My Goals for 2026

Jan 6, 2026

Create Memory
AI generated cartoon image of Gary Hawkes with a grumpy expression
In this memory: Gary Hawkes

Goals is a strong word. It implies that if you don't achieve them you've failed. To me its really identifying the things I want to explore. In the end it may end up a goal but it could also be something that ends up confirming its not a goal I want. So I want to explore:
Personally:
- Getting another Lurcher to take Coopers place as a Guardian of the MoTaVerse...ok thats a definite goal
- Keeping up my fitness regime, maybe improving it a little
- performing more music on my own or with others beyond my current bands
- keeping my family supported in everything they do

Professionally:
- See my team grow further, support each other, drive their own improvements and more importantly, balance their work and life in search of peace and happiness.
- Find something else to add to my skills that excites
- Come up with more cartoon AI images and memes beyond "Grumpy Gary". It was created when I was writing a draft blog post and then I abandoned it as it felt a bit too self absorbed 😂

Testing Community:
- Writing more articles
- Taking part in more podcasts , thinking of with colleagues and ex-colleagues to tell their stories
- Doing a talk that I'm convinced will be of value to others
- Hooking up with individuals from MoT to create...something

Gary Hawkes
QA Lead
He/Him
Software QA Lead and tester who loves to see people grow, processes continuously improve and help organisations understand and support Quality Engineering
Simon Tomes
Appreciate you posting this, Gary! The community will support you all the way.

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