When I was in high school I used to write 10 goals on a piece of paper at the beginning of each semester.

I would then put them on a prominent spot of the wall in my room, so that I would be reminded daily of what I wished to achieve. I limited them to 10 goals, because it would help me to focus on the things that were most important, and would also increase the likelihood that I would achieve them. I continued this practice into my first and second years of college, but somewhere along the way I fell out of practice.

I thought I would bring this back, in a way that is open and concrete. This transparency will help to keep me accountable, encourage me to keep pushing, and hopefully will inspire some of you to make your own goals and KICK BUTT in 2012.

Here are mine:

1. Take care of my body.
I used to be a real athlete… football, basketball, track & field and martial arts. Now I’m just a has-been. I want my body back.

2. Write 2 blog posts a month
I recently read “12 Blogging Mistakes to Avoid” by Jeff Bullas (@jeffbullas).  I’ve learned  by working on this blog, and writing for YouNow’s blog, that in order to establish myself as a writer, I must write! (Sounds simple, right?)

Consistency is key. Maybe one day I’ll be like Fred Wilson (@fredwilson) of Union Square Ventures and post every day. Until then, 2 / month is a good goal.

3. Teach myself to build a basic mobile app by the end of 2012.
This will be a hard goal to achieve, but I am determined to do it. If you’d like to help me succeed with this goal, please reach out to me!

4. Monthly check-ins with my younger sister and brothers.
I am the oldest of four. When I went away to college, I wasn’t as active in the lives of my siblings as I used to be. It’s time to change that. I want to help them to achieve the goals they have for themselves, while also validating them, their individuality, and their self-worth. Their success is my success. I love them.

5. Secure a professional mentor, and become a mentor to someone else.
I believe that giving back is important… it’s something I learned through my participation in the Ron Brown Scholar Program, (@ronbrownscholar) a scholarship organization that financially supports talented & service-oriented African-American high school students in attending college.  Everyone should have a mentor, and I hope to be one to a young hustler in need.

6. Get some new threads
I often find myself wearing a hoodie that I bought my freshman year of college… 4 YEARS AGO. Womp.

While I believe in buying what I like to call timeless “anchor pieces,” (unique and versatile items that will last me for some time), I’ve decided I need some fresh gear. Time to hit the thrift stores.

7. Finish “Learn Ruby The Hard Way” by January 31st, 2012
This goal is a corollary from my blog post “Why I am Learning to Program.” In the post I resolved that I would learn how to code as a means of developing the discipline I need to achieve many of my personal and professional goals.

If I want to complete Goal #3 by 2012, I will need to accelerate my learning… so January 31st it is. LET’S GO!

8. Love my woman in the way she deserves.
Camille, my girlfriend, has been a tremendous blessing from God in my life. She is a humble and supportive hard-worker of whom I’m very proud! She has also taught me many things… including how to be gentle, loving, kind, and especially patient. I want to be all of these things to her and more. Love you baby!

9. Strengthen my relationship with God.
God has undeniably blessed me beyond measure, especially by giving me Camille. While my relationship with Him has grown tremendously, I still need to take more time for God.

10. Return to art.
I am an artist and musician. (see my art here.) Recently most of my creative juices have been going into my work at YouNow, and taking pictures via Instagram. At the end of the day, however, I still feel creatively deprived and unfulfilled. I am a creator, and I need to create.

What are your goals for 2012?
Let me know by commenting below, telling me in person, or writing a blog post about them!

(Source: duxxx)