I dislike the term “resolution” as it’s become so commonplace and associated with failing that it’s essentially an ineffective term. Hence, I’m using the term “goal” because it sounds more imperative.

Goal 1: Exercise a minimum of 5 days a week For whatever reason I became a slug the last six months of 2009. While I detest the gym environment, I can get an effective workout at home using very basic equipment mixed with bodyweight exercises.

Goal 2: Lose 15-20 pounds by my birthday (April 24) Sticking with Goal 1 should set this in motion, but some extra care in my eating habits will get me down to the more ideal 175-180 pound range my body tends to favor. I was fasting one day a week in the fall, which was showing some good results, but then the holidays hit and blew that all to hell.

Goal 3: Write at least one 150-page (minimum) novel I’ve got three ideas I’ve been tossing around in my head for several years now, and it’s time to finally sit down at the keyboard and do it.

Goal 4: Write more in general This sort of ties in with Goal 3, but I’m talking more about blogs, guest articles, or just free-writing in general to make the task easier. Much like exercise, the creative “muscles” tend to atrophy with lack of use.

The following are things I’d like to accomplish as well, but I won’t be too broken up if I don’t:

Nice to Have 1: Learn C# My technical skillset is getting a bit outdated, and jobs are becoming more difficult to find if I’m unwilling to relocate. C# seems to be the most popular language now locally, so go with the flow, I say.

Nice to Have 2: Purchase a handgun While my pump-action 12-gauge is more than sufficient for home defense, I’d like to have a back-up piece that’s more mobile and can be concealed if the need arises. I’m thinking a .357 Magnum revolver because I have large hands, and smaller-gripped weapons like a .38 Police Special don’t feel as comfortable when I shoot them.

Anyway, those are mine. Feel free to share a link to yours. Everyone have a happy and safe New Year’s Eve!