2010 in Review

Before the year began, I sat down and created a plan for what I wanted it to look like. You can see that plan here. Looking back, I met some of the goals, while others fell to the side.

Life List goals met

First of all, I managed to cross a few items off of my Life List.

  • My wife and I went and saw the MoonBow.
  • Over the summer, I was able to purchase a motorcycle. My wife, Ms. Peeps, and I have been having a great time thus far and are already planning some big trips together.

Things that went as planned

  • I created a digital product,
  • sold some portraits,
  • completed all of my travel goals,
  • spent time with my wife,
  • read some great books,
  • finished some sketches,
  • and created emergency accounts.
  • Plus, by this time next year I will have earned my Bachelor’s degree!

Things that didn’t

  • I didn’t build a business, though I took some steps in the right direction.
  • I didn’t keep in touch with friends and family as much as I would have liked.
  • Not all of the books on my reading list were read.
  • I didn’t quite finish filling in two whole sketchbooks, much less try to get my own show.
  • After much contemplation I came to the realization that grad school just isn’t something that I want to do right now, which means that I didn’t even attempt taking the GRE.
  • Running fell by the wayside, and the pushups, situps, and squats challenges were forgotten.
  • Sodas have begun to creep back into my life, though I drink far fewer than I used to.

Good things that weren’t planned

  • I got to meet Chris Guillebeau, a favorite author and blogger. Never before did I understand people who would travel so far just to meet an author, but now I do!
  • Even though I now know I don’t want to go to graduate school right after finishing undergrad, I do have an idea of what the next step will be for me.
  • I have written and begun to focus on my short list.
  • New friends have been made.

It might not have been exactly the year I planned for, but it was still amazing. 2011? Will be even better!

5 thoughts on “2010 in Review

  1. Rebecca Burgener says:

    It looks like you’ve accomplished quite a bit! I’m in the process of creating a detailed action plan for 2011. I’ve never done that before so I expect it to be a learning experience.

    Good luck on achieving your goals in the new year!

    • Matthew says:

      I’ve done quite a bit, but next year I plan to do even more! I expect that next years’ goals will be easier to achieve, because I’ve taken the time to figure out what steps I need to take and also putting multiple reminders in place so that I keep getting nudged toward those next steps.

      Good luck on your goals as well!

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