3: Are they charging by time, or by project?

Amateur software developers tend to charge for their time, not by value of work they perform; so do contract programmers. Real software developers, though, charge based on value provided to you - that is, by project - NOT based on time. This is because amateurs are afraid that they won't be able to complete project in a reasonable amount of time, so they want reassurance that they'll be paid for their time in any situation. Experienced software developers, though, are confident in their ability to deliver code under their estimate, they are confident in their ability to provide value, and they that they can provide value that's worth MORE than their time is. You shouldn't be making an investment decision every time you consider calling your software developer.

4: Are they trying to give a solution before they know problem?

Some developers will offer to send you a proposal after a ten or twenty minute phone conversation. It is impossible to accurately assess your situation that quickly; they are trying to provide you with a 'one-size-fits-all' package. Real software developers will not provide you with answers, proposals, or fees until they know enough about your business to have an informed opinion. Unless your developer is willing to spend enough time to really know what your problem is, you won't end up with solution that you really need, because your developer is making random shots in dark.

When you set your goals for future, having learnt from past, make sure that they are challenging but at same time realistic. Don’t make them too easy. You may finish year feeling good about reaching your goals but in reality you will have not done very much to be proud of. But don’t make them too hard either. They must ultimately be attainable with effort and perhaps a bit of luck. If they are totally unrealistic and unachievable you will sooner or later come to see this and start to say “What’s point in even trying?”. So aim at worthwhile, challenging, and above all realistic targets.

So set your goals for year and resolve to attain them. Call It a New Year’s Resolution if you like, but do it. You’ll not regret it.