I know, we’re already on the back end of January. Popular protocol expects one to declare their affirmations and goals on the 1st. I have taken extra time to think this through. Given that I’m actually posting these online, I want to make sure that I’m clear on what I want to do and achieve, and that I think I’ll be able to allot the attention needed to see them through. The stakes are higher given that I’m broadcasting these for the world (or rather the occasional internet surfer) to see.
I’ve broken these into habits, business goals, and learning goals. Sure, they’re all lifestyle goals, but it helps me to compartmentalize them. So, here we go:
Habits
Stretch in the Morning
I already have a pretty structured morning routine refined over years of experimentation and discipline. Stretching fits in well with that routine. In fact, I’ve already been doing this every morning this year, and am already seeing results. I wake up long before the roosters, make my bed, and immediately go to the floor to stretch. Although I don’t have a well defined routine, that will come. I stretch, focus on the breath and on feeling the stretch. I do this for around 15 minutes, which segues into meditation. I notice that some mornings my mind throws up resistance, which is a sign that there’s growth to be earning. By pulling myself out of bed and stretching, I immediately aligned my mind and body, like synchronizing the two in engaging the day.
Monthly Fasts
Based on the evidence I’ve read, fasting confers a number of health benefits, including metabolic and cellular vitality, strengthened immune system, sharpening of cognitive function, and improved cardiovascular function. Although I don’t enjoy fasting – I don’t enjoy even missing a meal – I feel better after fasting. So this year I’ll do a 24-hour fast on the first Sunday of each month.
Learning
Learning was how this all got started. Learning is how we all got started. Learning is core to living – it’s engaging with the world and giving thanks for the opportunity to be here by exploring more deeply
Math
Central to my learning is Math. My goals here are somewhat provisional, as I might pivot and change course if I find some new field that really interests me. Moreover, I won’t rush to check the goals off my list at the expense of my learning. My aim for 2026 is to study the following courses:
- Linear Algebra (underway)
- Calculus 3 / Multivariate Calculus
- Real Analysis
- Probability Theory
- Complete Math Courses
If anyone out there has a suggestion for how I could improve on this plan, please do reach out to me.
Business
My business goals are few and well defined.
- Sell at least two AP Computer Science A courses and two Cambridge Lower Secondary courses to international schools. By any means necessary. What more can I say? I must sell.
- Successfully launch and deliver courses through 2026. After I’ve sold, I must deliver and continue to evolve. That means further developing my curriculum, orchestrating my LMS and learning how to get the most out of it, learning from partners, teachers, and students. There is much here, but I’ll be able to define the constraints and objectives better after I’ve sold.
I had originally started out with a longer list. After reflection, I agreed that a narrower, focused list emphasizes what is most important. When push comes to shove, these are what’s important – my health, my learning, and my business. Well, at least I can quantify this.
So there they are. As I move forward, I’ll revisit these themes, and celebrate my success as I achieve them and integrate them into my life. What are yours? What will you do to reach them? Carpe diem!