2023 New Year's Goals

Write More #

I’ve seen challenges posted on other blogs that say something like “write 100 posts in 100 days”. First, I don’t think I could actually write 100 posts in 100 days, but I also worry that if I were to do it, the content of the posts would be poor and/or rushed. My goal this year is to try and write 100 posts within the year. Which comes to about one post ever 3.6525 days, or one every ~87.66 hours. I think I’d be able to flush that out. What better way than to start with this post.

I also want to physically write more. Lists, notes, etc, and basically try and move away from notes on phone, to paper.

Read More #

I used to really only read tech related things, but I really should expand out into other genres. Whether its a book, blog, magazine, or manga, I want to read more. Honestly, I’m not really a fan of fiction, but am hoping try some on the best sellers list last year. Late last year, I signed up for the Delayed Gratification magazine, and have been quite happy with it, and hope to continue.

Eating Habits, Weight loss, and Exercise #

This is clearly a stereotypical goal during the new year. Last year my focus was solely changing my eating habits, and that lead to weight loss, which was no complaint. Over the year, I lost ~17kg (maybe a bit less after the holidays), but it was an incredible feeling of success throughout the year. It worked really well, and I want to continue.

Certifications #

There are a handful of tech certifications out there that I want to earn this year. Realistically, I won’t be able to achieve them all, but the main ones are:

• LPIC-2. I currently have my LPIC-1, but it is set to expire early next year. Rather than wait for the expiration and retake it. I want to move forward and get my LPIC-2. Hopefully that will encourage me to focus on the LPIC-3 the following year.
• Google Cloud Architect. After obtaining my Associate Cloud Engineer certifications, I want to move on this certification.
• Professional Cloud Developer. I work a lot in GCP for my job, and while I work a lot in GCP for managing our systems, I do a lot of development as well. Going for this certification, I think will help me understand the inner workings of GCP and help train other devs in the company.

I am hoping to obtain some non-tech related certifications as well:

• JLPT N4 and/or N3. I have a decent comprehension of the language after living in Japan for four years. However, its not very formal, and I SUUCK when it comes to taking these tests. Hopefully this year will be my year and actually study-for-the-test.

Languages #

In addition to improving my Japanese skills, I want to learn conversation Armenian, and also continue to improve my French. I could have put these under the certifications sections, but I’m not really interested in looking into the CEFR A2 exam. I’m planning on using italki.com to continue my language learning adventures.