Coming up with Goals Because the Number Generator Told Me To…
It’s 11pm and I’m back from my holiday content, well rested, but lacking in inspiration, topic-wise (I am planning on writing a blog about my trip, but not tonight). So it’s time for the ol’ number generator again!
I’m so sorry.
So, our number today is 58. Which means out topic from this list of ideas is…
“Write a list post for your birthday that corresponds to your age. You could share a list of goals, lessons, favourite memories, or facts about yourself.”
Well, I don’t want to give away my age because I don’t what that to influence how people view my playing age (or working out my date of birth). But this year is the 10th anniversary of my graduating for The Royal Academy of Music. So let’s go with 10 for the list length.
As for the topic of that list, let’s go with a list of goals. Made up on the sofa as I reflect on the last 5 days away and the prospect of returning to work tomorrow.
Note, this is going to be more of a brainstorm, rather than fully fleshed out S.M.A.R.T goals or anything. Maybe I’ve follow ups with a more finessed outline later on down the road.
Eat more fruit and veg
This is something I’ve already ‘soft-launched’ in my life by adding it onto my Finch app as a daily goal. But I want to get serious with it, especially as my current resting job is the most sedentary I’ve had and sweet treats are in ample supply.
Do 20 minutes of movement everyday (excluding cycling)
I cycle most days to and from my local station, but I do want to incorporate more movement into my day. I don’t want to be too prescriptive with the type of movement; I enjoy yoga, walking and dancing, so making time for any of those activities would be great.
Spend time in nature every day
One of the things I loved about the break I’ve just been on is that we had so much time in nature. And I really want to make that part of my daily routine, even if it’s just sitting in the garden for 10 minutes.
Make more time, space and permission for creative play
This is one that I’ve been struggling with for a while. I’m great at being playful when stuff does matter, but as soon as I’m doing ‘serious creative work’ (singing practice, audition prep etc) all the fun and play, and so the creativity, goes and the window as the pressure to be perfect comes rushing in. So I want to create more space and grace for that in my creative practice.
Make time for day trips
My partner observed that when we go away together, we’re really good and making the most of the day and being out and about rather than staying in the hotel. But when we’re (more specifically, I’m) at home, there’s less of that explorative energy. And I think the solution is day trips. TI want to take a day off every so often to go do something novel and explorative and fun. I don’t usually make time for that - usually I’ll take a day from one job to do another or to do house work - and I think it would be good for me.
Start a regular meditation practice
I’ve been putting this of, to be honest. But not only has my therapist suggested it might be a good idea, but it’s something I’ve wanted to implement for a while. Whenever I get around to it, I feel the benefits, but it always seems to end up at the bottom of the priorities list.
Plan out our garden
J and I were SO inspired on our trip by some of the gardens we saw. And so we both want to sit down and properly plan out our garden and what herbs and veggies we want to grow.
Get my vocal and voice reels sorted
These have both been on my to-do list for this year and I just need to buckle down and get them done. Nothing more to say there, really.
Come up with a networking plan
This is sort of related to yesterday’s post, in that since Covid really, I have struggled to keep up with networking. So I need to take my own advice and figure out a) what’s blocking me with this and b) what would help ease that block so I feel more safe/empowered/excited/whatever to do the thing.
Try a new recipe once a week
We have a whole bunch of recipe cards from the supermarket that we haven’t touched. So my plan (which I need to tell J…) is to try a new recipe once a week. Hopefully this’ll also help with the fruit and veg goal as well.
Those are my 10 proto-goals of this, the 10-year anniversary of my RAM graduation.
Thinking about it, I should have probably made it more theatre orientated…Oh well, next time!