2016 Here I Come
2016 is here! After a very busy year in 2015 following some of my Scouting pursuits, I am hoping to focus on my artistic endeavors this year.
How Did I Do In 2015?
Last year, I made a goal of walking/hiking 730 miles, which I revised to 2,200 miles when I realized my pace. After 32.8 miles on December 31, I finished up at 2,200.20 miles. In 2016, I simply want to continue this pace.
As far as fitness, I initially did very well with my diet through the first half of the year, but as my conference approached in July, I definitely fell off the wagon. I have much work to do here in 2015.
My writing goals were not accomplished. While I created a large set of outlines for future story writing, I just didn’t get them written and completed.
I did manage to co-write the Photographers Guide To Joshua Tree National Park, and it was published on Black Friday. This was a huge accomplishment, and I hope a springboard for future publishing.
I also made the move to switch my website over to WordPress. I long resisted the change due to my self-taught background in writing HTML, CSS, etc. When Google changed their algorithm to prioritize mobile layouts and responsive design, I knew I had to make the jump.
2016 Goals
This year, I want to complete my first short story collection. I would start with an eBook, following up with a hard copy edition.
This year, I want to complete my first personal photo book. This would be a limited-edition hard cover physical edition.
This year, I want to complete two (2) additional photography eBooks with my friend and book partner, Jeremy Long.
This year, I want to put together an art book with some of my drawing. This will not be an easy task because I have only dabbled in drawing.
This year, I want to climb all of the principle peaks in San Diego County (Hot Springs, Cuyamaca, Tecate, Stonewall, Viejas, El Cajon, Black, Longs Valley, and all 5 Mission Trails Summits).
I also want to be able to review this post weekly and revise as necessary, so the post you see on January 1 may not necessarily look the same on December 31. Sometimes, a goal may not be feasible, while other times, further ambition is available.
T.M. Schultze is a San Diego-based photographer, traveller, and writer. He writes, photographs, and draws things of the outdoors that have inspired humans for thousands of years. He co-authored the Photographer’s Guide to Joshua Tree Park which can be purchased here.