We're just over three weeks into 2015 and so far, it's been somehow hectic. The annual tide of talk about resolutions has almost abated, the disruption that is Christmas is a distant memory and it feels like a new chapter is about to unfold.

Areas of focus

I wrote about areas of focus in June of last year. I can't say for sure that the writing encouraged progress, but I'll take my chances. Taking another lead from Lee, here's a review of how I did:

Areas of focus for the second half 2014:

1. Health & Fitness

Some progress. I've stopped needing regular physiotherapy on my legs, made a little progress on overall strengthening but didn't do a tap of real exercise in November or December thanks to prioritising other commitments.

2. Education

Must try harder. I've probably read more in the last 6 months than in the entire previous 12. That said, I also received a pile of fantastic books for Christmas and my birthday that are longing to be consumed.

Taking the Service Design Masterclass in the NCAD in August was one of the best things I did last year. It opened my eyes to a lot including the fact that I shouldn't just look to reading material for opportunities to learn. Attending HybridConf and Break also worthwhile.

3. Driving

Success! I need to pass my test by October... Passed it in September on the first attempt.

How? Dedication. Dedication on the part of my instructor to his profession (ask me about that over a pint) and dedication of time and attention on my part too. Who wants to spend precious hours on summer Sundays practicing reversing around corners and using roundabouts? Anyone who really wants to pass their test, that's who.

Areas of focus for 2015

(The first half, at least)

1. Health & Fitness

A carry-over from last year but it's hugely important. I've made a good start this year. I've dropped about 2.5kg in about 3 weeks which is steady enough that it might stay off. Weight loss is not the key element here however. I'm focusing on generally improving health by eating better, getting more active (get away from that computer!!!), sleeping better and getting stronger.

2. Become a better designer

In retrospect, setting 'education' as an area of focus was probably too broad. For the next few months I'm going to focus on getting up to scratch and expanding my knowledge and skills around what I do.

3. Time management

I've become one of those annoying people who tweets things like "blah blah, not enough hours in the day". Well maybe if I cut back on the amount of time spent forumlating and broadcasting my thoughts, I wouldn't whinge about the passage of time so much? Time is a finite resource I want to use wisely.

4. Relationships

Somewhat related to no.3. I'm also an introvert, find social situations challenging and I'm pretty awful at maintaining relationships with the good people in my life.

I can give you boatloads of reasons why I am the way I am but that's not going to change anything. Time to accept it, deal with it and improve it.

5. Writing

Partly related to no.2, I find writing helps me think through things more deeply. I have a pretty bad memory at times but found that writing about things would help cement the good stuff into the old ceann. Dependent on no.3.

Dedication

The notion of having 'areas of focus' is something I find helpful. I crave direction, hate being without a plan. Driving was the one thing above all that I dedicated most time and energy to out of all of last year's and it paid off. I know what it takes to get results, time to put it into practice.

I hope you're as excited for a new year as I am. Bring it.