As 2009 comes to a close, it's time for me to set some goals for 2010. Goals, not resolutions. I gave up on making new year's resolutions some time ago. My resolutions never worked. They were always things that I would like to do, or knew I should do, but I wasn't really dedicated to or serious about. As such, if I didn't keep the resolution it wasn't a big deal. Like most people, my new year's resolutions were usually broken, dead, and gone within the first week (if not the first day) of the new year.

So, I decided this year that I am going to make goals instead of resolutions. To me that just makes it more definitive, whicn in turn makes me more likely to accomplish the goals. A goal gives me a specific objective that I'm trying to achieve, or a deadline that I have to meet. It's not "I'm going to get in shape", it's "I'm going to lose 25 pounds." I realize that in actuality what you call it really doesn't matter, as long as you're serious about it and dedicated to getting it done. But, for me, since all of my resolutions have been tainted with failure, I'm going to start setting goals instead.

So, here is my list of goals for 2010, in no particular order:

• Get a new hobby - I want a pastime that doesn't involve sitting in front of a computer writing code all of the time. I need down-time from the ole' PC, so I think I'm going to take up photography. I think it will be very gratifying, and it's also something I can do with my family. (I'm sure my 2 year will have no problem posing to have her picture taken...)
• Learn Java and Groovy - I've always had an interest in Java, and I've read some cool things about Groovy, so I've decided to give them a try. I don't expect to become an expert in either one of these within a year, especially since I'll be learning them in my spare time, but I do hope to be able to learn enough to be somewhat proficient.
• Get Certified - I want to start a goal of getting at least 1 certification per year. I don't care so much about the certification itself, it's more about learning a programming language well enough to become certified in it. The best way for me to get up to speed on the new CF 9 features is to get the CF 9 certification. Likewise for any other programming language I want to learn. Having a set date to take an exam and either pass or fail is a real motivator for me.
• Lose at least 25 pounds - Yeah, I'm chubby and need to slim down. 25 pounds isn't a lot, but I don't have the extra time to dedicate to a lengthy daily workout routine. I'm hoping small changes here and there will help make a difference over the coming year. Vanderbilt has a free employee fitness center and a free shuttle that runs from my office to the fitness center every 15 minutes, so I really don't have an excuse not to go at least once a week or so.
• Start cooking more - I've always enjoyed cooking, and want to get back into it. Not just for myself, but for my family. We all need to eat healthier. Plus, I figure that the more I cook, the less I eat out, and the easier it will be for me to lose those 25 pounds. ;)
• Read More - I have a long list of (non-technical) books that I want to read. I used to read for enjoyment quite regularly but over the last couple of years I've gotten out of the habit. It's been forever since I sat down and read a good book (or a bad one!). I plan on starting on a new fiction or sci-fi series this year and getting at least 1 or 2 books read.

Meeting all of these goals is going to be quite a challenge, especially since all of them require 1 thing that I have very little of, and that's free time. I'm sure there will even be times when some of them cancel each other out (i.e...I don't have time to cook or work out because I'm studying for my certification exam, so I'll just run to the drive through on my way home.) But, just the fact that I've put these out here for the world to see now means that I'll have to get them accomplished, or a least try really really hard to. Otherwise, my pride will be hurt this time next year when all of you point and laugh at me and call me a failure. ;)