I’ve decided to go with some “Rebuilds” in 2010 instead of resolutions or goals. Taj has a great post on why this is the word I’m choosing. So, in order to put some pressure on myself, I’m putting out my Rebuilds with some actionable steps I’ll be taking to accomplish them.

I also plan to follow-up on these on a monthly basis and I’m sure you’ll see links and quotes and whatnot posted here as I keep them in focus. For the monthly follow-ups I’ll steal a page from David Seah and review them on 2/2, 3/3, 4/4, 5/5 and well, you get the picture.

In no particular order, Rebuilds 2010…

1. Posture – Fitness goals never work. I’m not the guy who says I’ll run a marathon this year. I’ve tried that and I lose focus and interest quickly. So, I’m going to set out to improve my posture everyday. A constant reminder for me is how much my back hurts on a daily basis. Not to focus too much on the pain associated with poor posture, I’m going to really focus on strengthening my core and work on the Fascia Fitness approach. Additionally, I’ll be purchasing some Vibram Five Finger shoes to help strengthen some of the smaller muscles in my ankles and feet to help (more) evenly distribute my weight, and run like a hunter.
2. Disconnect – I spend way too much time in front of the computer and my iPhone. I need to do a better job of getting away from everything and taking a moment to think. It’s rare that I take 5 minutes to sit and think. I always have NPR, the television, my computer and my phone on. I over-indulge in my information intake and get obsessed with finding new sources. I need to take a page from eastern culture and be completely lazy when I take a vacation. Additionally, I will take a lunch without technology everyday – just sitting to eat quietly (sidebar, I’ll be practicing slow food and eating like a hunter). Also to get some “me time” I will spend time outdoors.
3. Build – I forget how much I like to build and tinker with shit. It’s becoming more fashionable to do this sort of thing, but that’s not why I like to do it. I like to do it to keep my mind busy and create unique items. I have started some oxford cloth boxers I hope to make into a scalable pattern. There’s a pile of handkerchiefs right next to me that need monogrammed and I have recently sanded down a large wood contraption that will make a perfect bench. Additionally there are a number of “to do’s” I’d like to accomplish. So, long story short, I want to continue to build shit.
4. Prepare – I’ve become obsessed with the show Mad Men, the movie A Single Man and opposing throw-away culture. So, clothing-wise I’ve purchased classic items at a higher quality (and cost mostly) than I’ve purchased in the past. I’m spending more time taking care of these items, but I’m also finding the tailored fit and look flatters me and makes me feel better. All of this is the way I begin my day. I will take care in what I wear and how I look. I want to be prepared for the day. To go hand-in-hand with this, I will spend Sunday evening preparing my weekly to do list. And to end every night I will prepare the next day’s agenda. I don’t want to be caught off-guard. As John Wooden says, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

Much, much more to come in 2010. Expect big things from me. Trust that.