In celebration of the Elvis New Year I propose the following resolutions and goals for the coming year. One thing I have learned in my 40+ years is that trying to resolve to NOT do something usually dooms me to failure. That is why I structure my goals to add something rather than taking something away. So for me, setting a goal to drink 64 oz. of water a day will help me feel full, and subsequently I will eat less. The end result, loose weight.
I have broken them down into the following major categories.
I have broken them down into the following major categories.
Health
My recent trip to Montana showed me I really need to work on my health if I want to accomplish many of the goals I have set out for myself. Hiking up and down the glaciers with a backpack full of camera equipment really proved that if your not fit, you will not enjoy yourself. I felt very limited in what I was able to accomplish each day and I would like to enjoy future trips without coughing up a lung. I have also felt like I have been in a mental slump for the last six months. Getting outside and enjoying my family and hobbies helps with my mental outlook. So with that I resolve to add the following to my life.
Family
Last year I set out a goal to head into work early so I can leave early and have dinner with the family at a reasonable hour. So I started getting into the office around 7AM and would leave between 4:00 - 5:00. This worked out well. I still end up spending several hours each night after dinner working on projects or email. I'm not sure how to tackle this issue (or if I should.) I guess my goal should be to try and keep the same schedule for the next year.
Last year we didn't have any family vacations. I went on several trips by myself, and Michele and Emma went on their own trips as well, but we didn't do much together. So this year we are planning on doing a Disney cruise and a couple of weekend trips away.
Photography
I have setup several goals for my photography. Most of my goals pertain to doing more of it. This past Fall my daughter had some major back surgery and I feel like I haven't picked up a camera for several months. Now that everyone at home is feeling better I want to get back into the swing of things. So for the coming year I would like to accomplish the following goals.
These are my goals for 2008. I also wish Elvis a Happy Birthday!
My recent trip to Montana showed me I really need to work on my health if I want to accomplish many of the goals I have set out for myself. Hiking up and down the glaciers with a backpack full of camera equipment really proved that if your not fit, you will not enjoy yourself. I felt very limited in what I was able to accomplish each day and I would like to enjoy future trips without coughing up a lung. I have also felt like I have been in a mental slump for the last six months. Getting outside and enjoying my family and hobbies helps with my mental outlook. So with that I resolve to add the following to my life.
- Drink over 64 ounces of water everyday.
- Take my multivitamins everyday.
- Eat at least 4 servings of fruits or vegetables everyday. The more fruits and vegetables, the more full, the less junk.
- Walk for a minimum of 30 minutes everyday. I have a treadmill I
may as well use it. I also have 24 hour access to a wonderful place
called the outdoors.
- Walk on an extended hike (over an hour) at least twice a month.
Family
Last year I set out a goal to head into work early so I can leave early and have dinner with the family at a reasonable hour. So I started getting into the office around 7AM and would leave between 4:00 - 5:00. This worked out well. I still end up spending several hours each night after dinner working on projects or email. I'm not sure how to tackle this issue (or if I should.) I guess my goal should be to try and keep the same schedule for the next year.
Last year we didn't have any family vacations. I went on several trips by myself, and Michele and Emma went on their own trips as well, but we didn't do much together. So this year we are planning on doing a Disney cruise and a couple of weekend trips away.
- Be home for dinner with the family almost every night.
- Plan several family vacations.
- Smile More. The last year I have been a grump. The act of smiling more makes it harder to keep your frown.
- Be thankful for what I have.
Photography
I have setup several goals for my photography. Most of my goals pertain to doing more of it. This past Fall my daughter had some major back surgery and I feel like I haven't picked up a camera for several months. Now that everyone at home is feeling better I want to get back into the swing of things. So for the coming year I would like to accomplish the following goals.
- I want to go on a photo specific trip once a month to a new location. For example this past weekend I went to Harpers Ferry for the first time to take pictures. There are many places in the local area to explore and making a plan to go somewhere once a month should be an easy goal to accomplish. Some location ideas I want to go to is Bombay Hook, Assateague Island, Blackwater NWR.
- I want to start one of my long term photographic project ideas. I have several photo projects floating around in my head and I want to commit to start at least one of them. I have an easy one already started called 17 photos. I just need to build out my website for it and start taking pictures.
- I want to print more. I have been seeing this goal on several other photographer websites. There is nothing like holding a 13x19 print in your hands to be able to see your work.
- I would like to organize four photowalks this year. There have been a few in the DC area and I would like to head out to one. The problem is nobody has stepped up to lead any for sometime. So I will commit to leading four photowalking trips this year. I'm already thinking of places to go for February.
- I want to double my stock photography portfolio this year. That should actually be an easy task since I only have a handful of photos up at my two stock agencies.
- Post more frequently. The act of posting to my website, Flickr, JPG magazine, and other sites will help to promote my photography and also keep me committed to meeting my goals.
These are my goals for 2008. I also wish Elvis a Happy Birthday!
