Here is my refined list of goals for 2018:
Continue to improve my physical health.
- I will walk 1,000 miles as measured by the pedometer on my phone and Google Maps.
- I will improve my flexibility and balance through brief daily and longer monthly activities.
- I will monitor and chart the progress toward my ideal body weight.
Continue to improve my financial health.
- I will accumulate and protect the equivalent of six months' budget as a safety net for the turbulence during my inevitable job transition.
Read books that are not just for work or school.
- I don't know what kind of pace I can keep up for this, but I would like to average about one book a month by the end of the year. I'll keep a reading log and make use of GoodReads.
Play video games on a regular basis.
- I will take at least one brief video game break every week. I bet my son Avery will help me with this. I'll keep a game journal.
Raise my professional credentials.
- Eventually I want to upgrade my certifications, but my one and only goal for this year is to make substantial progress on my dissertation. I intend to complete a prototype by May.
Rather than work on a new game this year, rebuild my website.
- It's embarrassingly out of date and poorly designed. If I am to be taken seriously as a web technology professional, I need to redesign my website.
Reacquire and improve my musical ability.
- I have a list of nearly 30 songs that I intend to practice on a regular basis. Every month I will practice at least one or two, and more if I have time.
Increase the frequency and regularity of contact with my friends.
- I'm not sure what's a reasonable metric for this, but it is a goal. If my loved ones see this, maybe they'll do their part, too.
Figure out what my next career move is going to be.
- Maybe I'll find a new job this year, or maybe the events of the year will present a new path, but no matter what happens, this will be the year that I take the first steps toward whatever comes next for me.
Have a great 2018, everyone!
