I don’t like using the start of the calendar year to make resolutions. I never have. That is why I won’t be making any New Year’s Resolutions.

Unlike Calvin in the comic strip here, I don’t think I’m perfect. There are a few things that I could improve upon. That is why I’ve decided to set some New Year’s Goals instead.

By writing these goals down and sharing them with you here, I am committed to making these things happen. I also have you to help keep my accountable. It’s a little extra motivation and I thank you for your support.

So here we go.  In 2012, I will . . .

1) Release Know Your History episodes on time

I tag my show “your monthly dose of hip-hop knowledge” and this year I want to make sure that I don’t fall behind on that promise. The episodes usually make it to air in the month they were intended but I often don’t get the transcript up for the blog in a timely manner. And sometimes I do get a little behind on the show.

This year, I resolve to change that. I plan on having the episodes ready for the 1st Saturday of the month. That is when you can expect to hear them on DOPEfm. I will have the podcast and transcripts up on the blog by the 15th.

2) Do an artist interview every month

This year, I am joining the team over at The Word is Bond and will be launching their brand new podcast. This will be done in conjunction with DOPEfm. I’m very excited to be on board and start this new partnership between our radio show and their excellent hip-hop website. I’ve committed to doing two half-hour podcasts each month. The first Saturday of each month will feature the Know Your History episode and the third Saturday of every month will see an artist interview or discussion. These segments will run on DOPEfm and then will be podcasted the following day.

3) Polish and Perfect my YA Novel and try to get it published

My original goal when starting this blog was to become a published author by 2012. I finally feel that I am ready to start the query process. I will need to sharpen up my novel and work on writing the query letter. I might not get published this year but I will start the journey.

4) Write a novel

I would like to write another novel this year. Perhaps as part of NaNoWriMo again.

5) Write a screenplay

Script Frenzy in April is always a lot of fun. I actually enjoy it more than NaNoWriMo so I plan on participating again this April.

6) Monthly Mixtapes

I really enjoyed all the mixtapes I made last year. You didn’t get to hear all of them. I made one as a wedding present and it was quite personal. I also made a few for my girlfriend that I decided not to share. But the ones I did post were pretty well received. Making a new mixtape every month might be too ambitious though. Perhaps I could make one every other month.

7) Keep Fit

I will start trail running again in the spring and I plan on finding new places to bring my camera for the Photographic Tour section of this blog. I will continue to skateboard as well.

8) Write an eBook

I’ve been thinking about this one for a while. I think it would be a good idea to write one for teachers. Hopefully I could make a few bucks in the process and finally pay off my student loans. Wouldn’t that be nice?

9) Read a lot

I want to create a digital bookshelf of every thing I read this year. I get a lot of material from the library so I don’t have a bookshelf to display what I’ve read anywhere.  When a book really strikes a chord with me, I write about it and include it in the Recommended Reads section. But I think it would be really cool to keep a record of everything I read this year, good, bad, or mediocre.

More?

It sounds like a lot, doesn’t it. I know there are probably a few other things that will come up as well.

So far, I’ve been doing interviews and extra segments for DOPEfm whenever I’ve had the opportunity. Committing to doing a bi-weekly podcast will be a lot more work but I am up for the challenge and think the schedule might actually help.

I have a lot that I’d like to accomplish this year.

What about you? 

Resolutions? Goals? Or Both?

Or do you want to tell me I’m crazy for trying to do so much this year?

Please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you.