2011

Here’s to a new year and (another) new blog. Although I don’t see January 1st as much different than any other day, it is a reasonable chance to reflect. The coming weeks and months always appear so full of promise; yet the past weeks and months always feel withered when held against my grand plans. Ever optimistic, I’m putting to paper a few new ideas to keep in mind in the new year.

But first, a review of 2010’s aspirations:

2010 Broad, over-arching goals:

• Double current passive income streams - incomplete
• Establish and sustain a fitness routine - incomplete
• Map out a 5-year career forecast - complete
• Break my most self-destructive habit - incomplete
• Be more giving of my time with those close to me - complete
• Help my wife to forecast her career - complete
• Survive busy season, and learn something about hard work - complete

2010 Specific, smaller goals:

• Get my CISA - complete
• Automate my finances a la Ramit Sethi - complete
• De-clutter our home/office - incomplete

Hmmm… Not a complete success, but not a total failure either. I’ve done work towards all of the ‘incompletes’, and will roll them onward to 2011 and keep chipping away.  On the other hand, I’ve made some important determinations about the direction I want to take my life and career, and 2011 will be the year of executing that. I’ve also put a lot more emphasis on spending time with family and friends, and any other past-time that’s generally important to me. This new year will be a continuation of the things that remain important, with a few new arrivals sprinkled in.

Without further ado:

2011 Broad, over-arching goals:

• Build on my current fitness routine and make it a natural part of my day/week
• Realign my career with my better-defined longterm work/life goals
• Focus on and strengthen my friendships (both locally and out-of-state)
• Start on the home projects that have been swirling around in my head
• Break my most self-destructive habit

2011 Specific, smaller goals:

• Finish paying down debt

Overall I want this year to be about reclaiming my time. In personal and professional pursuits, I will to step back and take a look at the bigger picture in my life and continue to define and refine my own wants and goals. This in turn will probably lead both minor and catastrophic course corrections, which is fine or even welcome as it will ultimately lead to a happier tomorrow.

To be continued…