Resolution update: February 2016
/PERSONAL HEALTH
1. Don’t die.
I finished my physical therapy last week. This, in combination with a lowering of my cholesterol by almost 40 points, is a good indicator of future health.
A recent health survey also indicated that I can expect to live until 95.
I'm killing it.
2. Lose 20 pounds.
Seven pounds down. 13 pounds to go.
3. Do at least 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups five days a week.
Done.
4. Practice yoga at least three days a week.
Physical therapy is complete. I have one more month of strengthening at home, then I will set up an appointment with my yoga instructor for a complete refresher.
WRITING CAREER
5. Complete my fifth novel before the end of February.
The due date has been pushed back to March 21.
6. Complete my sixth novel.
I have two novels that are more than halfway finished and one that is finished but requires a re-write. One of these will likely become my sixth novel.
7. Write a middle grade novel.
I read two middle grade novels in February that were exceptionally informative in terms of this project and have exchanged emails with my editor. Nothing proceeds until the novel due on March 21 is complete.
8. Write at least three new picture books.
No progress yet.
9. Complete a book proposal for a book on storytelling.
The book is outlined, and most of the proposal is written. I need to write two sample chapters to complete the proposal. Work on this will begin once the novel is complete.
10. Write a new screenplay
No progress yet.
11. Write a musical for a summer camp
I'm in the process of outlining the musical so my partner can begin work on the songs,
12. Publish at least one Op-Ed in The New York Times.
No progress yet.
13. Publish an article in an educational journal.
No progress yet.
14. Submit one or more short stories to at least three publishing outlets.
No progress yet.
15. Select three behaviors that I am opposed to and adopt them for one week, then write about my experiences on the blog.
I spent another week backing my car into parking spots (which initially struck me as insane). I am writing about my experience now.
16. Increase my author newsletter subscriber base to 1,000.
I gained 18 subscribers in February. My total stands at 940.
If you'd like to subscribe, you can do so here:
17. Collaborate with a former colleague on an educational book.
This project has been cancelled. After meeting with my collaborator, we determined that I am not best suited for this project.
STORYTELLING
18. Produce a total of 12 Speak Up storytelling events.
We produced one show at the Noah Webster House in February, bringing our total number of Speak Up shows to two.
19. Deliver a TED Talk.
Done! I spoke at TEDxNatick in January on the topic: Live Your Life Like Your 100 Year-Old Self.
As soon as the video is posted, I will be sure to share it.
I will also be speaking at another TEDx conference in April.
20. Attend at least 15 Moth events with the intention of telling a story.
I attended a StorySLAM at Housing Works and a GrandSLAM at the Music Theater of Williamsburg, bringing my total number of events in 2016 to two.
21. Win at least three Moth StorySLAMs.
I was called first in the only StorySLAM in which I competed in February. I placed fourth.
Going first is the pits. Nearly impossible to win from the first couple positions.
22. Win a Moth GrandSLAM.
I competed in a Moth GrandSLAM in Brooklyn in February. I was randomly assigned the second spot in the show, which is also the pits. Once again I finished fourth.
I will be competing in a Boston GrandSLAM at the end of March.
23. Launch at least one new podcast.
I've chosen the next podcast and determined the format. It will not be launched until after the novel is complete.
24. Launch a storytelling project that I will otherwise remain vague about here but will become a primary focus of 2016.
Work does not begin on this project until the novel is complete.
NEW PROJECTS
25. Host at least one Shakespeare Circle.
No progress.
26. Learn to cook three good meals for my wife.
No progress.
27. Plan a 25 year reunion of the Heavy Metal Playhouse.
No progress.
MISCELLANEOUS
28. Replace the 12 ancient, energy-inefficient windows in our home with new windows that will keep the cold out and actually open in the warmer months.
No progress.
29. Optimize our television for a streaming service.
Likely a summer project.
30. Set a new personal best in golf.
No golf was played in February for obvious reasons.
31. Play poker at least six times in 2016.
I have a game of poker scheduled in April with friends.
32. Do not speak negatively about another person's physical appearance except when done in jest with my closest friends.
Done. February was free of negative speech about another person's physical appearance (except for my own).
Honestly, this is not a difficult goal. Everyone should adopt it.
33. Post my progress in terms of these resolutions on this blog on the first day of every month.
Done.