2025 Goals

My 2025 Goals: Embracing Automation, Network Engineering, and Professional Growth

As we approach 2025, I’ve been reflecting on where I want to focus my energy and growth. My goals span across professional certifications, growing my technical skills, content creation, and personal health. Here’s my roadmap for the year ahead:

Professional Certification Advancement

A major priority for 2025 is renewing my Cicso certifications. I plan to approach this strategically by aligning it with my automation goals. Here are my certification plans:

• Explore Cisco DevNet certification paths that complement my certification renewal requirements
• Look into earning qualifying Continuing Education (CE) credits through Cisco’s automation and programmability courses
• Consider pursuing the Cisco DevNet Professional certification, which would both advance my automation skills and fulfill some certification renewal requirements
• Document my certification journey through blog posts to possibly help others pursuing similar paths

Mastering Ansible for Network Automation

As a network engineer, I’m committed to deepening my expertise with Ansible. Here are some specific project ideas I am considering:

Potential Work Projects:

• Develop an Ansible playbook for standardized network device configurations
• Continue working on automated backup solutions for network configurations, potentially with version control integration
• Build compliance checking automation to ensure network devices meet security standards
• Implement automated network testing and validation workflows
• Design self-service portals for common network changes using Ansible Tower/AWX

Homelab Projects:

• Set up a multi-node Kubernetes cluster using Ansible for infrastructure as code
• Create automated DNS and DHCP management system
• Build a network monitoring solution with automated remediation
• Implement automated VM provisioning and management
• Develop a CI/CD pipeline for network configurations

Expanding Python Skills in Network Engineering

Python will be a key focus for automating and scaling network environments:

Potential Work Projects:

• Develop custom Python scripts for network health monitoring and reporting
• Create a Python-based API wrapper for common network operations
• Build automation tools for log analysis and troubleshooting
• Implement network capacity planning tools using Python data analysis
• Design a Python-based network inventory management system

Homelab Projects:

• Create a network topology visualization tool using Python and GraphViz
• Develop a bandwidth usage analyzer with historical trending
• Build a network security scanning and reporting tool
• Implement a Python-based network configuration analyzer
• Create automated network documentation tools

Consistent Content Creation

To share my learning journey and contribute to the technical community, I’m committing to regular blog posts covering things like:

• Network automation case studies and lessons learned
• Tutorial series on Ansible and Python for network engineers
• Deep dives into specific networking technologies and protocols
• Homelab setup guides and project walkthroughs
• Reviews of network automation tools and frameworks
• Career development insights for network engineers

Personal Health and Fitness

While technical growth is important, physical health provides the foundation for everything else. My fitness plan includes:

• Establishing a consistent workout schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings
• Creating a balanced routine combining strength training and cardio
• Setting specific, measurable fitness milestones for each quarter
• Implementing a habit tracking system to maintain accountability
• Planning meal prep to support fitness goals

Success Metrics

To keep myself accountable, I’ll track:

• Progress toward CCNP renewal through CE credits or exam completion
  • Completion of DevNet training modules and certifications
• Monthly completion of at least one major automation project
• Weekly code commits to personal and professional repositories
• Monthly blog post publications, at minimum
• Weekly workout attendance and progress measurements

2025 will be a year of growth, automation, and building healthy habits. By focusing on these key areas, I aim to enhance both my professional capabilities and personal well-being.

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What goals are you setting for 2025? I’d love to hear about your plans in the comments below.