Hasn’t it gone so quick!
Time just seems to be flying!!
What a year 2022 was. Busy on all fronts. For me in particular, so much happened in 2022, it’ll definitely be a year to remember. I remember, when I worked on a major project once, and Kim Azerski (who was head of the department at the time) was with me and I asked her for key success criteria. She replied – ‘no surprises and uneventful’.
Wouldn’t we love everything to be ‘event-free’. All just calm. Unfortunately, there’s things we can control and things we can’t and it’s those that we can’t control that really get us… but we can build some mechanisms to deal with them.
As I take a moment to reflect on 2022… there’s a lot that I’m grateful for and lessons I’ve put into practice.
- Friends and Family – It’s all about your circles, the people you are with and those who build you up. your circle of friends can change over time – and that is absolutely ok. As you grow as a person or start doing things differently (picking up new hobbies etc..) it’s ok to find new friends. New circles. But overall – the important thing is… make sure you surround yourself with those who want you to do better.
- Take calculated risks – I started a new role this year. After having spent 13years at my previous job… I was very hesitant in moving. Andy why should I?… I was comfortable, knew everyone… but then, I re-read one of my all time favourite books… Who Moved My Cheese. I did some calculations and thought – I’ll give it a go. And I’ll admit, I’m enjoying it, met some wonderful people – and learnt a lot.
- Don’t care about others – If you’ve not already, I thoroughly recommend for you to read the book – Think Like a Monk. Fantastic book. For those who know me – I love food! And I’ve spent a considerable time cooking with a local charity who serve food to the homeless. Not only giving back – but enjoying my hobby and passion of food. I’d suggest the same for you – whatever your passion is, whatever brings a smile to your face – go do more of it (as long as it’s legal and safe!).
I could continue with this list. But what I will be doing is listing all the good things I achieved in 2022… and what do I want to do in 2023. For sure, there’s a book I’ve been trying to write for the past few years and this is one thing I want to complete in 2023!
But honestly speaking – after a very eventful 2022… and looking at what’s in my control… I’m taking the words of Kim Azerski as my main motto for 2023 – ‘uneventful’.
(Famous last words I guess)
Hope you have a fantastic start to 2023 and all your dreams and ambitions come true.