some things I practiced in 2018 and want to get better at in the new year

estimated reading time: 5 minutes

One conversation, few weeks ago, with an energy tech startup executive about change management turned into an impromptu mentoring session where we both reflected on what was learned in the past year, and how the lessons could be used to adjust personal development and help pen down goals for personal growth in the new year.

Many think that year-end reviews in the workplace are depleting. In my opinion, focusing on changing behaviors throughout the year can be a better strategy to achieve tangible results. Here are some of the things I practiced in 2018 and I’d love to read in the comments what others have learned that has helped them change their approach or behavior.

Being a good listener and changing your lingo will take you further

It takes a lot of practice to become a good listener that others want to talk to. Being a good listener does not come easy for some of us. Many a time, when others are speaking, our minds are quickly connecting the dots and racing with multiple ideas we think are helpful, and it takes a lot of effort to not interrupt or talk over them. When we are impatient, we miss out on a real opportunity to learn something new, learn why they are talking to us, what they are looking for and what it is that they need.

Maintaining eye contact, reducing distractions, listening attentively and letting them primarily do the talking are all good habits. I have practiced choosing the right words and limiting the jargon to respond and get people to really open up and engage in deliberate conversations. They and you will feel genuinely heard, valued and appreciated.

As I look back at the year, many conversations went well and I know where I could have done better, a lot better potentially. Practice, practice, practice should enable me to continue to build lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

Surrounding yourself with good company will make you better

Everyone has a story comprised of ups and downs, pride and some regret, and several lessons along the way. People we keep in our lives will probably influence our choices.

If you want to achieve a certain goal, it is very useful to surround yourself with people that share those goals or have already achieved them. If you want to be happy, I think it is important to surround yourself with individuals that make you laugh and that genuinely care about your wellbeing. If you want to be an entrepreneur, why not network with established professionals that share the same desire or have already accomplished what you want to do.

In the past year, I have learned so much more about the energy tech and upstream space from innovators, entrepreneurs, investment professionals, other executives, recruiters and many individuals that share my goals and want to leave a thumbprint in their fields.

Listening to their stories and learning from their experience has and will continue to help me grow further and achieve more in the new year.

Engaging young professionals will enhance your perspective

The concept of time is a difficult one. It moves in one direction, we get older at home and in the office, and hopefully wiser if we are continuously learning. I enjoy being a mentor and believe in the concept of helping one person at a time. Reciprocal learning has always been a great side benefit because of those involved; these professionals have often been and are very driven, creative and ambitious individuals with true grit.

As time goes by, some are now noticeably younger than me. They want to discuss novel and non-traditional career choices, the evolving workplace where rigid hierarchy is disappearing quickly, where employees want to be visibly more empowered, where social responsibility is essential, where culture and diversity matter greatly, where technology becomes obsolete as soon as it is introduced and where automated workflows and cognitive machine learning environments are both fascinating and scary.

Relying on mentors with years of experience has been good for me. As I reflect back at the past year, several conversations with younger professionals have improved my perspective and I have used some of the findings to better connect and engage at home, as a parent, with my two young adult kids.

Taking time to stop and smell the roses will improve your wellbeing

Often times, we find ourselves determined to find satisfaction on a hamster wheel and may miss out on opportunities to appreciate the meaningful things and people in our lives. Numerous quotes will ring true but the challenge lies in the implementation. We have all, at one point, mentioned that we are too busy to meet someone we liked or looked up to.

Building deeper relationships by laughing together or making others feel special can pay dividends. I believe that giving is better than receiving and being present when needed is very important. Making time for family and friends, conducting one-on-ones, using positive affirmations and language, reading a good book, taking a stroll outdoors, learning how to meditate, practicing gratitude and being thankful are not difficult tasks. These actions require an honest commitment and can significantly impact your own wellbeing.

As I reflect on the year, I spent time with loved ones, not enough, I was there for some people and could have done more, I read, a lot, I practiced gratitude and took time to enjoy the little things, but as a student of learning, I cannot give myself a high mark. I believe I can do much better.

Reflecting back on some of the things one has learned in 2018 should help sketch better resolutions that one can sustain in the new year using a think, plan, execute and improve approach. Some readers may have additional insight and may want to share in the comments section. I thank you in advance.

Best wishes to everyone and Happy New Year 2019.