Day 6: Reflect, Refine, and Move Forward

Journaling has become a quiet companion on this journey, helping me mark the small victories, the ones we so often overlook. Inspired by The Artist’s Way, I’ve found that the act of writing things down—just a few lines, even—helps me stay grounded amidst the chaos. If my shop becomes what I dream it will, I hope these reflections offer others a glimpse into the process, a map to follow as they chase their own creative paths.

The beauty of journaling isn’t just in expression, but in the way it clarifies and reveals. It reminds me that progress doesn’t always announce itself with fanfare. It’s often a quiet thing—a design refined, a workflow made smoother. If you’re feeling lost in your own projects, try writing. Start with a sentence. Then another. You’ll be surprised what emerges.

On the social media front, it’s easy to get swept up in the need to post constantly, but I’m learning it’s not about more—it’s about meaning. A few thoughtful updates, stories that resonate, can do more than a flurry of empty noise. Start small. Be deliberate. The impact of one well-placed step is greater than a hundred hasty ones.

Then, there’s the question: expand the Icons collection, or do something new? Part of me craves the new, something to lure in a wider audience, those who may not love dogs. But there’s a value in refining what’s already here. If you’re at a similar crossroads, don’t rush. Sit with it. There’s wisdom in waiting, in nurturing what you’ve already begun before leaping into the unknown.

And the small wins—they’re everything. I made my first sale on Saturday. A small win, yes, but a vital one. Whether it’s switching to a better tool, posting an intentional update, or finally perfecting a sizing chart, each step matters. The big picture is made up of these tiny moments, these small triumphs that move you forward, inch by inch.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t focus on the mountain. Look at the step in front of you. Take it. Then another. Soon, without even realizing it, you’ll find yourself further along than you ever imagined.