2026 01 14

Winter cleaning. Chicago, Illinois. December, 2025. © Clayton Hauck

Simplifying My Life in 2026

In doing some deeper thinking on what I should focus on this year, it came to my mind that perhaps less is more. Last year was a throw-evertyhing-at-the-wall-and-see-what-sticks year. That approach can be fun but is not sustainable. Knowing myself as I do, avoiding the mundane organizational logistics of life in favor of fun new adventures is my standard operating procedure; opening a photo studio but not figuring out how to efficiently operate it; opening a photobook shop but neglecting the backend paperwork; making a million photos but failing to tell people I’m a photographer… these practices are unsustainable and will eventually catch up with you. In hopes of avoiding the repercussions, this year will be spent doing the Not Fun things required of us.

Here’s the thing: I think I’ve finally convinced myself this might not be so boring after all. Freeing myself of the shakles of shame and dread will rejuvenate me and allow new adventures to being again; digging through old hard drives and doing a proper backup of my work will lead to re-discovery and potential new projects; getting on top of my financials will allow my businesses to operate more efficiently and hopefully grow into bigger and better versions of themselves.

That’s it. Time to get to work. Hard hat, lunch pail.

-Clayton

This is one entry in a multi-part series of self-exploration and contemplation-out-loud in advance of the new calendar year. Some of this may happen; none of this may happen.
For the complete list of Year-End Contemplation posts from 2025, please see: 2025 12 25.
For the complete list of Year-End Contemplation posts from 2024, please see: 2024 12 25.