I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. My reasoning is part philosophical, part curmudgeonly. That said, I would like to offer some IT and technology-related New Year’s resolutions for you to consider. I am writing these in random fashion. And remember to do as I say, not as I do.

Reconnect

Make 2023 the year you double down on meeting people In Real Life (IRL, as the kids say). The pandemic has taught me that we humans really do benefit from engaging with each other.

Take the Long View

We are past the point of dropping off laptops on our users’ porches. Our organizations have gone through substantial changes. Or they are primed to do so. This is a great time to take stock of what has changed and what could change for the better. Make a resolution to explore the possibilities.

Be the Thing You Want to Be

This one is for the early-career folks out there. One of the best pieces of career advice I ever received was when someone told me, “If you want to be treated like a Director, you have to act like one.” You will know you are doing well when someone comments, “I thought you were already a ___.”

Hang Out with the Interns

Want to know how the “next generation” thinks? How they feel about technology? Do you want to know how they perceive the organization? Make a resolution to spend some time with them. Make sure the setting is informal. Ask an opening question. Now, sit back and listen.

Learn How to Play a Musical Instrument

I have a confession to make. My musical training extends only to the first three chords of the Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby. Given my musical non-background, this is a “do as I say” resolution. I read something today that suggested considering musicians for software engineering positions.

• Musical notation is like code, and writing music is like writing code.
• Musicians are problem-solvers.
• Sometimes musicians must sit for long periods while working.

If you want to better understand the software development process and you would rather not learn Python, then think about learning to play an instrument.

Be Kind

OK, I do have one New Year’s resolution. I have kept it the same for the past three years. Even though I find it easy to be critical, I also understand that I may not know the whole story. Better to presume good intentions.

Laugh Out Loud

Life comes at us fast. And we all have challenges, large and small. We cannot wish the problems away. What we can do is decide how we respond. Laugh. You will feel better. Laugh in front of a group of people. Watch them smile. They cannot help themselves.

Replace Your Staff

Just kidding! But think about it. What if you knew you had to replace your entire staff? Do you have accurate job descriptions in place? Would you redesign your organization before hiring anyone? How would you shift work around if one person left? Make a resolution to answer these questions now, while it is not an emergency. The answers will help you understand what kind of cross-skilling, job training and job enrichment needs you have.

Seek Out Inspiration

We all need rewards, especially psychic ones. Find a person, a cause, a story that inspires you. Think about how you could be someone else’s inspiration.

Let People Know You Appreciate Them

2022 has been an interesting one. Some things seem better. Other things—not so much. This is my time to stop editing the last project report for the year and say thank you to all my readers. You have taught me, inspired me, made me think and made me laugh. Here is to more of all that in 2023!