dive into the art scene in LA. Spend more time looking at works, discussing pieces, and meeting champions of the arts
10.Take time to acknowledge the little victories. An appreciation for small success can't be overlooked
My present self has been crafted through years of overcoming obstacles large and small. I have been blessed with a family that has always placed challenging and interesting opportunities in front of me. This could start with my time coaching kids at the YMCA, or becoming president of the habitat for humanity club, or building a name for myself as a photographer through award winning projects and shows in multiple states. One of the most defining times in my life so far was when I started working in TV and Film. When I was 19, I made the choice to temporarily leave school in order to begin my career in the film industry. Being the youngest in a veteran dominated industry was intimidating but forced me to shape up quickly. I couldn’t be timid and I had no one to hold my hand. I worked in conjunction with other departments and conducted myself as a professional. I learned quickly how to communicate efficiently to a wide audience of people, picked up priceless knowledge of the industry, and proved to myself that I am a creative problem solver. My work ethic grew and is an integral part of who I am, it shapes the way I see the world making it immensely important in my life.
To the version of myself that reads this 10 years down the line, I hope you’re proud of the choices I’ve made. Finishing school and further ventures into life already makes this year feel special. I know my older self would tell me I have my entire life to work but only 5 more months to soak up everything college has to offer. My older self would probably hype me up all while leading into a pep talk about loving my family, pursuing my art, and working hard towards my goals. The conversation would definitely end with “I’m proud of you.”
