For my annual resolutions, I thought more about my ends.
I think often of Vonnegut’s advice that the very point of life is “to experience becoming.” I get personal joy from identifying experiences and goals that give me meaning, and their pursuit is the point.
I find meaning in becoming a better version of myself, of becoming the man I want to be — and that is a lifelong pursuit. After years of resolution-making, this year I also wrote down a few areas I want to be stronger, and that better tied why my resolutions for the year fit now. Both areas of growth and resolutions are below.
Areas I want to develop
- My home life is not yet as balanced and rhythmic as it could be.
- I am not yet as healthy and fit as I could be.
- The news organization I founded and lead is not yet as strong, influential and financially sustainable as it could be.
- My journalism, writing and authorship career is not as advanced as it could be.
- My social following and public influence is not yet as large and vibrant as it could be.
My resolutions:
- January: Turn 40 with confidence — Mark it with pride, organize something fun and memorable without being too self-indulgent.
- February: Travel abroad — Use tht passport one way or another.
- March: Pitch my new nonfiction book to at least 25 agents — Ensure my next concept gets a fair airing
- April: Evaluate buying a Technically HQ — Pool the financial resources and determine whether this is a serious option.
- May: Publish at least 4 freelance pieces in other publications — Find the right editor and concept to add new national publications to my freelance portfolio.
- June: Automate something with AI — Social video, or analytics. Technically reporting via regular data analysis. Or something that could test a new business type.
- July: Influence how the Semiquincentennial is celebrated — Between the 250-year vision statement, other organizing in Philadelphia and other markets I serve, be vocal about this anniversary.
- August: Play basketball at least monthly — Keep physically fit and active.
- September: Quarterly Date Activity — While keeping up monthly dates, elevate to at least four activities with SACMW that warrant a memorable photo.
- October: Reinforce philosophy for the kids — Introduce a few key principles to regularly reinforce via a “dad code.” Also, bump up their future savings.
- November: Contribute to election trust and integrity — We expect vitriol around the mid-term elections, be a voice of reason, clarity and balance.
- December: Technically financial performance — Complete the post-pandemic pivot, by delivering a 5%+ profit margin, with national expansion and ecosystem storytelling underwriting secured.
