I have made countless New Year resolutions in my life and one thing is for certain unless I use them to set real achievable goals for myself by February 1 the resolutions are forgotten.
This year I will yet again have two sets of resolutions…one set of practical resolutions that will make my life richer or even easier in some cases. The other set are the resolutions that may be harder to accomplish because outside forces that I cannot control may get in my way.
Every year I set business goals but the economy often effects not only me but my clients as well. If they have a bad year no matter what I do I may find the going tough. I will keep this set as business objectives. My practical list seems easier to tackle anyway.
First, I will learn to type…sounds simple right? I set this exact same goal last year but this year attending a meeting at Intel I was embarrased as I watched all the execs typying their meeting notes feverously. I put my laptop away and just listened intently.
I am even now typing this and my other blogs using my patented “hunt and peck” method. I have had enough. I am the product of the “old school” Catholic school system.
The boys took shop, the girls took typing…this made sense to the nuns. Why would a boy ever need to type and for God’s sake why would a woman need to learn to use tools? In my case the Sisters of Loretta added yet another wrinkle, the so called “smart” students should take Latin. They say that is helpful in learning other languages. I can tell you it has not helped even a “sukoshi,” a “nid noi,” or a “nemnogo”. If I had used those two years to learn more Spanish for example I would not be putting leaning Spanish on my “practical” resolution list.
Second, lose weight. It has been a tough and challenging year…some folks don’t eat when they tackle stress, I binge. Comfort food has been the best way for me to cope in this tough economy. I believe that food beats Xanax but if I continue on this path I will be one ton by 20117. Pizza and Pasta are the trusted, “go-to” menu items for me and I will try to cut them from my roster.
I am sure exercise should be on the list but most people put that on their lists and quickly leave that resolution on the shelf. In my case I have joint issues as well so I would be dropping exercise like a bad habit first sign of pain.
Third, re-learn to play a musical instrument. I have tried a few instruments when I was a teen but now I really regret not sticking with any of them. I recently attended a holiday party and held a guitar in my hands the whole night and could only join in one old rock song, “Brown Eyed Girl” I think.
With Apple’s help it has become so much easier to learn instruments I will have little excuse to not at least give it a shot. This may be the toughest resolution on my list because it does require some musical talent as well as perseverance but I have produced a great deal of music in my career and I should at least know how to make some chords on the piano! One stand-by song that I can call up at a party would be nice…”Stand By Me” perhaps.
This year is starting to shape up like Bill Murray’s experience in Ground Hog Day.
The fourth resolution is one that I should be ashamed not to complete. In my career I have written countless scripts for TV commercials and short films but each one has been for a client or brand. Why I have not been able to write even a small script for myself is already a mystery. Knowing my career and history my colleagues have even urged me to take my shot at it.
With all my time abroad, in all of the exotic countries I have been posted I should have a wealth of material. The coups, natural disasters, jungles, cults, superstitions, and the sheer variety of cultures I have experienced will make a great backdrop for any story I choose to write.
All of the other resolutions should not even be on a list. They are all things we should be doing as good citizens of the earth and just good people in general. For example, I have a grand daughter and grand son. I won’t need a list to remind me to love them and spoil them any more than I already do…this comes naturally.
I do have one request for all my friends, be kind in 2016. We all need a little extra love and attention these days.
jerry474 
I am headed for the mosque for the Friday prayers. I love this post, and will comment on it ;later when I return.Have a great New Year my friend.
Ok Ger, I am back again, (several hours later I might add). Regarding the typing thing, I too studied in a catholic convent. But they never taught us typing. I learned shorthand because I thought it would help me take down notes and stuff faster in the medical school. I did not know how to use the typewriter or the keyboard. It was always a one finger symphony for me. Two or three years back, in 2008 I think, I asked a friend, a pastor’s wife if she knew anyone who would teach me how to type. She said, she would herself. She came home almost every day and got me to do the QWERTY exercises from the internet. In two weeks I was able to know where each letter was on the keyboard and was able to start typing. Now my husband asks me to type out things for him. I honestly think you can do it by yourself by going to QWERTY.com and follow the rules.If you have problems with joints, I would very strongly recommend that you make a serious effort on losing weight. The bones and joints do not grow in girth after the age of 18. We abuse our joints by loading weight on them, and eventually it shows with problems in the knees or hips. But don’t make it like a resolution or go on a hard core diet. Start by cutting down the quantity of food and WRITE DOWN EVERY THING that you put in your mouth. Every day, look at the list and weigh yourself At least every other day, if not daily. That will tell you where you goofed if you go north instead of going south. If you have a sweet tooth, try to eat as little of the dessert as possible. It is not going to be easy, but if you want it bad enough, you can do it. It’s all about accountability to yourself.All the best to you.