Reporting my progress on my 2015 New Year’s Resolutions has mixed results! Normally, I do not make New Year’s Resolutions because I do not believe in them. Why wait for a particular date to resolve or promise to make changes? Changes such as weight loss, quit smoking or drinking, get out of debt, or something else can start at anytime. How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions?
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 2015 New Year’s Resolutions – 1st Quarter Review are as follows:
- Permanent Teaching Assignment – Last October, I was assigned as an out of classroom teacher at a continuation high school. As many things in education, things evolve and I am teaching two classes a day. This assignment has been very interesting! a continuation high school is a much smaller environment and the students more transient. The objective s for students to finish school as soon as possible, therefore they so not spend as long in school. I am here until June and we will see if the numbers are high enough to justify my permanent assignment. Result: So far, so good!
- 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 scheduled in New York, but I want more.
- Read one book a week – My goal is to read one book a week.Last year, I managed to read two books a week for the 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: fail! This year has been too busy to keep up, although I am close. My goal was thirteen (13) and I read ten (10) books.
- 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 actually took five (5) online classes for work. but not one of them was coding!
- 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 one to two more years until I retire, so no matter what my professional teaching career will end in either June 2016 or 2017. This year is filled with changes and I must adapt or left behind!. These is my New Year’s Resolutions – 1st Quarter Review!
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