Goals for 2024
Neither a review, remark or roundup. Call it a second introduction.
Every year since 2016, I have created a list of goals for the year ahead usually collating twelve different things in an attempt to achieve one goal per month. Sometimes I’ve completed majority, other times I’ve completed barely any. Things I’ve included over the years have been incredibly unachievable and superficial, others were too easy, some were manageable, and some seemed like good ideas at the time of setting them, proving not to be the case in retrospect.
This year, I decided to split my goals into separate categories based on personal and professional aims. I find that this makes things much more achievable and evokes a better sense of dedication towards ticking everything off (although it is good to make sure you have things on there that aren’t necessarily a guarantee). Why map out your year ahead knowing with 100% certainty that you will do all of it?
I’ve put mine on here in the hopes that it inspires you to create your own - we’re only in April and it’s never too late to start. Feel free to take some of mine, feel free to keep doing what you’re doing, feel free to stop reading this all together!
If you’re still here (thank you), here is my list and where I am up to…
Read 3 classics
I would consider myself somewhat of an avid reader but feel as though I always stick to what I know, or read what seems to be popular at that given time. This year, I wanted to commit to delving into classics more as I can’t stay I have since college. I am 2/3 of the way there with this goal having read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley at the beginning of the year along with The Outsider by Albert Camus shortly after. Frankenstein is brilliant. The Outsider I didn’t completely wrap my head around. Classic number three is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde but I’m not yet finished.
Start a new script
See my previous post for my current feelings on this. In a nutshell, I’m yet to even build up the strength to think about writing a second script. (Beyond the nutshell can be found here: https://reviewsremarksandroundups.substack.com/p/time-to-get-started).
Have a chocolate-free monthA somewhat juvenile goal but a necessary one nevertheless. I’ve completed this more than once this year because if I’m not talking, I’m probably eating a Dairy Milk or a share bag of Milky Buttons.
Have an alcohol-free month
If I’m not talking, eating the aforementioned chocolate, and it’s past 19:00 on a Friday/Saturday, there’s a good chance I’ll be drinking. Not this month though! I started this goal on the 15th April and feel all the better because of it.
Go to the Edinburgh Fringe to any capacity
Booked and ready to go. This is slowly becoming a tradition of mine. Other than Glastonbury, the Edinburgh Fringe is my favourite event of the year. For the second year in a row, I am ticketless for the former so that makes the Fringe all the more exciting.
Exercise at least 144 times this year
Yes this is specific, but it works out as 12 workouts per month. It’s doable but I’m falling behind. 39 workouts and counting…
Learn about directing theatre
This is a gradual thing but I’ve made a start. Not quite deserving to consider this complete any time soon though.
TakeI Am Steven Gerrardfurther after its first runLiverpool’s Royal Court Studio in August 2024. Hope to see you there!
Build my CV up with freelance roles
This is proving to be difficult but like I said, it’s good to have things on your list of goals that aren’t 100% guaranteed. I’m hopeful this will get ticked off though.
Go on holiday
Very much needed. Not yet complete.
Start my own blogDoes this one need a summary?
Get a credit on a production for something outside of writing
This is probably my most ambitious as I’m still very much in the early phase of my theatre making career. Up for giving it a go though.
So, as of month four of the year, I’ve completed three goals. (Unsure if the Fringe counts as I haven’t actually been yet?)
Anyway, I hope this helps you to set up some goals for yourself. Or if you're already in the midst of completing them, keep going!