A programmer’s 2009 resolutions
I’m generally not a fan of new year’s resolutions, but I think that it’s important to make time specifically for setting some short-term and long-term goals. I’d like to share some of my more major goals for 2009.
I’m hoping that posting them here might keep me accountable. You can pummel me on twitter if I’m not keeping good on my promises if you like.
My goals
- Learn 2 languages. It’s our job to stay on top of new technology. Personally, I’d really like to learn (J?)Ruby and perhaps Python or JavaFX. Of course I’ll be learning new bits of what I already know, too. The point is to learn as much as possible without spreading yourself too thin, but keep learning.
- Acquire a soft skill like speaking, management, or marketing. Being good at programming can only get you so far if that’s all you know. Learning to speak will be a valuable skill should I want to communicate to other audiences or perhaps if I’m marketing my own project.
- Exercise. I see so many techies (including myself) that don’t stick to a regimen and their bodies take a major toll. Getting into those good habits now will certainly pay off. I think my indoor soccer team will appreciate an even speedier Eric, too ;)
- Do something good. It’s a programmer’s responsibility to use their powers for good. Blog. Write open-source software. Promote other good programmers. You don’t need a reason to help people. I’m hoping to do all 3 of these and hopefully make someone’s life a bit easier.
Thank you!
Thank you, readers, for making it a great 2008. YOU have taken this blog from nothing to where it is in 1 year. Here’s to a productive 2009! If you have resolutions or suggestions for mine, share! Happy new year!!
Good resolutions, and good reasoning. Any specific idea what kind of soft skill your aiming at? It’s a pretty long way from a new (spoken) language, to marketing :-)
I think I’ll probably go for speaking. I’m too young to manage anyone above an intern and I’m not really as interested in that right now. Speaking will be more useful soon as I will probably be speaking at my local JUG soon ;)
Heh, definitely good resolutions. Interesting, I just posted some ideas because I always find them to be unrealistic and heavy: my 9 realistic new years resolutions for developers
Happy new year!
Nice resolution mr congrats :)
[...] 2, 2009 by etwas I came across a post here. I, as a freelance-going-to-be programmer, should set up a few resolutions either. Prospectively [...]
Writing open source software will help you practice, can help you learn a new language, and contributes to the community. Furthermore, it gets you noticed if you do a lot of work, which can lead to a job.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be GPL’d. The BSD license is more free, and as the post says, “You don’t need a reason to help people.” including pushing your license on people; the BSD license does not impose, but politely asks.