It's that time of year again and I love it. I've always enjoyed writing my New Years resolutions. The first step in making something happen is to write it down and say it out loud.

1. Learn to say 'No'

I took on way too much work in 2008 and 2009. While I did everything in my power to try to keep up, it would have been better for myself, my family and my clients if I scaled it back a notch. I'll to try and limit my self to preferably one, possibly three maximum projects at any given time from now on.

2. Do at least some physical activity once in a while

I realized from reading my overly ambitious bucket list, that to fulfill a lot of those goals I'll need two things: money and health. I've been working on the money side of things for the last couple of years, but have let my health slip. I need to get the blood flowing again.

3. Be more active on the social networks

I'm pretty active online, but in 2010, I'll kick into high gear.

4. Blog regularly

I love writing but I always feel like I should be doing something more important, like developing websites. But writing can be equally rewarding. I've joined Project52 and pledged to write a post for every week of the year.

5. Build and maintain my own websites

I've always given priority to my client's needs. My own web portfolio and blog reflects that. They've been sorely neglected. I'm happy to serve other people, but I have to admit to feeling a little envious at times that they now have an outlet for their content while I have very little time for my own. I'd like to tip the balance slightly towards my own projects a little.

6. Launch a startup already

I've got so many ideas. Always have. But ideas are useless without action. I'll be on the lookout for a co-founder or two and try to get at least one of my ideas off the ground this year. You busy?

7. Take two holidays

I haven't taken a real holiday in a long time. And by real holiday, a weekend visiting relatives doesn't count. By real holiday I mean at least one week, preferably longer, visiting somewhere we have never been before. We'll need two holiday's, one with the whole family and one with just the wife and I. She deserves a break more than I do.

8. Teach my girls to read and write

I've studied a few languages and must say that when it comes to spelling, English is not the easiest languages. So confusing. But I learned it. You learned it. So will my daughters.

9. Schedule more family time

While I'm proud to say that I spend more time with my children than some dad's, I would love to share even more time with them. My busy schedule leaves little room for spontaneity. If I write something down in my calendar, it get's done.

10. Set regular date nights

Let's not let the kids have all the fun. Anyone care to babysit?

11. Do better bookkeeping and accounting, budgeting, etc.

Self explanatory. I suck at this.

12. Contribute more to Open Source

I owe a lot to Free and Open Source software. I've taken far more than I've give, I'm ashamed to say. I plan on maintaining a Drupal module or two, contributing a few free designs and themes and help plan Drupalcamp Vancouver this year.

13. Be more aggressive when collecting payment

I'm a nice guy. But withholding payment from me means my kids and my contractors suffer. Do you owe me money? I'm coming after you this year.

14. Hang around with successful people

"You become the average of the five people you associate with most" - Jim Rohn

15. Find a good church to attend

For better or worse, church was a big part of my life growing up. I won't go into too much detail here, but we had some bad experiences that left us a little leary of religion. I'm hoping to find a healthy church that we can casually attend.

16. Set a work schedule and stick to it

Ok I admit it. I'm a workaholic. I read The Four Hour Work Week two years ago, and all that did was make me quit my job to work even more hours. I can and often do work at all hours of the day. It will be tough, but I intend to stop that.

17. Learn to juggle four balls

I added this one at the last minute. After reading a post on Fred Shadian's blog, I realized I didn't list a new skill to learn. I know it's kinda silly, but I always wanted to learn how to juggle.

Here we go, let the momentum build. I wish you all the best 2010!