Happy 2013! 2012 was a great year, and I hope that 2013 will be even better. To assist, I decided to create resolutions this year. I don't usually create resolutions because I believe that they aren't maintainable. Too often we hear of the gym membership that expired after a month due to disuse, the 20 pounds to lose that became 2 pounds, the bad habit that we were going to break... tomorrow…
But what I do like about new year resolutions is that the new year is a fresh start, a way to wipe the slate clean and wish for a better and brighter future. To make sure my resolutions don't become those drift into the ether, I need specific tasks that will force me to accomplish this.
So with that optimistic outlook, my professional resolutions for 2013:
- Blog twice a month. This will be my hardest resolution based on past history. ;)
- Tasks:
- Tell people I'm going to do this (DONE!)
- Create an initial list of blog topics and dates - is there anything you want to read about?
- Add task reminders to my RememberTheMilk list so that I don't forget
- Learn more about PowerPivot, BISM, and DAX.
- Tasks:
- Read DAX Formulas for PowerPivot: The Excel Pro's Guide to Mastering DAX (already purchased)
- Create a new prototype to practice these skills
- Learn more about Windows Azure SQL Reporting. I haven't delved into the exciting world of Microsoft cloud options, and I want to be able to intelligently share the different options available to people.
- Tasks:
- Set up my own account to explore the options
- Create a comparison chart of pros and cons for cloud versus traditional BI/reporting options
- Explore EIM integration of DQS, MDS, SSIS. Matt Masson delivers a great presentation that shows how to use these three products together to create an EIM infrastructure. I believe the real power of these tools include using each product to create a full data ecosystem.
- Tasks:
- Find a realistic example and implement a solution
- Employee Management Training. On the "soft skills" side, I need to learn more about management. I've recently agreed to start taking on minions--er, I mean managing employees. This is an entirely new skill for me. Since it directly affects the development and career of others, I really don't want to screw it up.
- Tasks:
- Harvard ManageMentor training. I am lucky to be part of a company that believes in training its employees by offering opportunities such as this. I plan on utilizing this service this year
- Read The First-Time Manager
I think that's enough to start 2013 off right. What are your resolutions?
Jessica
9 comments:
Good list! I share your struggle with blogging - I look at my own blog in years past, and I used to be much more active than I am now.
I'm going outside the SQL Server environment and spend time exploring data analysis with Python and Linux. There's some real nifty tools and utilities that merit some exploration.
Go Jessica, go!
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Thanks everyone, and good luck with your own resolutions!
Jessica
Dipping your toes in the management pool is a bold step.. I am on a similar path with my company and look forward to it but there will always be 'challenges' with taking this task.. I hope it doesnt stress you out too much.
You're a little behind on Resolution #1! ;)
s
Managment? Nooooo!!!! They will take a little part of your brain!
I plan to post my resolutions soon too, and the short form is read and learn more/write more. The slightly longer form is to use my non-day-job-time to do what I love and stop doing stuff I don't love.
Happy New Year!
Hmm, that "read and learn more/write more; do what you love" comment was from Louis (@drsql). Not sure how my Google Account came up as Unknown :)
Same resolution for 2014? Maybe just two blog posts for the year instead....
I look forward to something fresh as I click subscribe.
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