Athlete Blogs
January 2nd, 20102010 Resolutions? Plans? Goals? Here is what I'm thinking
I have never been a big fan of making a big deal about new years resolutions, if there is some behavior or action I beleive I should be doing, I try to start asap.I am also very goal oriented, writing down, sharing and focusing on goals that are important to you is a powerful tool in all areas of life. Making money, athletics, politics, you name it, the more goal focused you are the more likely you are to achieve those goals. I'm certainly no stranger to this - staring at the "you will win the 2008 nationals TT and then 2009 TT" printout on the wall while I ride the rollers every morning. It works.
In 2010 there are a number of outcomes I would like to achieve such as:
1. Grow my coaching business by 25%. The last few years of coaching has been tremendously rewarding and fun, more so than I ever thought. I care deeply about the success and health of my athletes so it can often be difficult and stressful work, but only because I am so into it. I am being conservative on growth for the business for a few reasons - I want only the right type of clients that fit my niche and I want to ensure my current clients get 100% of the attention they deserve, keeping my turnover rate nice and low.
For those not familiar with my coaching offerings we are primarily focused on clients looking for high end, high touch highly customized training plans. We are certainly not the cheapest offering out there, but I can assure you no coach spends more time thinking about his clients. The ideal prospective client is one looking for a measure of exclusivity. The response when other racers find out one of my guys is working with me is usually one of interest, concern and a bit of fear. We don't want to lose that edge.
2. Financially, I want to make lots of money this year. I always want to make lots of money, but this year I have a specific number in mind for after tax savings. Because personal finances are highly, well, personal I'm not sharing the number. For some people $500 is alot, others $5M is alot. I'm somewhere in between. To get there I am going to focus exceeding my quota again at work, grown my business and take advantage of smart investing opportunities.
3. Racing/Training/General health: This is a tough one. This year I am taking a much more relaxed approach to riding. The last few years of myopic focus on nationals has taken away some of the fun of riding, and this year I am not planning on racing nationals. I don't have a TT bike and I'm not planning on getting one. I'm sure some people will be glad to hear it but I have climbed that mountain 3 times now, and it's time for something new. Don't think nationals will be any easier to win though, I'm working with a number of highly talented folks across the age spectrum who are all bringing a cannell-tuned A game to Louisville.
As far as racing goes, I will probably do the southeast M35+ races that appeal to me if anything, though they still seem far off given it's 22 degrees out right now. Maybe I won't race much this year, maybe not at all, but one thing is for sure, I will be out riding and enjoying the bike.
4. Family. As I get older (ok, I'm 35 but that is older than I used to be!) family becomes more and more important. Spending time with Kristy, having the family over for sunday supper every week, visiting with relatives who live elsewhere, all important things that I want to do more of. I can't imagine in 50 years thinking, man, I should have done one more parking lot crit but I can see the importance of family.
There are some other fun little things I'm excited about for 2010 - team cannell champion training, having my own USAC team, super cool kits, that will be fun. Racing or not, either way I will be riding in style.
Being in louisville but NOT racing - that will be interesting.
Enjoying more really good wine and less junk food. I'd hate to die tomorrow and leave behind bottles of pahlmeyer or caymus. We don't eat alot of junk food - but sometimes we get lazy with the cooking, so instead of the best food we could be eating we end up with what's easiest. Going to try to cook more, it's relaxing and a great way to wind down the day.
Try more varieties of single malts - GBS introduced me to scotch a few months ago when he came to visit, they are interesting and complex, every one is different. So far I've found a few I like, looking forward to finding a few more.
Not too much in the way of new bike toys, except my new dual 1750 lumen lupine lights coming on monday, I will be blazing down the road with a full 3500 lumens lighting the way. Hey, you can't put a price on safety LOL. Well, you can, about $2,000.
Cheers and have a great 2010!
