As the end of the year approaches we are being bombarded with “best of” lists, “worst of” lists and suggestions for making New Year’s resolutions. The last year was extremely tough for many people. With record unemployment, multiple financial meltdowns and no shortage of human tragedy across the globe the end of 2009 is bringing a collective sigh of relief in parts of the world. But perhaps it wasn’t all bad. Did you learn anything this past year? Meet anyone wonderful? Discover a hidden talent or strength? Were you reminded of something key you forgot? Here’s my list…please comment and add yours.
1. It’s okay to say “no” to the wrong clients. When people want you to work for free or violate your ethics it is alright to decline business. If you have trouble with this check out the blog of Mikelann Valterra she greatly helped me with this http://www.womenearning.com/blog/ This has enabled me to take on true pro bono clients with a lighter heart.
2. Society needs to broaden the definition of “education”. I discovered in 2009 there is a terrible need for more training in social skills, writing and management strategies—all areas that adult education seems to neglect. We need to discourage students from attending college without clear goals and taking on debt that may cripple them forever financially and not improve their career prospects. http://alleducationmatters.blogspot.com/
3. There are some fantastic entrepreneurs that managed to do great work despite the economy and I realized this meant we all need to do a better job of seeking opportunities. I had the opportunity to write for a couple of them. Minna Van (http://www.thenetworkhub.ca/) runs a shared working space for other entrepreneurs and seems to work 24 hours a day. Dammy Ogunseitan is the Editor in Chief of REACH Magazine (http://reachmag.ca/site/) and has turned a fledgling publication into a highly anticipated event with each issue.
4. You absolutely MUST push yourself outside of your comfort zone. My greatest moments of 2009 came when I pushed past my introverted tendencies and really connected with lots of new people. I was able to collaborate with professional writers and editors at United Professionals (www.unitedprofessionals.org) as well as an accomplished academic from SMU (http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/06/croson-watts-personal-finance-work-paradox.html).
What did you learn? How will you learn more, do more, be more in 2010? Please share.
What did you learn in 2009?
December 23, 2009 by karensouthw
I learned to find the right people and stick with them on fighting the good fight.
I hope to lead change for people who are struggling with their student loan debt, who are unemployed or underemployed, etc. I am confident that I will be able to raise more awareness. It’s not on my own, but through collaboration. Collaboration is key, and if people don’t get that, they aren’t worth your time.
Keep fighting the good fight. I have learned so much just from watching your work online. I want 2010 to be a break-through year for you…and the cause.
Thanks much, Karen. I appreciate the support.
I learned never to trust your boss. No matter how many times he tells you that you and he are a team and you will not be part of the lay-off he is lying to your face. Don’t believe him and make sure you keep all your options open. I have also learned that loyalty is meaningless when the almighty dollar is involved.
I learned that there are a few good people out there and if all the good, honest people work together we can accomplish the goals we set.
Last, but not least, I learned that you don’t have to physically meet someone to make a friend.
May 2010 be a better year for all!
I’m sorry that you are yet another person with a “bad boss” story. My dive into social media in 2009 really showed me that I can have friends/colleagues all over the world and develop great relationships through this computer screen. Hope 2010 is a great year for you.
Hi Karen,
I learned that the power of positive thinking isn’t about make-believe. It’s about focusing on what is right in our lives rather than what is wrong. No matter how blessed we are we will have dark moments. We can’t ignore them but we can choose not to dwell in them. Instead, we can choose to dwell in the good moments. It’s wonderful how focusing on good moments brings more of them!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Doug
Doug,
I’ve enjoyed your blog and Tweets…I’m hoping to connect with you somehow in 2010 as your work seems stellar. Thanks for commenting here and for all the work you’ve done on the LinkedIn group for consultants.