The Official Anti-Blame Thread ... aka The 2011 End-of-Year Personal Reality Check

[DaveR]

( The 2011 Newer and Improved, Certified Pre-Owned Thread from last year - http://deephousepage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227290 and 2009 http://www.deephousepage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207483 )

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What did you accomplish in 2011? - personally, professionally, educationally, musically, etc.

What were the goals and milestones that you laid out (or simply envisioned) on 12/31/10, and through the year? - and what actions did you execute, in order to achieve them (even if you failed)

What do you plan to do/approach differently in 2012 ... given what you've learned this year

[Paula]

bartending business still GREAT even in a recession
i did several guest DJ spots on European radio

several of my videos went viral on youtube


got to see Frankie Knuckles at Millennium Park FREE


directed a commercial for Mr. Peabody Records


and interviewed Osunlade this year

Video streaming by Ustream
a good year overall!

plans for 2012? watch this space! ;-)

[DaveR]

(Mine)

9-5 Work - many great new clients, and worked in 3 new countries (France, UAE and Canada)

Education - snagged 2 new professional certifications 1) Enterprise Architect Academy/Training & Certification (even though I'm no techie) ... and 2) (literally in-progress, as I type this) Change Management Training & Professsional Certification

Other - sketched out a new invention, drafted intent to use Patent info, registered website & company name on Thanksgiving night ... that came to me chillin' on my deck over Vodka/Cran

Socially - digressed a bit (volume-wise, not in quality), as with the previous year, due in-part b/c of the choices/time spent on the above

DJing - hit some new markets

[bkny11203]

Work - Got 2 promotions working feverishly at the 3rd
DJing - Got booked for several small events and 4 weddings

For 2012
Continue to move up the ladder at the gig - I see the faults in other managers and will capitalize on their mistakes
DJing - improve my mobile rig and be aggressive in getting more gigs
Get some education....any

[ruse]

Work - It's been a difficult year, which began with a re-organization that saw much of our senior management leave, and culminated in our acquisition by a much larger firm in the same industry (leading to more departures). Throughout this process, I've learned a great deal about management and dealing with change. I've also had extensive talks with another firm which are about to result in a job offer, but more importantly, I feel like I'm closer to doing the kind of work I really want to do.

Personal - My most fulfilling accomplishment was seeing my daughter through her first year of life and into her second. After a thorough search, my wife and I decided to lay down roots in California and buy our first home. We also got to spend some meaningful time with extended family.

Music - I am currently working with a song publisher to help him launch an app that would increase his exposure to his target market and (hopefully) generate some cash flow to support his primary business. However, I haven't DJ'ed or worked on my own music at all this year, so I'm hoping to get back into it in 2012.

[DeesKo]

1. Seperate ourselves from the store more (leftover from last year) - Have cut our time @ the store in half this year, including allowing me a chance to go home and hang out & spend time with the kids in the evenings 3 days a week.

2. Re-do the store website (left over from last year) - Finished it up and went live earlier this year.

3. Attend more training (continued from last year) - Attended 3 more professional development courses this year.

4. Continue to appreciate life, where I'm at, what I'm doing, what I'm able to do and to thoroughly enjoy every possible moment with 3 three VASTLY different personalities that are my sons - Done

5. Create a website for hosting my mixes and entertain the idea of getting back into DJ'ing. - Site built & live, good traffic, haven't really entertained the idea of getting back into it professionally though. I've found it quite difficult to get my brain & creative juices flowing in relation to mixing music. I find myself feeling too distracted or uncreative when I actually have an hour of quite time so I end up playing COD MW3 or Madden on the XBox instead.

Up for next year:

1. Re-learning PHP & finishing up someone else's website (finally).

2. Pay off the loan we took out for the store

3. Pay off our only car note

4. Double (hopefully triple) our investment in precious metals

5. Increase my lfe insurance to provide at least $750k coverage.

[Doug]

1. Changed jobs and now get paid more to work fewer hours.

2. Took my first week long vacation in 5 years.

3. Paid off both vehicles and a credit card early. Will be credit card debt free in the 1st quarter of 2012.

4. Took an exam earlier this week to become a Certified Information Privacy Professional (fingers crossed).

5. Worked on a 95 North remix project for the first time in 5 years.

6. Picked up my first DJ gig in a year. Hoping to do more in 2012.

7. Became VP for a local intellectual property organization.

8. Invited to join national board for the Ridley Scholarship at the University of Virginia.

9. Enjoyed more time with family and friends.

[Chris Wood]

Work - qualified from the grad scheme so now looking after a large amount of money in a high profile position as a project manager and driving towards the early leadership programme in the company

Djing - had several great things going in the midlands but lost them because of moving around with work... trying to get back into it and have a gig next sunday which i will be working hard to make an impression at...

Travelling - travelled Europe again, drove the nurburgring, went to ibiza, a mad weekend in amsterdam, visited krakow... and got Berlin and ibiza booked for next year already...

Broke up with my gf which was a real shame, thought she was the one blah blah blah... on the plus side - I have a new aim in life - Try and get Godfather of House on my rider when I become big...

[DaveR]

...

Education ... and 2) (literally in-progress, as I type this) Change Management Training & Professsional Certification

...

Done

[DeesKo]

Done

So did they teach you how to spin your wheels fruitlessly trying to enforce Change Management policy, or how to circumvent it with the ever-powerful "Emergency Fix" clause?

[DaveR]

So did they teach you how to spin your wheels fruitlessly trying to enforce Change Management policy, or how to circumvent it with the ever-powerful "Emergency Fix" clause?

taught this nightowl, normal late sleeper that I could make it through 2 days of 7am-8pm, and the final day of 7am-midnight training w/o going crazy

arrived the 1st day, and they handed out the agenda that said 7am-8pm, I said "damn, all your missing is 6am couple skill building"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hwkR_wvrM8

[House]

1. Graduated with my MBA with a 3.61 GPA (the one had to get some too). This made me happy, made my mom happy, and most importantly set an example for my kids. Landed, a high profile position with a biotech firm that gives me tons of exposure with leading hospitals, universities and health care organizations in the NE area. Completed PMP coursework and earned two certificates in the field. Began work on a personal business and website that I thought about while in grad school. Regained 5 pounds of muscle and have maintained my health. The accomplishment of these goals was the major part of my 2011 plan

2 For 2012 I want to take the PMP exam. Move in to a new apartment. Do more volunteer work with my school and mentor young students. Work on my golf game (time permitting). Escort my mom and kids to church more often. Professionally, I am looking to come in at 200% of quota for the year and establish myself as a leader within the organization.

The key to obtaining my goals will be an implementation of a GTD system and more effective time management

[Myron]

Socially I had fun. I dated a bit but I haven't really gotten serious about it.

Before the year I started I lost one of my two jobs. I steadily worked all year at my other one but my goal next year is to find a new job (preferably at an academic library) and quit this one.

Did reasonably well in school but I do want to pick up the pace with my studies (at the rate I'm going it is going to take five years for Master's number two). This ties with finding a new job because I could only pick up the pace if I find a new job that's more compatible with the work schedule.

Learn to teach because it is a necessary skill if I want to work as an academic librarian.

Finally write that article about Dance Music genres and get it published.

Establish myself as a freelance researcher.

[DaveR]

...
Education - ... new professional certifications 1) Enterprise Architect Academy/Training & Certification (even though I'm no techie) ...

2 Goals for 2012 ... 1) snag more of these ... and 2) if things go South on the current 9-5 gig, keep the resume updated weekly (as usual), and be ready to respond with the market

Apr 2011




Oct 2011, upon returning from consulting in Dubai

[BHouse]

You guys inspire me to do better...

Lets see: I started off not knowing if this move to Phoenix, AZ was the right one. Only knew one person here. Started working 2 full time jobs while trying to get settled in my new city. Both jobs sucked so I made it point to find a better job. I did. Been at the new company 6months. Busted my ass and was asked to apply for another position with company. Got a letter of recommendation from my supervisor and manager. Had three different interviews. Didn't get the position, but at least I tried and will keep trying.

Promised to do better by my children this year and I have kept that promise. Met a woman that I fell in love with. Never thought I would ever find anyone like her in my lifetime. Literally, the answer to my prayers. Bought the engagement ring all ready. Moved to Scottsdale, AZ.

Goals for 2012: Stop smoking. Continue to work out. Continue to focus on my kids. Planning on going back to school. Enjoy my new found happiness with my girlfriend and life in Arizona.

[kara]

Professionally - I'm rocking, government cuts and a hiring freeze has made my office extremely trying. Others are crumbling under the extreme workload, I'm volunteering for every new project. Up for promotion after the New Year! Fingers crossed.

Financially - just paid off my credit card, the bane of my existence the last 6 months.

Personally - I finally have gone on a few successful dates with a guy who makes me laugh.

Friends - locked it down with 2 groups of amazing women, worked really hard at being a good friend - finally have more female friends than guy friends. Been hard since I turned 30 to find females I relate to. Best accomplishment of 2011!

My 2012 goals- dont fuck up on date #4 (actually that's my goal for this Saturday - watching Casablanca! Guess my 2012 goal is to make it to date #whatever for after the new year) and stop shopping!!


Lol

[House]

You guys inspire me to do better...

Lets see: I started off not knowing if this move to Phoenix, AZ was the right one. Only knew one person here. Started working 2 full time jobs while trying to get settled in my new city. Both jobs sucked so I made it point to find a better job. I did. Been at the new company 6months. Busted my ass and was asked to apply for another position with company. Got a letter of recommendation from my supervisor and manager. Had three different interviews. Didn't get the position, but at least I tried and will keep trying.

Promised to do better by my children this year and I have kept that promised. Met a woman that I fell in love with. Never thought I would ever find anyone like her in my lifetime. Literally, the answer to my prayers. Bought the engagement ring all ready. Moved to Scottsdale, AZ.

Goals for 2012: Stop smoking. Continue to work out. Continue to focus on my kids. Planning on going back to school. Enjoy my new found happiness with my girlfriend and life in Arizona.

Big thumbs up! Moving to another city where one doesnt have a support system takes a lot of strength and courage. Respeckt's!

[EddieW8]

(Mine)

9-5 Work - many great new clients, and worked in 3 new countries (France, UAE and Canada)

Education - snagged 2 new professional certifications 1) Enterprise Architect Academy/Training & Certification (even though I'm no techie) ... and 2) (literally in-progress, as I type this) Change Management Training & Professsional Certification

Other - sketched out a new invention, drafted intent to use Patent info, registered website & company name on Thanksgiving night ... that came to me chillin' on my deck over Vodka/Cran

Socially - digressed a bit (volume-wise, not in quality), as with the previous year, due in-part b/c of the choices/time spent on the above

DJing - hit some new markets

You are one of the people I admire most on this board. Seriously. Good stuff!

[Jamie 3:26]

Goals...met all except 2....Get my website done and Stop smoking.

Planned out the year with some personal goals,that I actually gave myself 2 years to do and did it in the same year....Play in London and Berlin...I also did Japan as well and had the best month that some folks will never get the chance to experience...so I'm very greatful and humble.

I had a decent buzz for a remix I did for one of my favorite tracks...Jungle Wonz - The Jungle,Which was a honor to even get the gig to begin with.

Work....things have been great. Boss told me that I earned the best review he's given me,since he took over my department.Got some great advice from a friend/co-worker,who left my department and I took his advice and stepped it up....that's the outcome.


Shit I need to get better with.....

Work....Promptness...meaning have my ass in on time.

Music...Get an album,not an ep completed by years end 2012...

I'm doing real good and I actually feel good as well for a change...all because of me changing my approach to things in life....which is why I just do my best to remain positive and not trip on shit I have no control over....I'm good.

[BHouse]

changing my approach to things in life....which is why I just do my best to remain positive and not trip on shit I have no control over....I'm good.

Yes sir.

[BHouse]

Big thumbs up! Moving to another city where one doesnt have a support system takes a lot of strength and courage. Respeckt's!

Thank you.

[DaveR]

You are one of the people I admire most on this board. Seriously. Good stuff!

right back atcha EddieW8

[Mr.I]

2011
personally - zilch
professionally - zilch
educationally - zilch
musically - zilch


Damn, guess I better set some goals for 2012! thanks for the reality check!

[kara]

You are one of the people I admire most on this board. Seriously. Good stuff!

The thing I perceive about Dave is that however cocky he sounds he goes out of his way to kick knowledge to others and always talks about bettering himself.

Used to rub me the wrong way. But slowly realize differently.

Another goal of 2012- to not miscategorize confidence for cockiness and recognize strength as able to be positive not demeaning.

Basically. To be less defensive.

[House]

2011
personally - zilch
professionally - zilch
educationally - zilch
musically - zilch


Damn, guess I better set some goals for 2012! thanks for the reality check!

Props!

How many of us ever say "I fucked up" or "I didnt get anything done"? (we dont even admit such to ourselves)