Well, it’s January, which means it’s time to set those pesky annual goals. I’m a little late posting again, but things got off to a busy start. Last year was not my best year in all but one category, which you may have already read about in my post about my 2025 Reading Challenge. I really need to make sure I find a way to accomplish my other goals. Motivation seems to be the main factor. Be that as it may, let’s get into it.

Joker - and here we go ... again

Health and Wellness

Ah, yes. Ye old “I’m going to get fit” goal most humans make for the new year. These usually last two weeks. While I haven’t been the most diligent at maintaining a daily workout, I have been adjusting my eating habits and drinking more water (and less beer). The weather has been a significant factor in my attempts to get out and run again.

I’m averaging about 3 days a week. While I am prone to using the weather as an excuse, when the wind chill makes it feel like 3 degrees outside, I chose to try to do an indoor workout. January is off to a bad start due to the weather.

Hans and Franz - I'm going to pump you up

Indoor workouts are boring.

Be that as it may, the goal this year is to drop 20 pounds and keep it off. I may do another half-marathon if others are willing to run it with me. I’ll keep you updated on that. Regardless, I still plan to try to keep running 4-6 miles a day, 5 days a week, weather permitting.

Reading Challenge

In 2025, I set my reading challenge goal at 12 books, and I completed 12 books. I am going to push myself this year, and I set my 2026 reading challenge goal at 13 books. Hopefully, I can knock a couple more books off my “read again” list. Here is that updated list (I added Project Hail Mary because I’d like to read it again for the movie).

Upgrading Skills

Hal eye

My technical/professional skill goals will align with my work goals again. Most of them will apply to my personal projects I have planned for the year. Hopefully, I can actually make some progress. I still haven’t drunk from the AI punch, although it must be pretty tasty. If there is an AI tool that will facilitate what I need to do, then I will use it, but I highly doubt that. I will use it for research and analytics; I will not use it as a typewriter.

I’m also considering learning something new outside the realm of technology. Perhaps I will dive deeper into my barbecue hobby or other types of culinary endeavors. There is a ton of research out there that shows learning new skills is a great way to exercise your brain. I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I hope to have something by my June update.

Happy 2026!

/cheers