If you read my last post, you know that this post is a continuation of that story. So if you haven't read Part 1, go do that!

Now, let's get to it.

The word for the year 2016 is...

P E R S I S T E N C E

noun | per·sis·tence | \pər-ˈsis-tən(t)s

Simple Definition of PERSISTENCE
: the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult or opposed by other people
: the state of occurring or existing beyond the usual, expected, or normal time

Why persistence?

One evening after Christmas Day, I was talking with my wife, Tessa (who's a phenomenal woman by the way), about our dreams and vision for the next year. As we sipped our hot tea by the fire and hashed out what it was we wanted to overcome and accomplish, we knew we would have to push past the resistance.

To resist comparing ourselves to everyone that does it better.

To resist bowing to the opinions of others that may or may not think we're capable.

To resist giving in to that oh-so-enticing pull towards "comfort."

But to simply resist is one sided. We don't just want to hold back the forces that be. We want to face the resistance head on and plow through it to....to what, exactly? Well, there has to be a goal, a target, to aim yourself at, or you'll aimlessly wander. And wonder. Drift.

We don't want that.

SO - we're setting our sights on 2016 as a year to not simply resist, but to persist toward our goals. To moving closer to the lifestyle that we desire. To make progress towards the dreams that so compel us.

And something that compels me greatly, is to help people like yourself.

I have a desire to serve and help equip those that have a skill or set of skills that would typically fall in the "creative" industry. Photographers, videographers, graphic designers, musicians, writers, poets, dancers, actors, painters...you get the picture. People that have a desire to make the world around them beautiful. Those that paint the canvas of their life and the lives of others with art, music, and/or diction.

"Help equip" is a broad term, and that's on purpose. You see, many of you out there don't really need much help with your craft. You've practiced. You've learned. You've set your hand to the plow and have shown yourself approved. And it pays. Literally. But some of you have a hard time with the "business" side of your craft. And my desire is to point you in the direction of "wholeness."

Some of you need a budget. Badly. And I LOVE budgeting. Like seriously. It's not a joke. It's probably sad how much I love budgeting. And how much I love to help other people budget and get a hold of their cash flow, so that they can pursue their dreams with no regret and no debt.

Some of you need inspiration. Someone to come alongside and offer encouragement at the right time. A pure word in due season.

Some of you need practical "how-to's" for your business. Or productivity tips and hacks to speed up your workflow.

Some of you just need to know that there are others out there like you. That you're not alone.

Well, I'm here to tell you that you're not. Because I also am pursuing a dream. A dream of helping influence those I care deeply about. And I believe, that those who create have the greatest influence of all. I truly believe that.

So, my mission that I'm embarking on this year is to influence the influencers. To make a difference for the difference makers. To come alongside and link arms with creators and inventors, even if it's just to softly remind them, "You can do it."

This is just a glimpse into what I'm pursuing this year. And since I just started this blog, you deserve to know what it's about. This is it. Influencing influencers. 

To generate influence, one must persist.

That is why persistence is the antithesis of apathy.

To persist is to overcome complacency and apathy. That is part of my journey this year.

SO...will you join me in this quest? If you'd like to sign up for my email newsletter, just scroll to either the top or bottom of this page and enter you name and email address. You'll be notified anytime a new post is posted, or for other special notes and updates.

And feel free to share this post on the social-sphere!

Again, if you missed the first post in this series, be sure to go read it!

So tell me, what are your goals for 2016, and how can I help? Leave a comment below to get the conversation started!