My Goals for 2008, and Review of 2007

I didn’t set any goals last year, and I achieved every one of them.

I didn’t achieve any I didn’t set as well.

2007 was a huge year for me. The beginning of the year had me finish up a contract with Confluence Commons, work on Endoze Design a bit more and finally fold a company that I had spent a year building, Politics by Design. I went to SXSWi, which changed my views on the tech community. After SXSW, the only thought that crossed my mind was “it’s the community stupid.” I decided to take most of the year off and really listen to the tech community. I subscribed to over 300 blogs, read the paper, New Yorker, and attended every tech meetup I could find (and even started my own event).

I lived up to a lifelong dream of doing work for Widen + Kennedy (an experimental interface design). They did the California Raisins commercials, which I credit to being my first real introduction to how design can cause emotion. I loved those damn things, and I love that I got to work with them. I also did some work with the amazing Interaction Design (Matt Walsh is the most impressive interaction designer I have ever met) department at Crispin Porter + Bogusky. Both agencies do amazing work and taught me lessons that far outside of design, interaction and usability.

I was able to spend an amazing summer in Boulder, working out of the TechStars office (which is an unbelievably good program if you are thinking about applying).

I then got hit by this thing called Startup Weekend, which has taken up the majority of my time since the first weekend. I was able to have some good friends move to Boulder, and develop some amazing relationships as well.

I love where I live, it puts a smile on my face every morning.

I have had an amazingly good year. With such an amazing community around me, it is really hard to complain.

My 2008 Goals:

• Describe what I do better (I make stuff… and get people together… and drink coffee…)
• Learn to Love Email
• Plan a Few Parties
• Build My Dream
• Create a Short Film
• Build on Weight Loss Success
• Connect with More Great People
• Love and Learn
• Blog About Meaningful Topics
• Volunteer More