Back in January 2010, I created a list of goals to achieve before 2011. We’re half way through year and its about time to review those goals. At this point I would take a look at the list:

• CCNA Certified
• Project Oriented
• Microsoft Server Expert
• GTD Evangelist

The items crossed off above mean I have completed those goals. So the next steps include reviewing how I completed my goals, add new goals, remove goals or modify my goals.

Review

CCNA Certified

It took me at least a year to complete this goal. I’ve been working on it since the summer of 2009. Studying for the CCNA certification was usually on and off at times but realized that it takes time and dedication to know the material. Mind you, I have the equipment at my workplace and occasionally work within Cisco gear but to actually know the test material is a different story.

What I should have done differently was set a goal date and work towards completing my studies by that date. I always moved it around which resulted in me acquiring my certification a year later. Secondly, study when there are no other distractions around and be sure to practice on either virtual or physical labs.

Project Oriented

I’ve began using Microsoft Project 2010 to plan out my projects ahead of time. There’s a statistic somewhere on the interwebz that say 70% of IT projects fail. That’s an alarming statistic and with this economy I cannot afford to have my projects fail near that rate. I subscribe to project management email lists and read a few IT project management websites occasionally.

I am no expert, to say the least, but I have started a new mindset on projects, planning, and implementation. I will continue to grow in this field.

Microsoft Server Expert & GTD Evangelist

If you were to see me on a time line I would be at the Microsoft Server section. Like the CCNA certification, it has been a laborious task to make time for studying. With the juggle of work, personal life and rest it can get difficult. Nevertheless, I will have to implement the GTD (getting things done) Evangelist side of me to knock things out.

So this is where I stand with my IT goals. I will not be adding anything new since I have my own work-related goals to exceed. My fear is running into a state of burnout.

Where do you stand with your goals?

Related posts:

1. 2010 IT Goals and Skills
2. Update to 70-640 Certification
3. How To Install GNS3 in Ubuntu 9.04

In the past I’ve focused on To Do lists and they never really pan out well for me. This year will be a little different. The To Do list will still be there but it will reflect my “To Be” list. I recently attended an inspirational talk and he got me thinking about focusing on what you want to be.

When you focus in that aspect it will eventually define what you need to do to get there. So what I’ve done is listed here what I want to be in regards to Information Technology. Of course, what I want to be may change in the future but this is what I want to be at the moment.

What I want to be will define what I want to do which will in the end help me achieve my goals (of what I want to be). I’m looking at the end result here and working backwards.

CCNA Certified. I’ve worked my way to earn my Network+ and now I’m about have way to obtaining my CCNA Certification. So far I’ve been lagging a bit but my test date for ICND2 is on February 5th so I’m pushing it! Reading both ICND1 and ICND2 books has allowed me to extend my knowledge in the networking field and will allow me to grow as an individual in IT. I look forward to passing that certification and continue working on Cisco gear.

Project oriented. Being in IT means there will be projects to accomplish. There has to be an efficient process to get things done and being project oriented will get me in that direction. As of now I do not have a solid plan or structure for any projects.

A Microsoft Server expert. I work in a Microsoft shop. Most of our servers are driven by Microsoft so it only makes sense to become an absolute expert in this field. I’ve been influenced by one of our vendors who constantly amazes me with his in-depth knowledge of Active Directory. That is where I want to be. I want to know the ins and outs.
An efficient reader. There’s a lot to read and learn to become an expert in my field. To get there I’ll have to learn how to read quickly with efficiency. No one likes to spend their time reading so I’ll have to maximize my time and teach myself how to read faster while still retaining information.

A GTD evangelist. I’ll admit that I’m on the procrastinator side but I’m learning to overcome that. I’ve been given the book, Getting Things Done by David Allen. I hope to achieve what he has and work on becoming an advocate for getting things done. It would sure make my life much more easier!

What do you want to be?

Related posts:

1. Update to My Information Technology Goals
2. How To Install GNS3 in Ubuntu 9.04
3. I Successfully Passed the Cisco ICND1 Exam!