Form before Function

Structure is important for a lazy soul. Without some shape to assume, I become a puddle of ooze like Odo in Deep Space 9. This probably explains my penchant for old military formations, definitions, self-help books, and anything else that requires organization-- it always helps me move out of my laggardly core. I used to be one of the worst procrastinators in the world, but after just 5 months with the army, they showed me the benefits of rigid structures and methodical approaches.

One of my favorite childhood activities was the boy scouts of America. There were always little badges to be earned for completing certain activities. The more things you do, the more flair you get to don on in front of other people at pack meetings. The army wasn't much different. During training, the pre-reqs were always clearly stated, and the reward was a badge. My approach hasn't deviated far from this simple set up.

Whenever I pursue any major goals, I always write out the objective and all the pre-reqs. I hate winging it because "prior proper planning prevents piss poor performance" (Thank you Sgt. Donahue). Over the past three years, I've created a private blog with a buddy of mine where we list our goals and scheme over our next moves. Often we fail, but often do we succeed as well. Each of ours are different in set up, and I've decided to share my 2009 Resolutions.

2009 Year Goals—

• Work & Fiscal
  • Attain a job in the real estate development industry
  • Seek out advice on how to manage funds
• Financial Education
  • Learn fundamentals in Real Estate
    • Investment Techniques (DCF, IRR, NPV)
    • Structuring Financing
      
    • Write dissertation on Sustainable Development
    • Learn Argus Program
    • Learn advanced excel spreadsheet modelling
  • Learn stock investment fundamentals & techniques
    
    • Technical analysis
      
    • Fundamental analysis
      
• Physical
  • Bring my blood pressure down to 120/80.
  • Become leaner (body fat percentage below 10%)
  • Interval training
    
  • Train for a Triathlon
    
• Intellectual
  • I want to study more History this year
    • America
    • Texas
    • Asia
• Social:
  • Learn more conversation and rapport building skills
  • Attend more social gatherings and networking events
    
• Artsy:
  • Study some art history
  • Create at least 12 more photoshop banners
  • Edit and create at least 2 more videos
  • Learn a classical spanish guitar song
  • Learn how to use Adobe Premier
    
• Travel Plans:
  • Visit: Germany, France, Austria, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Portugal
    

This is my third time around following a self-imposed structure and it's been rewarding. Doing this also gives me a benchmark on how I'm doing at any given time during the year. I'm a fan of metrics, because you always want to know your stats before you head into the next fray.