It’s now somewhere in the neighborhood of 13 hours since the ball dropped in Time’s Square, which is located just across Lake Ontario where I now sit. While there are a number of different post ideas I have percolating in my head right now, I figured “why not publicly out my professional resolutions for the coming year?”
So, why make resolutions at all? They’re stupid, right? Well, I just turned 39 a few weeks ago (I share my birthday with such esteemed celebs as TaySwif, to name a few). I was reading some facts about New Year’s resolutions the other day, and learned that I’m not in a great demographic when it comes to achieving my goals for the year.
Did you know that only 39% of people in their twenties achieve their New Year’s goals each year? Worse, it seems that number starts to fall off, almost petering to a halt after fifty.
So, this year is the year for me. Take a moment to read through my list and see if you can get inspired before January 1st turns to the second and the time for making firm resolutions passes you by.
1. Find ways to work less and have fun more often.
I’d like to say that I’ve already got the formula all figured out when it comes to work/life balance. Truly though, I’m single, love to work, and spend way too much time with my trusty dog to claim I’ve figured this mystery out fully. I’m getting there, but this year I need to work on dating, friendship, creating more passive income streams, and to stop beating this darned keyboard to death all the time.
2. Get fit in 2017 and stay that way!
Don’t get me wrong, here. I’m in great shape, but there’s always room for improvement. I’m a huge fan of the UFC (did you seriously think Rousey stood a chance?), and also really get jazzed watching CrossFit competitions. While I have no professional inclinations toward either, I know I could get into better physical condition. This will help in many ways, particularly while sitting in a chair much of the workday (but less this year than in 2016 — see #1). Back and neck pain are a killer, even when hitting the weights and getting outdoors for 2 or 3 hours every day — not to mention the affect long hours at a desk has on breathing efficiency, among other things.
3. Make a better effort to keep up with current events (local and global).
I feel like a real putz when I find myself drawn into conversations about the latest earthquake, terrorist bombing, or celebrity feud going on in the world. Why? Because I usually have no clue about all the world-altering events going on around me. What if there was an ebola outbreak right here in my small town in Canada? I’d be screwed! Also, current events help spark great business ideas, and I have too few of those as it is most days.
4. (Finally) Get my financials on track.
Oh boy! My favorite topic. Well, I love having money, but hate pouring over my financials nonetheless. This year, I’ll take what I’ve done in the last couple of years (establishing a great credit score) and take it to the next level by creating and implementing a plan to get my money working more for me, rather than against me, and finally buy some investment property in the next two years.
5. Put improving leadership skills at the forefront of my goals.
Honestly, I’m a pretty great leader and have been told by many that I’m great at guiding folks through various processes. Still, there are areas I need to improve, such as laying down the law when I see people faltering, as well as learning more about human psychology so I can be ever-present when in the company of subordinates and those seeking my help.
6. Seek out mentors in personal development.
I’m great at learning and talking about personal development. However, I don’t have enough epic mentors in my Rolodex. Mentors are key to going from where I am now to where I want to go, in the shortest time possible.
7. Make bigger strides to become a more genuine human being.
I’m a great guy, no arrogance intended. But, there are many others who’re much more genuine and in touch with themselves and their fellow man than I am. If the word genuine doesn’t make complete sense to you, maybe authentic is more your bag. Either way, 2017 is the year I start really focusing not just on my professional values, but also that which makes me the best version of myself I can possibly be.
8. Get serious about my true goals as an entrepreneur.
One of the biggest reasons I first started working for myself and creating income out of thin air is to not be a slave to someone else, and otherwise be able to make an impact on others through what I do, and what I can offer. My biggest hurdle to fully accomplishing this monumental goal, to date, has been client work. Everyone’s always in a rush, and I always seem to have to put whatever personal and professional pursuits I have on my plate at a given moment on hold to provide the best level of service I can. This is my fault though, not that of the client. This year is all about having a clear perspective and staying true to it.
What are some of your biggest personal and professional resolutions for 2017?
Make them public and make this the year where you achieve at least a few of your biggest goals/dreams.
Main Image Credit: TeaMonster79/Flickr
