Alright so I am not a big “New Year’s Resolution” guy, but I thought I might take a moment to write about my thoughts for 2009.

In 2009 I plan to do more:

• Goofing Around With My Family - This is really important to me.  I have the most awesome family in the world.  It is easy to get wrapped up in the stress of everyday life and to forget to just have fun and play.  You only live once, and life moves too quickly not to enjoy it.  I hope to fill next year with more carefree days, smiles, and lasting memories.
• Playing / Writing / Recording Music – It has been a few years since I have completed the composition of an original song – something that I used to do frequently.  I would love to be able to write and record one song per month, which would provide enough for a new album of material by the end of 2009.  I have countless riffs and chord progressions sitting incomplete.  I would like 2009 to be the year that these noodlings make their way into some finished songs.
• Blogging – While 2008 was a solid year for me in terms of content, I would like to have more consistency in 2009.  I hope to add content more regularly and evenly – taking time to plan out more posts in advance.  I also need to get back into taking time to read and comment on some of my favorite blogs by others.  Additionally, I hope to get the podcast back in full swing in 2009 and to add more original video content too.
• Speaking – I enjoy public speaking.  It is something that I want to become exceptional at doing, and thus I need to do more of it.  I hope to be able to speak to an audience at least once per month in 2009.  I already have a few engagements lined up, and I am looking forward to securing some more.  If you are in need of a speaker for an upcoming event, let me know.   I love to chat about marketing, blogging, social networking, leadership, and other various and sundry topics.
• Reading – I love to read.  I see clear value in doing it.  It is something that is important, yet not urgent.  I read less last year than in years prior.  I want to make it a point to read a little every day in 2009.  I have a long list of books that I would like to read, and a longer list of books I want to re-read.  It is something that I simply have to “make time” to do as it will never make its way to the top of the urgent list.
• Exercising – I have a metabolism that is off the charts, allowing me to still appear to be in relatively good shape in spite of my lack of effort.  However, the sad truth is that I need to get in better shape.  I did not get enough exercise in 2008, and I know it.  Like reading, exercise is something that is easy to put off, but way too important not to do regularly.   I have already started a modest daily routine of crunches, cardio, and weight training.  Now I just need to stick with it.

• Giving – I want to make the world a better place through my actions.  Through my involvement in philanthropic and community organizations I hope to be able to be a catalyst for positive change in 2009.  While 2008 was a good year for giving, I know I can do better.  Making that happen will be largely about focusing on important tasks while eliminating the unimportant.

So there you have it.  I have high hopes that 2009 is going to be an amazing year.  Now its time to make it so.

What are you going to do more of in 2009?