I recently saw an interview with Sir Elton John. The interviewer (Stephen Colbert) asked him about his early creative years. Colbert wanted to know how Elton could possibly have written, recorded and released 13 albums in six years from 1970 to 1976.

It turns out, the answer was simple, “No distractions”. No internet, no cell phones, no TikTok, no Facebook, no “X”, no Instagram, no 24 hour news. In fact, when Elton started his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin, Bernie would send him the lyrics for a new song IN THE MAIL.

Many artists lament about not having enough time to create art. Work, life, family obligations and other commitments get in the way. I’m guilty of using all those excuses. I can’t help but think that with all the things we’ve gained by using new technologies, we’ve also lost a lot along the way.

I read recently that Bill Gates meets with a consultant at the end of each year to review his goals and his previous year’s calendar.  In hindsight, it becomes clear that certain things he spent time on were less important, and others deserved more time and attention.  

So I decided to take a closer look at how I spent my time last year and used what I learned to inspire my goals for 2025:

• Spend less time looking at screens
• Paint every day
• Regularly reach out to a friend I haven’t seen in a while and try to connect in person.
• Try a new recipe in the kitchen
• Exercise! (preferably outdoors)
• Discover new music artists
• Read more books

I’m now in the period of my life that I have the luxury of a lot free time, so these simple goals are entirely within my reach. Most of all, I’ll try  enjoy each day to the fullest.

Happy New Year