KEEPING YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE

Setting goals is one thing but achieving them is rarely straightforward. Counsellor Sophie Carter’s timely advice on how to make 2024 a year of enhanced creativity and opportunity will set you up to hit the ground running.

A new year beckons, with fresh horizons to discover and new mountains to conquer. To meet it head-on, you need to think about what goals you hope to achieve in 2024.

Goal setting in the creative sphere is not just about targets; it’s also about nurturing imagination, refining skills and charting a course towards artistic fulfilment. But how can you set career goals in an industry where success is partly determined by good timing and sheer luck, as well as talent?

Before you choose your goals for 2024, it’s important to reflect on the previous year and celebrate achievements, acknowledge challenges and highlight lessons. What worked well for you? What could have been improved? Let these insights inform your goals.

It’s helpful to define your long-term vision. Is there a substantial creative goal that will help you determine the smaller ones you need to achieve to accomplish this long-term aspiration?

Once you have articulated your goals, it’s crucial to ensure they are SMART, that is:

Specific Be precise. Ask yourself the important who, what, where, when and why of each goal.

Measurable How will you know you are successful? When will you know you have accomplished your goal?

Achievable Is this goal realistic? What skills/resources/knowledge will you need to achieve it? Is it within your capabilities? If not, consider setting yourself a more realistic goal.

Relevant Does this goal align with your values and long-term vision?

Time-bound Does the goal have a deadline? If not, set an end date to maintain your motivation.

Remember to track your progress periodically and make adjustments, if necessary. Has the goal changed or does it need to morph into something else, due to unforeseen circumstances? Goals aren’t set in stone, so don’t be afraid to make necessary refinements. Use this time to also assess your advancement and celebrate any milestones you have reached.

Effective goals can encourage you to diversify and expand your current skill set. When working in the arts, versatility is key. The exploration of new skills not only enriches your abilities but can also provide fresh opportunities, new networks and creative collaborations. Choosing goals that broaden your current skill set may include those related to the practical business side of your profession, such as learning how to make social media work for your business, how to apply for creative grants or how to maximise your claims at tax time.

Goals don’t have to just focus on achieving success in your professional world. If your work/life balance was out of whack during 2023, maybe your goal for the new year could be to incorporate more self-care. Set goals that prioritise your well-being, such as establishing an exercise routine, sleeping more, practising mindfulness or allocating time for outside hobbies. Nurturing your mental, physical and emotional health will lead to more energy, resilience and a renewed enthusiasm in both your personal and professional life.

It’s worth noting that the consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs is significantly higher within creative sectors than in more traditional lines of work. If you feel drug or alcohol misuse is an issue for you, consider addressing this through organisations such as the Federal Government’s National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline which operates 24/7.

If work seems light on the ground for the coming year, why not set goals that instead seek inspiration and fuel your creativity? Attend performances, read more books, explore new music or develop a skill outside your area of expertise. The continual enjoyment of diverse creativity keeps your mind fresh, your soul inspired and your heart full, which in turn makes you more resilient as you ride the natural peaks and troughs of life in the arts.

Everyone on the MEAA Wellness Committee wishes all Equity members a joyous festive season, and a vibrant and creative 2024.

● National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline, 1800 250 015.

Sophie Carter runs Centred Stage, which provides counselling for those in the performing arts industry. She is a proud member of MEAA’s Entertainment Wellness Committee