I've been thinking about an issue that's come up at work, specifically the idea of a feature roadmap. We've been discussing it for the system I work on, and I started wondering..why can't we do that for ourselves?
I don't mean accomplishments like reproducing or climbing Mt. Everest or learning to self-loofah, but adding new capabilities or enhancing old ones.
You could almost make it like they used to do with new cars:
+ Lonstar, new for 2008 with a new XX-inch waistline and management analysis capability!
Or...
+ Lonstar Model 30.X will include a 5 mile run capability, new color-coordinated wardrobe and complete Java certification.
Maybe instead of setting goals to punish myself for not reaching, I could look on self-improvements as developing or adding features to my system. That would allow you to develop a roadmap, right? (channel Kathy Sierra and insert an entertaining graphic here).
And...we should get 2 New Year's every year - one on December 31 and one on the night before one's birthday. Take stock, memorialize those who have passed (sometimes I think I hear him even when I know better) and plan for those future features.
So, older self, looking back on this time, what features am I adding? What features should I be adding? Do you still believe, as I do now, that you gotta keep believing and acting as if your best features - and best days - are ahead of you.
