Obviously, with the start of the New Year, there will be a flood of posts on the blogosphere regarding resolutions to change bad behaviors and adopt new good ones; why should I be any different? There’s lots of things I want to change about myself, and I figure I should put them out there and see how I’m doing over the year. So, with little fanfare, here’s my list of challenges I plan to tackle for 2011 (broken up in to categories and subcategories for easy reference):
Professional
Technical Skills
- I want to learn something new every month. My goal is to tackle something challenging, and be able to understand the ins and outs of it within 30 days. For example, I want to finish tackling XML (including XSD’s) in SQL Server.
- I want to upgrade my certifications by the end of the year; I’ve been dancing around the MCITP exams for a while, and I need to finish them.
Presentation
- I want to make at least 6 technical presentations by the end of the year; last year, I managed to eke out 8, but given some of the recent changes in my personal life (see below), I think 6 is reasonable.
- I will blog at least once a month about some technical topic (see the first bullet point under technical skills).
Management
- I will understand the SCRUM methodology, and learn how to implement it with my team at work. Although I’m not a team leader, I AM the Senior Database Architect, and I need to code less, and teach more. This is my year to do so.
Personal
Health
- I’m getting married again this year, and I want to look good for my new wife. I also want to avoid long-term health issues. I was losing weight last year (until I started dating), and I want to get back on track. I’d like to lose 50 lbs by October.
- I have apnea, and I’ve been horrible about using my CPAP on a regular basis. I will use it regularly.
- I need to exercise more, so I will find 20 minutes a day to do SOMETHING, even if it’s just walking around the office for 20 minutes.
- I will drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
Spiritual
- I’ve slacked off in my religious activities; my faith was nourished by church attendance during my divorce, and I need to start growing again. I will find a new church in the next two months (my old church is too far to drive on a regular basis), and become a regular attendee.
- I choose to absorb the goodness from people who love me, and I will reject the poison from those who do not. I will focus on the important things in life (like my kids, and my future bride), and worry less about the unimportant things (like who’s mowing the grass).
Social
- I will listen more to my children, my family, and my friends. I will find ways to let them know I love them.
- I will nurture my own friendships; while I love my fiance’s friends and family, I want to bring more to the table than just me.
Financial
- My divorce pulled me way off course. While I’m a long way from being out of debt, I will continue to make strides in that area. I will pay off at least one credit card ahead of schedule.
- I will save more; I plan to find ways to cut costs (like taking advantage of coupons, and eating out less).
Anyway, there you have it: my New Year’s resolutions for 2011. May it be a good year for all.
I used this information to lose 40 pounds last year and I’m recommitting to the diet this year as part of my NYE resolutions
Here is a quick 2 minute video introducing you to “Paleo in a nutshell”. Watch the Part 1: Food video and optionally watch the exercise video – http://paynowlivelater.blogspot.com/2009/01/paleoprimal-in-nutshell-videos.html
Here is a link to a book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Solution-Original-Human-Diet/dp/0982565844/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1283272971&sr=8-1
Here is the blog / podcast from the guy who wrote the book: http://robbwolf.com/
Here is the 30 day challenge which REALLY got me started: http://whole9life.com/2010/05/whole-30-v2/
Stu,
Great ideas! I’m inspired to put my own list together. Know that I’m out here rooting for you to have an amazing 2011.
–Audrey
Making the resolution to change your health is a noble one! It’s been tough for me. I dropped 90lbs and I’ve kept it off for almost a year now. I’ve built a support group for my friends and I, http://ourbodytransformations.com. Feel free to check in. We put it together so we could help each other. Cheer each other on, hold each other accountable!
We also share some of the tricks, tips, and recipes we found along the way.
I’ll be rooting for you! If I can help in any way, let me know!
Great post. I like the way you think. Some of these ideas have been kicking around in my head but I was having a hard time putting them in words. I’ll see you at SQL Saturday!