I want to catch more sunsets in 2010. Photo taken in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
This year is critical for me because I’ll be done (or close to done) with my rotations by the end of the year, which means I’ll be making some sort of major career decision around then. Also, for the first time I am building on multiple goals from the previous year, and I think this is an appropriate step as I will primarily be growing and shaping myself as a young professional and young adult during this decade. Here we go:
Pursue a third rotation that fits my career and geographic interests: I’m currently considering mobility marketing in Atlanta, but I’ll put some more thought, research, and networking into this so that my last rotation is aligned with my short-term and long-term professional and personal goals. [Goal is the “progressive step” from last year’s success].
Start branding myself professionally: Although I am still in a general management rotation program, it doesn’t hurt to start specializing in one skill or area of expertise to prepare myself for more challenging professional opportunities down the road. Some have pointed to my knowledge of social media, so I’ll start with this to see if it’s what will make me stand out.
Travel between rotations and throughout the year: I’ll be fortunate if my friends and I can sync up schedules, but if so, I could be headed to Greece/Turkey, Costa Rica, Europe, Korea, Taiwan, Shanghai World Expo, Southeast Asia, or a combination of the above. I also plan to continue traveling domestically and would like to include Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Napa, Santa Cruz, and of course L.A. among my options. [Goal is “maintain & sustain” from last year’s success].
Get involved with humanitarian, development, or social entrepreneurship efforts: I want get involved with an organization that puts me back in touch with making an impact on social problems and/or international development. If possible, I also want to do field visits or a mini-project while traveling abroad.
Turn one of my interests into an entrepreneurial project: For starters, I just got off a conference call with the www.bestdelegate.com team and I think we have a good new strategy in place. I also want to see where my social media speaking engagement leads me and look into affiliate marketing, travel planning, eLance, and other options as time permits.
Implement health-conscious dietary habits: I’m primarily focusing on three areas – selecting healthier choices when eating out, drinking more water daily, and bringing my own lunch more consistently. As a side goal, I want to host a dinner party similar to the potluck that I hosted last year. [Goal is a “chronic” from last year’s goal].
Develop an exercise habit: Let’s really low-ball this goal so I can make it for once in my life LOL! Let’s start off with going to the gym four times each month. I am determined to hit this target.[Goal is a “chronic” from previous years’ goals].
Start automated financing for near-future large expenses: I need to start building up funds for common major expenses for someone in their 20s/early-30s such as grad school, real estate, and a wedding, even if they do not take place down the road. I also need to automate my finances for this year’s major purchases like my travels and for a DSLR + lens. [Goal is the “progressive step” from last year’s success].
Maintain a fun lifestyle in the Bay Area: I am having so much fun in the Bay Area and want to keep this up with my existing social circles. I also want to start integrating these social circles and meet new friends in Silicon Valley as well. [Goal is “maintain & sustain” from last year’s success].
Be in the moment and appreciate myself: I will be in the moment and express more feeling when I am having a conversation with a girl I am interested in. I will think positively and remember to appreciate myself for who I am whenever I have to cut my losses, because I am no longer allowing someone’s lack of interest in me to influence my time and value. [Goal is a “progressive step” from last year’s success].
Ping friends and family consistently: My goal is to continue reaching out to friends who I haven’t talked to recently and to call them instead of Facebook-messaging them when possible. I also want to talk with family more consistently. [Goal is the “progressive step” from last year’s side goal].
Side goals:
• Do a good job in the community organizations that I volunteer in (APCA, CAAEN, Contra Costa MUN, UCLA Alumni Association)
• Continue my renewed interest in reading books
• Start listening to podcasts
• Be more spontaneous
• Catch more sunsets
I have 11 Resolutions plus five side goals this year. I will also keep in mind my Silicon Valley-specific goals that I established when I moved here in August 2009.
Let’s make it happen! If you have resolutions that you intend to keep, I’d love to know them so I can see how I can help. Hope everyone has a wonderful 2010 and start of a new decade!
-KFC
P.S. I love how I have borrowed the terms “maintain & sustain,” “progressive step,” and “chronic” from U-verse/performance management into my personal goals LOL. Oh U-verse, how you have the uncanny ability to take over someone’s life (literally).
