New Beginning

We are a few days into the new year and by now some of you may have already destroyed your new year's resolution.  You may have decided to exercise everyday, or stay away from doughnuts at work, but after day one you were so sore you couldn't get out of bed or you were running behind this morning and had to grab something quick and easy and that doughnut just jumped right into your hand.

Regardless of how you may have already failed to live up to your resolution, there are many things you can do to make this year a productive one.  Here are some tips:

1.  Set some professional goals
   
   
   
   • Professional reading
   
   
   • Listening (podcasts or audiobooks)
   
   
   • Workshops
   
   
   • Expectations


2. Set some personal goals
   
   
   
   • Reading for pleasure
   
   
   • Listening (podcasts or audiobooks)
   
   
   • Time with family
   
   
   • Vacation
   
   
   • Health


3. Pick a Word for the Year
   
   
   
   • What single word will drive your goals for the year?

Each new year can be a fresh start.  If you find yourself stuck in the same bad habits or ruts, remember that you don't have to wait for some big momentous time of year to have a fresh start.  You can start each day fresh.  So here are some of my goals for the coming year.

Professional

• Read or Listen to one nonfiction book each month


• Listen to at least three education related podcasts per week (I have linked some below).
  
  
  
  1. Kids Deserve It!
  
  
  2. Principal Matters
  
  
  3. Getting Smart Podcast
  
  
  4. Moving at the Speed of Creativity
  
  
  5. I want to find at least one more to add to the rotation.


• Share/apply at least one method or idea from each workshop, session or PLC meeting I attend.

Personal

• Spend time reading and journaling each morning


• Listen to or read at least one book for pleasure each month.


• Listen to at least two podcasts per week.
  
  
  
  1. Common Sense with Dan Carlin
  
  
  2. Stuff You Should Know
  
  
  3. The Way I Heard it with Mike Rowe
  
  
  4. Read Scripture


• Spend quality time with family


• Develop healthier habits

Word of the Year

Content-Be content with where God has placed me, because I am there for a reason.  Never be content with where I am spiritually or intellectually, always be growing.

I hope this helps with a little perspective.  This is just my thought process on setting goals for the coming year.