I don’t always go in for New Year’s Resolutions. Too often they have felt like empty promises to turn over some new leaf. This year, instead of resolutions I have decided to think about the kind of person I want to be.

When I look back on 2010, where would I like to be able to say I made progress?

Part of that is informed by who I want to be and how I see myself, and part is informed by where I am and whatever struggles or successes I may be facing right now.

Above all, it has to do with how I want to relate myself to those around me and my community.

For me, it’s about breaking out of wherever I am, and moving into the next place I’m going. How will I get there? By what means will I break free?

Here are my three top areas for growth for the year:

• Have good, consistent habits. I tend to work in bursts and respond to things when necessary. But I have learned that consistency pays off in almost every respect. I can accomplish more over time than I can in an all-nighter. So I will plan out my days and weeks. I’ll be realistic about what I can accomplish and I will place a premium on day-in, day-out actions instead of hoping to get things done in quick bursts. I know what I should be doing day to day. I will develop the habits of doing those things.
• Reach out to others honestly. I tend to isolate when left to my own devices. I get wrapped up in my computer screen, wrapped up in my own pursuits. I spend too much time thinking about myself. When I interact with people it is too often all surface and not enough substance. I will work against this bias and try to make sure I connect fully with someone every day.
• Cheerfully accept and meet obligations. It’s easy for me to try to avoid and shirk. It’s even possible to do this and not be seen as shirking! But I know inside when I am actively seeking and fulfilling obligations and when I am holding back and reluctantly responding when called on. Yet, I am happiest when serving others. I will actively look for ways to help those around me.

Those are not the only resolutions for me this year, but they are the big ones. How about you?

What are your top resolutions?