So when it comes to last year, it can now be said rather safely that I had a surprisingly good year as a whole in 2021. Even though I didn't manage to be particularly productive as a writer, there were other things where I managed to excel surprisingly well.
Indeed, among other things, last year I got a steady job that - even though doesn't make me rich - allows to make me financially a bit more secure. It makes me feel that I'm actually contributing to society and that I can make a difference in this world.
When it comes to my social life, I've made new friends at my work and this has also contributed to my overall well being. I've shown to myself that I get along with people more than well and that it seems that others like my company as well.
Artistically speaking, there's no question that me starting to play piano again after a 20+ year break was a big positive surprise for myself. I managed to start playing the instrument again and have kept my practice routine pretty strong ever since.
Indeed, especially when I started learning the main theme from 'The Monkey Island' a couple weeks ago, I felt really good about my progress. I kept practicing diligently, even though this song was probably the most difficult so far that I've tried to learn.
So when it comes to this year, it's pretty clear that if I want to be as productive that I managed to be last year, I have to keep myself active and take some chances again. I need to keep my practice routines going and also get lucky in the process.
Artistically speaking - piano that is - the most obvious thing is that I need to keep improving my skills as a musician. This is a thing that I absolutely need to pay attention to and not start resting on my laurels, even though there's a chance that it might happen.
After all, during my 'theory learning' break that I had during the holidays, I got a bit lazy and didn't challenge myself enough. Even though I did practice those old songs that I had learned, the best way to improve is by learning new songs on a consistent basis.
Writings-wise, the most realistic thing that might happen is that I'll able to establish a writing routine that has to do with my 'gaming' project. This is a project that I've been working on lately and have been doing some historical background research too.
Challenge-wise, a caveat here is how well I manage to find energy and time to both write and play piano without getting exhausted in the process. Once I come back from work it's hard to do both and is something that I need to take into consideration.
Still, in the end, considering that I have some fairly clear plans for this year, that should give me confidence that it's going to be a good year too. I should be thinking that I'll be able to pull off these projects and not give up on them that easily.
After all, as long as I manage to play piano & write stuff on a basis that is consistent enough, I have a chance of making it. I have a chance of making these projects work, even though especially with the writing project I need to get lucky and work really hard.
