Reflections on a year...

The older you grow, the more you reflect. That’s my experience at least and let me tell you – that’s a good thing.

Confucius said: by three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”

So let’s get NOBLE on 2017.

In the world of today there is never enough time, to do ANYTHING – so the fact that we’re closing another year in the blink of an eye reminds us all, that time keeps its own pace (and it’s not one we can keep up with.) Moreover, there’s no day but today, so every single precious day counts in your life: at work/home, in your health and happiness. If you take nothing from any of my writing, please take that sentiment above all else. It matters.

Another year of gifts, gambles and goals is about to be up, the perfect time to reflect on what’s been:

• The art of actually reflecting – only really hit home this year with me, professionally at least. I was always so fixated with “what’s next” I never took time to stop and recognize “what I’d achieved.” It’s an innately simple and cool thing – so join me and make the promise to keep on reflecting and stopping to take the time and appreciate the story so far. It’s worth it on so many levels #trustme – stop and smell the roses, check out the view & re-charge yourself with reflection.
• Professionally I got to pack my suitcase and take it all over the place to Bulgaria, Poland and Barcelona, as well as never taking my eye off beloved Manchester. That meant spinning a lot of plates all at the same time, doing things I hadn’t done before in respectfully #crazytimescales AND meeting brand new people – which is one of the best parts of my role. I’d like to thank everyone, in my force of nature teams in Manchester & Barcelona who are relentless in their pursuit of recruiting the very best as well as my fearless leader and chief, Mr Ryan Cheyne who remains an implacable supporter & mentor. HUGE thanks. #wedidit
• Outside of the company, I had the privilege of working with new recruitment partners who were as generous with their expertise as they were after hours with their time & fantastic over dinner chats. You know who you are & working with you, also made my year – so thank you, gracias, Благодаря ти, Dzi?kuj? Ci & ありがとうございました !!
• Being grateful is the best place to be – it means you acknowledge the people whose path crosses with yours.
• I’ve done a lot of tightrope walking, this year more than ever. I intend to keep that up (note, I’m using a metaphor right now.) Creating a professional, head space where you don’t have boundaries, say “yes” to new adventures and are prepared to look any challenge down the chute into Niagara Falls is the adventure I want to stay on. It tests me and ultimately thrills me – so that remains in my 2018 mantra because the more you gaze below from that tightrope, the less scary it all becomes.
• Invest in others but don’t forget to invest in YOURSELF! Since 2009, I’ve transitioned away from L&D and I didn’t realize that also meant my own. When we’re in pursuit of our career goals, learning and inspiration for can sometimes take a second place. DO NOT ALLOW IT TO! There are Ted Talks, Pod casts and reading lists galore which give even the busiest person no excuse to let their learning slip. My passion for my own development has really kicked in this year, that spark will be carried with me into 2018.
• You are responsible for your own career. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. Amidst the daily pressures of deadlines, commutes & looking for all of the inspiration I write about – remember: you have this one life, so choose to make it the one you want to live. You CAN make things, anything, happen in your own career, so keep curious to the point of being annoying, look to empower yourself and go beyond the walls of the so-called “box.” Think strategically and think in bold colors, if you’re having trouble with either – ask for help, go to your “go-to” person & get the answers you need. It’s on you. Remember that, always. P.S.: that’s a good thing!

So there are some of my end of year reflections – how about you?

I think we're just about ready to bring in 2018...