So we are sitting on what is the precipice of a new year. We can either choose to change and evolve with the times, or we can stay stuck in our ways. I have decided to make some new year’s resolutions to make me a better person and developer.

1. Get Into Shape

As developers we can spend a lot of our time on our butts, up to 8 hours a day. That is why I need to make a strong effort to be active. My definition of active is a solid hour of exercise five to six days a week. Exercise is only part of the solution. Did you know your body expends more calories digesting food then it does when you exercise? That is why I have to make an effort to eat less calories. Now that the holiday season is over, the temptation of gorging is gone with it. And finally, cut out all high-sugar drinks. Developers live off of energy drinks but each can of energy drink can be as much as 400 calories. That is equivalent to the calories found in a bagel! Replacing those drinks with water can cut out a lot of unnecessary calories.

2. Work On My Communication Skills

I can talk to people, but sometimes I don’t fully get my idea across. This can cause frustration on both my part and the listener. That is why I have to work on my communication skills. I will do this by being more conscious of the words I say, listen deeply to my counterpart, and being less abrupt with my answers. I will also be working on my vocabulary. Adding words to my vocabulary can give me a more diverse set of words to express my ideas and intentions.

3. Swear Less

Swearing is a powerful tool when used properly. It can express frustration, anger, and happiness all in a couple words. There have also been studies that show swearing can lead to better rapport between co-workers. That being said, I have to remember that there is a place and time to use certain words and phrases. For example, a holy place is no place to start dropping the F-Bomb.

4. Be More Systematic

I am trying more and more to depend on systems to make me more efficient and dependable. This will help me reduce times where I am just thinking of what to do instead of doing what I need to do.

5. Be More Assertive

Over my life I’ve learned that people can take advantage of you if you let them. They can also mistake your kindness for weakness. Letting the other party know why I won’t do something, or the conditions on what I’ll do given a task will make my life much simpler.

6. Give Love to the People that Deserve It

There are a lot of important people in my life, and some not that important. Giving more preference to those I love will make everyone happier.

7. Read, Read, Read

It’s surprising how much more knowledgeable you get by just reading what other people are doing. So I am dedicating 2010 to reading more.

The year is early and things could change, but for right now these are my resolutions. Do you have any?