Well, 2011 is here, in some places already and where I am, it is slowly rolling in. Other than a couple of major resolutions/goals, I hit most of my spots in 2010, at least partly. I had similar results in 2009 and so on, so I am not averse to making goals and giving them a shot.

Remember goals are dreams with deadlines - and no, it's not corny. Maybe you have worn a bit with all the goal setting, but hey, what is wrong with dreaming and throwing some numbers or expectations on them? So, give it a shot!

Medical Device Design: You could be in sales, marketing or in non-profits that moan and groan about regulations all day - all important functions, but I thought I would make this post just about medical device design. After all, this is an example post and I am sure you can make your own goals up!

Oh, and look out for Goal 0 at the end!

Goal 1: Reveal your passions - to your conscious self!

Are you sure that medical devices is/are your passion? If so, what's your motivation? A personal event? Just the science, the challenge? Whatever it is, get to know it. And yeah, if you have been in it for a while and/or you have had some passion fatigue, it is still not a bad idea to take a couple of minutes recharging the "why" and the "how" of your participation in this mess...

Goal 2: Understand the disease/diagnostic/treatment area thoroughly

You probably already know this. You cannot effectively design for atrial fibrillation if you don't understand what the underlying disease is. And yes, sometimes we do not know exactly why something happens, but it is important to keep up with the latest and greatest theories and hypotheses behind a disease condition.

Yes, you may only be working on lung resection, but it behooves you to look into the cancer stem cell theory. You would be surprised at what you can glean.

Goal 3: Understand anatomy and physiology

Of course, goes without saying right? Just take care of it - maybe you should be taking a class, or taking that class again, or just going through the flash cards a second time...

Goal 4: What's that darn CFR 21, code say what?

Ah yes, those regulations. Well, maybe this year, we won't let someone else take care of it, especially since things are changing. The more you know, the better. And remember, the world and our times are changing. Don't stop with the US - look at EU, Japan and the developing world...

Goal 5: Read, read and then read again, learn and teach!

No matter how much you know, there is always room to grow. What do you know - that rhymes! There is so much to read out there - blogs, websites, regulations and so much more. How about a class on DFM? Maybe something about sustainability. Whatever it is that allows you to grow through change, go ahead....

Goal 0: Perk up!

Yes, someone got greedy, then they got bailed out and the economy is bad, the regulations are killing innovation (really, really, not), China is growing, and on and on and on it goes. If you have bought into any of this nonsense as the reason to sit and wait for "things to pick up", well, guess what, by the time you realize things actually have and by the time you start jogging, someone else will be running.

Write that executive summary, sharpen that presentation, test that prototype, get that resume reviewed - just get moving. What do they say - "Don't do something, just stand there!", right?

This is why Goal 0 is down here - because, let's end all this negativity, and this year on a high note, and that is how 2011 should begin. Yes, you will read this in 2011, so what?

This is time for change, time to push, time to run, walk, trod, jog and somehow get to that extra mile, maybe a mile and a half...and hopefully we see each other!

Wishing you all the success in 2011 and beyond!

Image Source: http://www.psdgraphics.com/file/happy-new-year-2011.jpg