Getting Ready for 2022

And just like that… we’re about to leave 2021 behind and ring in a new year.

What a year it’s been – full of change and uncertainty, yet teeming with possibilities.

So, what’s 2021 been like for you? How’re you taking stock while planning for 2022? I’d love to exchange notes.

In the meantime, here’s a framework with six guiding principles and a list of questions that I’m reflecting on in framing my plans for the coming year:?

1.??????Know What You Stand For

·????????What’s your purpose?

·????????What drives you?

·????????What would you fight for?

Knowing our purpose and values guides us through the tough decisions, offers direction when we’re at a crossroads, and help us prioritize and decide what to focus on in both the short and long term.

?If we’re spending most of our time doing things at help us live our purpose, we’re probably on the right track. If most of our time on falls outside of that, perhaps it’s a signal to examine how we’re prioritizing and then make adjustments.

2.??????Know How You Want to Show Up

·????????How would you describe your best self in three words – adjectives work best.

·????????Are you living it? ?When do you feel you’re being most like yourself? When do you feel that least?

Staying focused requires intentionality. That applies not just in what we do, but also who we are when at work, at home, and dealing with the unexpected. ?

?3.??????Get Feedback

·????????How do others see you?

·????????How does it compare to how you see yourself? What are the gaps?

Feedback may be the breakfast of champions, but sometimes it gives you indigestion. Trust me, I’ve been there – and I’m still there, with the good, the bad, and the ugly. We can decide which feedback to act on, and which to put aside. Either way, it’s much-needed food for thought and helps strengthen self-awareness.

4.??????Know what, and who, fuels you

·????????Who are you outside your many roles?

·????????Who are your pillars of strength? What brings you joy?

If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes an entire community to keep the child in us alive.

?I’m so grateful to the many people who are there when I need them – and I’ve needed so many of them this year. From my reverse mentors who give me insights into Data Science or explain to me how Gen Zs define "salty" (hint: it doesn't mean what it used to), to the really close friends who listen to me rant or talk things through without judgement, I couldn't have gotten through this year intact without them.

?I also appreciate being able to do the things that fuel me – running outdoors amid swatches of blue and green, music, reading, podcasts, terrific food, simple meals, time spent with friends and family. Whether these stoke endorphins or oxytocin, what brings you joy and contentment are essential, especially now.

5.??????Have a roadmap, but don’t let the road drive you

·????????Focus, focus, focus – and at the same time, have a broad definition of success

·????????Know where you want to go, but be OK with detours

When I was in high school, I defined myself by my grades – which created a narrow definition of success and led to a lot of angst and tears when things didn’t go my way.

That was - until my Social Studies teacher pulled 16-year-old me aside and said “Don’t confuse academics with education.” I’ve held that thought close ever since. And I’m continually re-examining what constitutes success.

6.??????Rethink, Revisit

·????????When was the last time you changed your mind about something?

·????????How do you measure on the curiosity scale?

I’m fortunate to work with executives who are some of the most curious people I’ve ever met. They help me see my profession and my work from angles and approaches I would have never considered. And I learn so much from them.

A colleague described one of those execs as “one of the best listeners I have ever worked with.”

The world is changing and at greater speed than ever before. Inclusiveness, an open and curious mind, and humility, are going to be basic ingredients for success, however we define success. I’m working hard to let go of my ego, and take in more varied opinions, thoughts, and ways of being. It’s an uphill task ?? as I learn and unlearn.

?Those are the six things I’m noodling over. How about you? How are you getting ready for 2022?

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