What I have achieved this year

The time between Christmas and New Year is a strange one. There is a definite lull in my energy and there is always far too much food. It is the time of year to think back over the past 12 months and what I haven't achieved. Yes, that is a negative way to look at it, but that's just how I tend to feel at this time of year - but I know that there are many positive things. The worst part of 2008 was my job - boring, not challenging, not busy enough etc etc. I tend to lack motivation unless I am challenged and busy and that's certainly been a problem lately.... that must change! I'm not saying that 2008 has been a failure though and I've had a pretty fun year!

What I haven't done...

• I didn't lose weight or gain any fitness
• Didn't find a new job or enjoy the one I have
• Didn't keep in touch with friends enough
• I failed to say 'no' when I wanted to and ended up saying 'yes' instead
• Didn't visit Jan in Holland, Dom in Austria or Donna in Spain
• Didn't take and pass any exams (as I work in Financial Services, these are CII exams)
• Didn't make an impact on the house "to do" list
• Didn't buy the guitar I wanted
• Only ticked off a couple of my list on 43things.com
• Didn't drink enough juice

I could go on and on as I'm in a groove now! It isn't all negative though and there are some things I can list that I have achieved and shouldn't dwell too much on the list above (just get them done Stephen!)

Some achievements...

• Paid a good amount off the mortgage
• Started and maintained this blog
• Started and completed my macro photography project (The next project is a 2008 photo book)
• Saw some good concerts
• Did a little work on the house (mainly painting)
• Had a couple of fun holidays, weekends away and other events
• Heard some great new music*
• Took some good pictures and have them listed for sale
• Visited Sicily
• Saw many good films making use of Lovefilm.com and Sky+*
• Did as little work as possible and got paid for it!
• Was generally helpful to those around me!

* See my best of 2008 blog entry

Maybe the little things such as doing someone a favour, clearing out all my old clothes or cooking a good meal for friends can count as well. Just having a lovely home and partner (and not killing him in 2008!) should be sufficient of course and I should count my blessings.

So... in 2009 I fully intend to make this list twice as long and meaningful - watch this space.