Looking back on first quarter results as a dad left me with a list of goals for this quarter.

Does that sounds too much like what a CEO would say? Well, I figure that if frequent evaluation and adjustment of goals based on previous performance and desired future results is part of the success circle at work, then why wouldn’t it apply on the home front too?

Here are the goals and principles I hope to achieve and stand by this quarter:

1. Say "Yes" as much as possible, even when "No" comes naturally or is easier.

I put this at the top of my list because being a natural pessimist means that the first word out of my mouth when my kids ask for a treat after dinner, or for the ice cream cone at McDonald’s, or to play a game after work, is usually "No". That is, unless I snap out of my business-focused mentality and remind myself that these are my kids, and that the effort I put into making their lives enjoyable now will pay off in huge dividends as they grow older.

I know that saying "Yes" isn't always the right answer – I don't have enough money to buy them all the things they ask for, and I can't always let them stay up late watching movies or playing with toys.

I'm mainly referring to the frequent extras that they ask me for that require me to invest time into their lives, or the small requests they make each day like "Dad, can we get a hot dog when we're done buying paint?" (which they asked me recently during a Home Depot trip, where the hot dog stand sits outside right by the Entrance – those guys at Home Depot are smart!)

2. Listen to my wife about family stuff - she's the resident expert.

At work, when it comes to computers and software, I'm the expert. But at home, my wife is the expert – she's a seasoned pro and is the most in-tune to the needs of our family than anyone else by several orders of magnitude.

Her expertise is an invaluable resource that can help me be a better dad, if I'm willing to ask, and more importantly if I’m willing to not let my feathers get ruffled when she corrects my parenting skills, or points out areas where I'm dropping the ball. I need to remind myself that she's thinking first of the kids, and second or third about my ego (if at all).

3. Stay fit.

I am 2 months away from turning 39, and my goal is to be in the best shape of my life by the time I turn 40. I want to increase the chances that I'll be around as long as possible for my family, and hope to have as much energy as possible so I can keep up with my kids and be an active part of their lives.

Since last October 2006, I've been bicycling and working out at the gym several times a week. I've lost 14 lbs and 35 points of cholesterol, and as soon as I drop another 10 lbs I'll be exactly where I want to be.

But I have to stick with it, since the pounds come back on fast at my age, and the cardio goes downhill fast if I take even a couple weeks off.

4. Apologize when I make mistakes.

Did you know that it's ok to apologize when you make a mistake? And you will (I make them frequently).

I want my kids to develop humility, and that’s something that has to be modeled, not preached. That means seeking forgiveness in the heat of the moment, not after my ego has had a chance to cool off.

5. Be a coach (and an automatic hero).

T-ball starts today for my son Regan, and it won't be long before soccer season starts up again. Last year I coached soccer for Delaney's team and absolutely loved it, and coached Bridgett's team a couple years before that.

I knew almost zip about soccer when I agreed to coach the team. I literally was on google the week before, looking up the rules and trying to find some good drills and game plays! At age 7, the girls figured I knew everything regardless, and we ended up having a great time.

I figure I'm going to be there at the practices anyway, so I might as well contribute and have an impact by being a coach or a coaching assistant. And let me tell you, it's one of the most rewarding things to see a kid improve and gain confidence in themselves, and to know that you were a big part of making that happen.