This is a little late. I remembered I posted a few resolutions last year, so I thought I had better at least follow up on those resolutions.
Become a Better Programmer
I probably have become a little better just through work, but I don’t think I’ve followed through on what I proposed. Work was hectic this past year, but circumstances have changed and I think I can do it this. I’m going set aside sometime for reading that big pile of programming books stacked up behnd me.
Listen to More Music
I did ok with this one. I’ve expanded my music horizon a bit more this year. That was apparent when a friend asked what sort of music I listened to and she had never heard any of the bands I mentioned. Will have to keep at this one.
Be more organised
I put a lot of effort into this one. Not sure if I’ve improved, but I certainly learned a lot about being organised in the past year. I’ve recently started trying out The Pomodoro Technique, so I’m heading in the right direction.
Third and final resolution for the year is to be more organised. I admit there are times when I feel very unorganised. I don’t like those moments. So, I’ll make an effort to avoid them. I guess I’ll start by making sure I’m prepared for things and don’t leave things to the last minute like I’ve had a tendancy to do. Meanwhile I don’t want to become an absolute control freak. Some things in life are more enjoyable when you wing it.
My second new year’s resolution for 2009 is to listen to more music. I like to listen to all kinds of music – been through a jazz phase, some soft rock, some easy listening, some classical and lately I’ve been mostly into British indie. But to be honest, if someone asked me what my favourite song is or what sort of music I like to listen to, I wouldn’t know what to say, because it changes all the time. So, in order to change that I think I’m going to have to spend some quality time listening to music. Just listening to music. Lots of it.
My plan is already in motion. I already have a great pair of headphones – my Grado SR60 which I bought when I was in London. Also I’ve got a set of Edirol MA-15D Stereo Micro Monitors ordered. Last.fm is also an integral part of the plan. Last week I spent hours exploring new music.
So, there you have it. Hopefully by the end of the year. I’ll be able to tell someone what music I like.
New year’s resolution number 1 for 2009 is to become a better programmer. Okay, this isn’t really a new year’s resolution. It’s a perpetual goal. And it should be one for every programmer. But this year I’ll focus on improving my understanding and execution of developing with a proper SDLC and consistently delivering projects on time. I’ll start by doing some more reading on SDLCs – especially Steve McConnell’s books and articles.
