Resolutions: less at the waist, more in the head

Happy new year! Similar to many others, end-of-year festivities kept me from this blog. More generally though, my mind was completely diverted from the general topics that this blog only reflects. It is shamefully surprising how quickly do-gooding falls by the wayside when things get busy. Thank goodness for people who have dedicated their livelihood to doing good, or worldwide philanthropic efforts would be as stop-and-go as public attention.

Again, as many others, I have woken this January with a Holiday Hangover. It's now time to sober up and strengthen my character with some resolutions for self-improvement. But because I would like to be different from most people in some respect, this time I'm putting money on the line to keep my resolutions. And no, I'm not dedicating the steady financial drip of an underused gym membership. The membership I seek requires buckets of funds and hours of toil before setting foot in the establishment: charter to the CFA Institute.

This isn't a decision I've taken lightly, because of the big commitment of time and money. However, I've always taken great stock in titles and certifications, and this is something that I can pursue while working. I'm also fortunate that my company offers some reimbursement for the costs.

So while my resolve is afire, I'll push forward, and have you join me on this venture. This weekend I will

• review the company forms again and gather all of the information I need for reimbursement.

• order the Schweser study materials, which I have heard are good. The Essential package (practice exam book and QBank) should be sufficient, since practice questions are the best way I prepare myself.

Once the materials arrive, I can flip through to get a handle of the amount/type of material. I haven't yet decided on whether to take the June or December exam; once I've settled on that, I can create a study plan.

But first, I should probably get some dinner.

10 ideas for daily do-gooding

It's not quite the new year yet, but I've decided on a resolution for myself. I've spent months feeling guilty for not volunteering. Sure, I cut a check to a local group a few weeks ago, but there was no feeling of fulfillment (does that sound selfish?). SO, my thought today was to do something good every day. Sounds a bit ambitious, but otherwise my life will pass in mediocrity one opportunity-filled day at a time. But really, if I don't even have time to volunteer a few hours per week, how will I do good Every Day? Thus started an impromptu brainstorm, and the push to get me going on this idea of doing a blog. My hope is that this blog will become part of something good. I haven't considered myself a writer in years though, and sometimes have trouble sticking to regimens (like getting up early every day to exercise...yeah, that's worked out real well..), so I could use your help to keep me going.

Without further ado, the quick list of good things to fit into your busy day:

1. Give someone a genuine compliment.
2. Walk the extra few feet to recycle that bottle or return that shopping cart.
3. Read about something completely new to you.
4. Challenge yourself to get out of the shower 30 seconds, 60 seconds sooner.
5. Carry around a To-Do list. You can improve your follow-through on promises (to yourself and others) by writing down ideas as they come, or using spare moments in the day to check things off.
   
6. Hit the road a little sooner or later so that your car doesn't spend as long idling in traffic. (Extra credit! Use that extra time at the office to do some reading - revisit item 3.)
7. Even if you're the only one who realizes it, be sincere when you ask someone how their weekend was. Don't let it be code for, "Just tell me the good stuff."
8. On the other side, be kind. Open up to establish rapport, but some stories should be saved for happy hour, not lunch hour.
9. Donate (can easily be a dollar or less) to a charity or entrepreneur - made even simpler by PayPal.
10. Reflect on all the good things about today.