The Tribune

By Deidre M Bastian

“While we are seriously considering accomplishing our goals, let’s do so with a positive end in mind” Oh my gosh, we won the gold….. What a victory! I felt elated and did not know where to place my emotions. I am certain that every Bahamian was jumping for joy on Friday August 10, 2012. This triumph will always be a memorable day for the entire Bahamas especially Chris Brown, Demetrius Pinder, Michael Mathieu and Ramon Miller. The Bahamas finally did what no other country has done in 60 years and that is to beat the United States to win the gold in the Men’s 4x400m Relay in 2 minutes, 56.72 seconds ahead of the US, Trinidad and Tobago. And what does this mean for the 33-year-old veteran Chris Brown? It adds a second relay gold to the world championship medal he won 11 years ago. Well done Chris! No doubt, I personally admire the perseverance of Chris “the warrior” who admitted that the US is a tough team to beat! Now that the ‘Golden Boys’ fought to achieve their most sought after goal, did I hear the word “accomplishment?”

Is it possible that you might have a personal goal of your own?

Accomplishment could be presented as a contributor that impacts a person or entity. The achievement could be that you led a team to victory, increased sales, cut costs, or even found a solution to a marketing problem via an advertisement or a creative design. Hmm, so what about a creative design? Do you think that a Graphic/Web Designer could ever arrive at a feeling of accomplishment, is it possible? I strongly believe that in pursuit of accomplishing a goal, an effective designer ought to let go of old mindsets.

In the graphic world letting go is not ‘giving up’ but actually willing to ‘move on’ to what works but using good judgment. Predominantly, the undertakings of a designer consist of a large variety of techniques and methods, which sometimes mean inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules and making mistakes. Being a creator of beauty and designer of dazzling graphics, sure does offer a sense of accomplishment. I enjoy the challenge of taking an abstract idea or concept and transforming it into a communicable message. Moreover, I’m fascinated by the impact that colour combinations, page layouts, paper stock and font choices have on a message. Sometimes people say to me: “How do you do it?”

It’s challenging sometimes but you have to put your mind to it. Remember Napoleon Hill in his book, ‘Think and Grow Rich’? He had it right. The starting point of all achievements is undoubtedly ‘desire’. Do you know that weak desires bring weak results, just as a small amount of fire makes a small amount of heat? Accordingly you’ve got to really, really want to achieve your goal and if you can’t picture yourself achieving the goal, chances are – you won’t.

Nevertheless I do believe all things are created twice; mental and then physical. Firstly, be certain that the blueprints are really what you want before putting it into bricks and mortar. Get rid of all obstacles or pessimistic people that prevent you from accomplishing your goal or develop a plan to overcome them.

Additionally, know that in your pursuit something will unquestionably go wrong but be ready to fight. I recall while in the process of designing the very final page of a 52 page booklet my computer did a ‘don’t-care’ dance on me. Yes you guess right ….it froze. But due to prior experiences, I was prepared by initially backing -up files on an external drive. Did I have a pity party? No, I just smiled brutally and continued on into the wee-wee hours of the night. Was I burned out? Absolutely, but when the curtains closed, everyone was impressed and me? My mission was accomplished as promised!

By and large, I am a proponent of setting goals and always try to encourage others to do so. I grew up making good grades and always had a knack for graphic design and technology, etc which did not survive without the thriving effects of ‘pressure’ to stay on top of my game. I remember graduating with the highest grade average…. Was this my most desired conquest? No it wasn’t. Why? Because I realize that a dazzling GPA that only predicts educational achievement doesn’t really value much on its own but good communication, common sense and hands on skills will take you much further. Nonetheless, despite barriers we still have to forge on. Having said that, it is wise to review your overall progress regularly and if you are not progressing, analyse what needs to be done and battle. An accomplishment doesn’t happen all at once.