Focus, Create, and Simplify. 

In 2024, these three words became more than an intention for me. They became tools—lenses through which I examined uncertainties, challenges, and opportunities.

For the first nine months of 2024, I navigated various medical issues. None of them were individually severe, but in succession, they were draining, distracting, and limited my ability to live fully. The most disruptive was a torn meniscus that required surgery—not exactly part of the plans I had envisioned when booking trips to Alaska, Santa Fe, and Ireland.

Despite my injury, I resolved not to let it derail those experiences.

I spent much of the year limping and crawling around —figuratively and literally. I couldn’t capture all the images I had imagined in Alaska or Ireland, but I cherished the ones I could. I attended a transformative workshop in Santa Fe, committing to being “All In” as much as possible, even within my limitations.

At every turn, I faced a choice: dwell on what I couldn’t do or focus on what I could. Instead of lamenting the paths I couldn’t explore, I immersed myself in the opportunities right in front of me. This shift in perspective deepened my experiences. In Alaska, I tuned into the sounds of eagles and observed their subtle movements, learning to anticipate their flight. In Ireland, I found unique vantage points to appreciate the landscapes and castles, embracing the constraints of my mobility as opportunities for creativity.

Focusing on my intention and purpose helped me reconnect with my creativity. Even when I felt tired or limited, I discovered growth opportunities. I asked myself the same question I often pose to my coaching clients: What do you want to create from here? 

In photographing wildlife or working with clients, the goal is to uncover what is accessible, take intentional action, and chart a path for growth.

Post-surgery recovery offered its lessons.

Earlier in the year, while in Santa Fe, I was captivated by hummingbirds. Their energy, speed, and precision fascinated me, and I was determined to capture their movement through my lens.

Photographing them wasn’t going to be easy, but I knew I had the tools, skills, and time to figure out how to do it.

The key was to slow down and simplify—not an easy feat in a world where we can get trapped in the expectations we create for ourselves or those made by others. Those expectations often focus on speed and getting it right the first time.

Remember not to get too excited in the moment or create unrealistic expectations. Press the shutter, not overreact to the results, but learn from them. Simplify, look at the variables impacting the image, make adjustments, and stay with it.

The image I have shared with this blog was taken during my recovery. One day, I was sitting on my patio, watching the birds and thinking about how I would photograph them. I realized I was getting twisted in my thinking and needed to get my camera, simplify, and start taking pictures. I am thrilled with the result!

I focused on what I wanted to create from the opportunity presented, simplified my approach, and am very happy with the results.

The lessons of 2024 reinforced this truth: even when circumstances aren’t ideal, there is always something valuable to create. My year ended on a high note, and I’m fully recovered, ready to embrace 2025 with clarity and purpose.

How about you?

My invitation is simple: What can you create for yourself in the year ahead?

What becomes possible when you focus on clarity, leverage the tools within reach, simplify your approach, and stop overthinking?

My greatest strength is helping people clarify their goals, navigate uncertainty, and develop plans that drive lasting change. 

If you would like some help focusing, creating, and simplifying your approach, let’s connect.

Click the link below to schedule a call.

 Connect with Alec