As February draws to a close, I thought I’d do a quick check-up to see how well I was keeping up with my New Year’s resolution list. In sum: not great, but not too bad, either. I need to make some adjustments, but I think I can pull it back in.
Here’s the rundown (copied and pasted from the original, with some notes below):
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 think I’m doing OK on this one; I haven’t really done great this month, but I have spent a little time each month working on something new.
- 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.
Spent a little time studying, but I need to get on this.
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 have two presentations scheduled for SQL Saturday 70 next month.
- I will blog at least once a month about some technical topic (see the first bullet point under technical skills).
See the above point; as I learn, I blog. I did miss the T-SQL Tuesday blog for Feb (which makes me sad).
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.
I’ve done this; I’m moving on to something larger.
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.
Started Weight Watchers and have lost about 10 pounds so far. Have tapered off a bit, and I need to get back on this bandwagon.
- I have apnea, and I’ve been horrible about using my CPAP on a regular basis. I will use it regularly.
How about irregularly?
- 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.
Blech. I did OK for about two days.
- I will drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
Does Diet Coke count as water? Sigh; it looks like I’m not doing so hot in the Health area.
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.
Checked out a church; didn’t like it.
- 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).
Mixed results on this; while I think I do a great job at spending time with my kids and my future bride, I’m still struggling with ways to handle conflict in a positive fashion. My strategy now is direct confrontation, rather than continuing to tap-dance around issues.
Social
- I will listen more to my children, my family, and my friends. I will find ways to let them know I love them.
See above.
- 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.
Need to do better about this.
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.
Not really making a lot of headway here; this one may have to wait until my fiancee and I combine households (thus saving on rent payments).
- I will save more; I plan to find ways to cut costs (like taking advantage of coupons, and eating out less).
Ditto.
There you have it; a mixed bag. I think I’m making some positive steps in the right direction, but I’ve still got a long way to go.
