Goals for 2012
Last year I set out some goals for 2011, and while I didn’t accomplish everything, I’m pretty pleased with the results. To recap, I set out to gain a better understanding of mathematics (fail), to drastically improve my handwriting (fail), to learn how to code (success!), to improve my understanding of learning & the education system (success!), to write more (success!), to drink more water (partial success), and to eat healthier (partial success).
This year I’m going to keep it simple and focused:
- Learn Javascript. I’ve managed to the learn the basics of coding (mainly through Java), while reconnecting with my HTML/CSS roots. Given my love for the web, and recent developments in Javascript (Node.js, MongoDB, Google’s V8 Engine, jQuery, CoffeeScript, etc), this is the language I really want to master.
- Launch an app. It may be small, or it may be one of the larger projects I’ve been working on in the education space, but either way I want to take something from concept to users on my own.
- Sketch regularly. I’m giving up on my handwriting for now, but I really want to get back into drawing.
- Gain a better understanding of mathematics. I’m trying this one again, this time with a more focused approach. I want to learn at least the history of mathematics, which will hopefully give me better bearings on where to look to improve my core understanding of the subject. (Why are we not taught this in school??)
- Exercise daily. Anything will do. Regularity is the key.
- Eat healthier. Less junk food, less carbs, and more protein and veggies.
Goals for 2011
I’ve never set goals for the new year before, but now that I’m writing a blog, why not?
Mind
- Gain a better understanding of mathematics. I wish I realized the importance of this field sooner (thank you K-12 teachers). I could give a long explanation of why it’s important, but this article does an amazing job.
- Drastically improve my handwriting. In short, it’s terrible, and I need to write a final exam this summer. Also, my memory is awful, and I hear writing helps that too.
- Learn how to code. Some people argue that we should all be learning Mandarin, as it will be the language of the future. I believe web-based programming languages will truly be that of the future. Also, I’m a builder at heart and as fun as VC is, I really want to get back to that.
- Improve my understanding of learning, the education system, security technology, and web/mobile technology in developing countries. These are all areas in which I would love to find startups to back, and people to share ideas with.
- Write more. This blog (and twitter) has been a great way to record thoughts and really think through ideas, even if most don’t get posted.
Body
- Drink more water. It’s good for you. Even if it makes you have to pee a lot.
- Run twice a week. It’s good for you (and it doesn’t make you have to pee a lot).
- Eat healthier. I have a terribly powerful sweet tooth that needs taming.
Juventas Fugit is designed and written by Justin Wohlstadter, who, when not writing in the third person, can be found in a coffee shop talking about startups, thinking about the future of education, and generally procrastinating something important.
- Passions: startups that positively affect the world, education innovation, good design, learning, and meeting those with an equally insatiable curiosity.
- Play: director of product design at Enterproid and partner at BOLDstart Ventures.
- Previously: built the early-stage venture arm of Penny Black. And many other crazy, less successful ventures involving fire extinguishers, measuring philanthropic impact, and creative spaces.
- Pedantry: most of the important stuff I taught myself or learned from friends, but I’m fortunate to have (barely received) degrees from Harvard and Oxford. At Oxford I wrote my dissertation on how internet innovation will disrupt access to higher education.
- Procrastination: can be found on Twitter, Linkedin, AngelList and other web spaces, and be reached via email at my first name at this domain.
