I decided to take a different approach when I formed my 2014 New Year’s Resolutions. I may have stacked the deck in my favor, but I will offer no apologies! As I reflect on my results, I am happy with almost all of them! I succeeded with all, but one! I think the difference was what goals I included in my New Year’s Resolutions. I learned much more from my past mistakes than my successes!
The last few years were tough and this year was no different! I started to make changes two years ago and will continue making changes until I succeed. I always felt that waiting for a particular date to start something was an excuse and nothing has changed. The new year showed early success in at least one area (reading). I made some changes such as continually participating in teams to support my website. The results were uneven and at times frustrating. Part of my frustration was I put more into it than other team members. As with most problems, I evaluate, make changes and keep trying. I continue to make changes and work toward better results. I plan to monitor my progress closer and adjust more often. Progress is never a straight line.
My 2014 New Year’s Resolutions – Review are as follows:
- Permanent Teaching Assignment – I have been without a permanent teaching assignment since last June. What that means is I am still employed (same salary & benefits), but take daily assignments much like a substitute teacher. I am working on finding a permanent assignment for next September. I am networking and applying all my skills to reach my goal. My other choice is to just accept my plight and work as a pool (substitute) teacher for the next 3-4 years. I am not ready for that yet! Result: Win!
- Taking Time off – I included this goal last year. I did take one weekend off, but was unable to do it again. If I keep it as a goal, I am more apt to try to achieve it again. I already have a week scheduled in New York and I want to add a two week European river cruise next summer. In addition, I want to take at least two weekends away. Result: Win! One week vacation, but I want more.
- Read one book a week – A few weeks ago, I read two books a week for entire year. I decided to do it to improve my writing. I think it helped, but it was fun to read all those books. Most were mysteries and a few with business books. In fact, I read a twenty book series by one author during the summer. It was great to follow the characters through all the stories. The author would build the character through multiple stories which was really interesting.Result: Win! Actually read a year’s worth by the end of July!
- Take an online class – I was thinking of learning a programming language. Nearly forty years ago, I was programming in APL. I used it to create a monthly analysis of the company’s performance. It was like a mini annual report. This was before spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel. A programming class might enhance my skills as a teacher. Result: Fail! I enrolled, started and stopped because it did not help my career for now.
- What’s left? –I could pay off debt, but I do not have any except for a small mortgage and car loan. I am already paying additional principle on my mortgage and car loan to have them paid off in two and half years.. I max out my retirement savings in my 403b, IRA and Roth IRA. I suppose I could invest more or payoff my mortgage, but I choose to travel instead. Result: Win! Everything remained the same which is a success!
- There are some personal habits I think I will work on, but it is unnecessary to include them in my resolutions. I plan on smiling more, you know match what I feel inside with my outside. I do not need to lose weight, stop drinking or quit smoking. Some may call me boring! I would like to think of myself as a role model! Can I workout more, I doubt it! Result: Win! I am still a work in progress and try to improve constantly.
Life is definitely a journey and there are ups and downs! I have just two and a half more years until I retire, so no matter what my professional teaching career will end in either June 2016 or 2017. I am looking forward to 2015 because I am closer to my retirement and much more. I will keep making changes until I succeed. Failure only occurs when you actually give up. These is my 2014 New Year’s Resolutions – Review!
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