I used to make resolutions at New Years, but I don’t bother with that any longer. I never kept them, and would castigate myself for my failure afterward. It just isn’t worth it.
Nevertheless, there are a few things I would like to do this year. If I don’t do them all, I will try again next year.
Internet
I’m not happy with how much time I spend online, and would like to reduce it. I think the problem is that my devices are always connected by default, so I’m going to try keeping them offline by default by not plugging in Ethernet cables and keeping wifi disabled by default.
I almost never leave the house unless I have a specific destination and purpose in mind, and it might be time I took the same approach to the internet. Treating my broadband connection as if it were dialup might help. Hell, if I wasn’t married I’d just unplug the router when I’m not using it, but Catherine would have kittens if I did that.
Social Media
The only social media I do is Mastodon, but even that feels like it’s too much. I’d like to spend less time idly scrolling the local feed and replying to every somewhat-interesting post I see. I’d prefer to use it as a way to share stuff from my websites and chat with people who are interested in what I’ve posted but aren’t comfortable with using email. I’m definitely not posting publicly any longer; it’s not worth it.
Fitness
I was doing pretty well with weightlifting until the end of Daylight Savings Time fouled up my routine. I can’t seem to get myself out of bed before sunrise, and if I don’t go to the gym and lift first thing in the morning I almost certainly won’t go after work.
I’d like to get back to lifting this year. I was getting stronger and I almost always felt good after lifting. Though I’ll probably be using the Starting Strength program instead of Stronglifts from now on.
Writing
I’d like to make some meaningful progress on my current novel, The Soft Doctrines of Isaac Magnin. Ideally, I’d like to complete a rough draft, but I don’t think the story I have in mind is going to fit into 100,000 words.
Music
Once I get my viola repaired, I would like to start taking music lessons and playing again. Just for myself. Preferably jazz and rock, since I’m not looking to join a symphony orchestra.
Work
I’ve been in my current situation for over a decade if you count the years I spent as a contractor before getting hired as an employee, but I think it’s time for a change. The culture is getting a bit cultish for my liking, I don’t care for the focus on metrics, and my last raise didn’t outpace inflation so I ended up taking a pay cut. Therefore I’d like to find a better job elsewhere, preferably one that pays at least $20K more and is fully remote.