Happy New Year

A happy new year to everyone, except the Chinese (that’s still on Feb 7th). Like most people, I’ve come up with my new year resolutions. I’m publicizing these so I will be forced to commit myself to doing them, unlike the ones last year which I wrote on a piece of napkin that ended up somewhere I can’t mention. This year, I’m keeping my list short, realistic, and measurable so they are easier to achieve. So here they are in no particular order:

1. Use less gasoline.
With global warming now a reality, I am doing my part in reducing my carbon footprint just like Lenoardo. This means I have to consolidate all my errands in one day and work from home more often. I’m also thinking of switching my vehicle to consume LPG. The smell of the leak can’t be that bad, my cousin’s fart is worse. And if that Prius gets a tax break, I might just purchase one this year when it comes out. My goal: lower my fuel costs to less than P5,000/month.

2. Conserve electricity.
I live on the 2nd floor of a condominium yet I still take the elevator. From now on, I will use the stairs a lot more. I also live a mile from the gym yet I drive myself there only to get on the treadmill and run for 2 miles. I should just buy a treadmill-powered car. I will unplug chargers and my TV when not in use. I will also use my solar cellphone charger more often. My goal: lower my electricity cost to less than P4,000/month.

3. Exercise.
Strength, stamina, flexibility, and balance are the areas I will focus on. My friend Allan told me that you can burn 300% more fat if you exercise in the morning before breakfast, unless you eat a quarter pounder for breakfast. So as soon as my eyes open, I’ll hit the floor and do push-ups, sit-ups, yoga, and jogging. My goal: lower my weight to what it used to be 5 years ago… I think 155 lbs… and be able to hold a better downward dog.

4. Come up with a brand new hour.
On average, a good standup comedian will take about a year to come up with a tight 1 hour of material. This means more open mics and more writing. My goal: 1 hour of 6 to 10 laughs per minute and no hacky matreial.

5. Create more income.
Last year was a pretty good year financially, but this year I plan to double what I made. This means cutting costs on activities that do not add to the bottom line, expanding some lines of business, and doing more strategic marketing. My goal: increase my monthly passive income to filthy.

That’s it. I have 12 months to achieve these goals. Good luck to me and to all out there who have their own resolutions.