I have never been one for New Year's resolutions.  I always thought they were cheesy and the consistent failure rate kept me from ever making one.  That was until this year.

Until this year I was a full-time student.  I didn't feel that resolutions needed to be made because I knew I would develop into someone better as the year went on.  After graduation in August I took a job that posessed every indication of a sad career position:  long commute, low pay, and worst of all, uninspiring duties.  I could say that I hate the company and the people I work with, but that's not true.  I could say I wasn't learning anything of value, but that's not true either.  I do feel unhappy, however, because I don't see myself advancing within the company any time soon.  That is why I am breaking my own tradition this year and am making a resolution.

This year I resolve to make at least $500 in web-related freelancing.

Why freelancing?

If there is one thing I'm grateful for in my current job, it would be my exposure to almost 100 entrepreneurs on a regular basis.  In my conversations with them I have realized that the only real way to control my career is to become my own boss.  They have inspired me through their stories of how they took the reigns of their life and never looked back.  I want that feeling of total control.  Freelancing would be that first step.

Why web related work?

The only serious progress that has been made with my job was my assignment to the website redesign project.  Web design has always been a hobby of mine, but I've never taken the jump to make any money off of it.  Anyways, something changed that week.  I started coming into work on time or even early.  I didn't mind staying a little late to finish up a task.  I actively participated in meetings.  I was a brand new Aaron!  If web work made me get out of bed in the morning, why not do more of it?

Why $500?

I want to make my first goal attainable and concrete.  $500 may be small in the grand scheme of things, but for someone stepping into freelancing for the first time, I would feel like I accomplished something; like I took the first step to truly controlling my career.  If I can hit the $500 mark early on, just image how great of a year it will be!

Never have I felt more energized to set a single goal.  I hope that you will follow me on this journey and will be inspired to find what you love and work to achieve your goals.