Aim

What are my aims?

1. To become a recognised embroidery artist. What does "recognised" mean though?

• To win a prize in an exhibition.

• To have a piece accepted for exhibition outside of the Guild.

• To be called an "Embroidery Artist" by someone other than myself.

2. To become a published author. This one is fairly clear.

3. To become an intermediate pianist. This one is also fairly clear.

So, what do I need to do to achieve these aims?

1. Keep stitching. Keep designing. Take any opportunity to learn from other stitchers and embroidery artists.

2. Apply butt to chair and do some actual writing. Before you can be published, you have to something to publish. Finish something!!

3. Practice, practice practice. Every day. Keep practicing.

That's all. It looks simple when you put it like that.

These aims are things I can't control, but I can control my actions towards them.

I can't control whether I become a recognised Embroiderer. But I can control my hands and keep using them to put needle and thread through fabric.

I can't control whether I ever get published. But I can control whether I finish writing a novel. I can control whether I sit in front of the laptop and type instead of more doomscrolling.

I can't control whether I become an intermediate pianist. But it's only going to happen if I keep working at it.

I remember some self-help book speaking about making your goals things that you can actually control. So even though my aims that I've listed here are beyond my direct control, I know what actions I need to take to ensure they are more likely.