“I resolve to practice writing with my left hand until I become ambidextrous.” This was one of the many New Year’s resolutions I wrote out in my journal one year in junior high. I mean, this list had to have been at least 10 or 15 things long. Of all the things I could do to better myself, I wanted to be ambidextrous.

I don’t exactly write down a long list of obscure ambitions anymore, but I wouldn’t say that I’ve totally boycotted making any New Year’s resolutions. I think, perhaps, many people are afraid of failing at the lofty dreams we dream or huge goals we set. Or, it may be that we don’t know how to set “SMART” goals–specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely. Or maybe we don’t have support or accountability. So I’m just going to put mine out there, for all of you dear internet readers to see…I see today as a time to reflect on the past year and all that’s happened and as a fresh start for a new year (“tabula rasa,” for all the fellow LOST fans). It’s not about living in the “shoulda, coulda, woulda’s,” but it’s about thinking about how I can improve and setting real goals to do it. So, looking back on 2009, what were 3 things I’m proud of, 3 things I might do differently or better; looking forward to 2010, what are my 3-4 goals?

Things I’m proud of:

-Getting a flash and learning so much about how to use it, and then progressing to shooting in manual mode on my camera while using my flash (bounced off the ceiling) for indoor shots
-Getting a lot of things set up for my business: a blogsite, an account with a fantastic print lab, business cards, and having my first customers!
-Buying a house, a dog, and paying down our loans quite a bit!

Things I could’ve done better:

-Taken more pictures (premeditated, planned outings)
-Blogged more often
-Continued the daily dog walks even after it got cold out

Goals for 2010:

-Blog 3x per week on a schedule (write 4 articles per week to have extras)
-Take at least 1 shot per week in manual mode that I’m really proud of
-Create and articulate my brand–read 1 or 2 excellent business branding books in January and February
-Hold a senior spokesmodel campaign for the Class of 2011 (this goal comes with many more details that I won’t bore you with right now, but I promise that I have thought about them and have a timeline in my head. If you’re interested in being a spokesmodel, more details will be coming soon!)

In case you’re wondering, I’m still not ambidextrous. I set so many lofty goals that year that I wasn’t motivated to do any of them. So keep it SMART, don’t be afraid of failing, and get some support and accountability!

What are your three things: 3 things you’re proud of in 2009, 3 things you did wrong or could have done better in 2009, and 3 goals for 2010?

Just for kicks and totally off topic, I thought I should show you a picture of my favorite niece. (ps. for those of you who don’t know, she’s my only niece)