Topical!
I do a lot of thinking about axe throwing in general, it being a way for me to turn off my brain from that icky thinking that comes with existing in this dumpster-fire world. But I honestly don't do all that much thinking about my particular goals in axe throwing. Sure, I want to get better and I'd love to win a tourney or two, but let's be honest: I have neither the drive, dedication, or care to really shift my current life into one that gives me the tools to make it to the big show in Toronto.
But this year, I'm wondering if I should have at least some goals that I track throughout the year. If nothing else, to give myself some extra content for this blog. With that lofty mission in mind, here are a few of my axe-olutions for 2024.
GET A FANCY AXE
Alright okay alright okay. I REALIZE this isn't so much a deep, meaningful goal as much as it is me calling my money-spending shot, but hear me out: I have tried to keep my axe-penditures as low as possible in the past (a mix of necessary frugality in my past and just not seeing the value of a $200+ dollar axe), but I feel like 2024 is when I let myself have something pretty.
Do I think a custom made axe will change my throwing to a point where I start winning a whole bunch more? Of course not. Will I feel pretty while throwing it? Yes. And honestly, that's kinda a nice goal to have. I have yet to decide what kind of axe I'm going for/maker/etc. etc., but if I make this an axe-olution for 2024, maybe I'll start setting aside money and investing in my own study of what I want.
BRING UP MY AVERAGE
Winning is great. Finishing on the podium is great. But it kinda makes the performance of other people a part of a personal goal - and I don't like that. For one thing, it reminds me of The War Prayer by Mark Twain (If I'm hoping to finish first, that means a lot of my buddies need to not finish first/mess up). It also takes the ownership of the goal halfway out of my hands.
Instead, I'm going to focus on my point average, which is entirely in my own control. Right now, I'm sitting at a very plump 64.8. I have absolutely no idea how well I'll have to throw to get that in a better spot, but I'm going to try.
Now, does having this particular axe-olution for 2024 make a bit of difference in the grand scheme of things? No, I reckon it doesn't - but it will be nice to achieve and hopefully release some of those little elusive dopamine bumps that are so few and far between.
TRAVEL TO AT LEAST TWO NEW AXE HOUSES
I know something about myself, and that something is how much anxiety I get in travelling to new places, and in seeing new faces. But I do truly believe that one of the best ways to enjoy this sport is to travel.
So far, I've only thrown at one axe house outside of Meduseld Meadery, and that's Urban Axes Baltimore. And both are great - but that's only two places, really. I'm hoping that 2024 is a year in which I'm able to head out to Pittsburg, maybe New Jersey, too. Realistically, I don't care which places I visit, just that I go somewhere new and get the experience. Time and money will obviously become a consideration, here, but I'm a hopeful badger.
BRING AT LEAST 1 NEW PERSON INTO THE FOLD
The success of this sport, and its longevity, is entirely dependent on expanding the thrower base. To that end, I want to bring some new people into the fold this year - and if not a few people, at least 1 other person. I successfully brought Chapman into axe throwing a year or so ago, and that handsome fellow has since become a better thrower than me (in fact, he went to the championship last year) - and that feels real good, you know? So if I can do it again, I think my 2024 cycle will be well worth the effort.
So follow along with me, dear reader, as I begin my journey on these axe-olutions! Will I achieve any? Will I forget I even suggested these in about a week? Time will tell.
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