The coming of the new year brings thoughts of new goals and resolutions. Before jumping into the future, though, it’s always a good idea to take a look at the past and how plans for the past year panned out.
- The one clear goal I can recall from the beginning of this year was to become more involved in online and offline photo communities. That’s been a success; I’ve posted in Digital Photography School’s forums, [won a weekly assignment|http://matthewbotos.com/blog/2008/07/27/my-first-award-winning-photo], and got some other great ideas. Offline, I had a good time with other photographers at the Philadelphia Photowalk and Philly Strobist meetup.
- Having just started a new job, my general goal was to get acclimated and demonstrate my value with a few quick wins. Though I did this, the shifting landscape of both the project and management unfortunately obscured these accomplishments.
- Also being in a new relationship, I was aiming to be more patient than doubtful and let things take their own course. Doing so was difficult at times, but led to a longer relationship that found its own conclusion in time.
While I didn’t meet all goals or realize rewards for them, I’m content with the effort and secondary benefits of pursuing them. And now, onto new goals, which will hopefully be enhanced by being made public!
- In my photography, I’d like to distill my general interest into a few more specific areas, with an extra bonus if they’re profitable! I also want to explore more post-processing, including realistic HDR, since this is what seems to set many modern photographers apart.
- Career-wise, I’d like to find greater satisfaction in both in the overall projects and my individual role. Learning new things on my own and getting involved with some local software groups this year has been a good start towards seeing the bigger picture.
- My relationship goal could be simply to find the right person, but at this point I think it’s best to focus on the journey rather than the oft far-off destination. In that journey, I need to be patient and flexible while remembering what I’m truly seeking and not compromising too much.
- Finally, I’m setting a goal not to postpone living my life. There are many places I want to visit and things I want to learn that shouldn’t have to wait on finding the right companion or opportunity; it’s up to me to make them happen.
In the spirit of public pressure, inspiration, and encouragement, what goals have you accomplished this year and what’s in store for you in 2009?
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