I think people tend to use the New Year as an opportunity to think about what they've done in the past year and what they plan to do in the next one. Instead of a new year's resolution, I will have a theme or focus for each year (from now on).

My intended theme for 2004 is intensity. It's my own little summary of "work hard, play hard". I want to do everything 110% this year (except work, which I will grant 30%), and I want to tie up loose ends and be resolute about things. I will not be indecisive (and the delay while I do research doesn't count), but I won't be brash either. Calculated.

I think 2004 will be a good year for me. Not without pain, I'm certain, but still good overall.