The End of Another Year

In less than 2 days, 2008 will be upon us.

Before committing myself to any New Year resolutions I always like to look back and see what I have done in the past year: highlights, low points, things I could have done better, things I did well … that sort of thing.

2007 has definitely been one of challenge and change for me … In January the firm I was working for was taken over by a new firm with a completely different ethos and way of working. In March I was invited to join a band. In August I took redundancy to start out on my own. In November the band decided to call it a day. Later in November we started a new band. September through to today has been a blur of reading, listening, learning, trying to understand new things and setting-up the business.

In my busyness it has been too easy to miss what was going on around me, even if I was working on things that were important and in some cases urgent. And no doubt the next few months will be just as hectic. But one thing I am learning is the need to step back and find some space to relax and reflect on what is happening. Too often I become so intensely focused that my efficiency and productivity fall into decline, without me even noticing. Then I’m stuck with the dilemma of taking a rest with so much still to do!

I am realising that taking at least a day off every week somehow re-focuses my mind, refreshes the brain and surprisingly, allows me to recall and consider what I have been doing. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised as so many things were planned with the natural cycle of activity, followed by rest, followed by activity, followed by rest … when I break this cycle through too much work and not enough play/rest, I change work, something that is healthy, into something that is potentially a killer.

If I’m honest, I’m not in the habit of making too many New Year’s resolutions because I’ve got enough things to be working on in my life! However, my one ‘resolution’ for 2008 is to be more focused on this work:rest balance and make sure that I allow it to give me maximum benefit. Then hopefully my family, my friends and anyone I meet will also benefit (I know that too often I’m glad that I’m not my friends or family having to deal with me!).

Feel free to ask at any time whether I’m succeeding … by having some accountability, I’m more likely to succeed … and if I fail? Well, I’m also more likely to pick up the baton and start running again.

Have a very happy and peaceful 2008.

Tags: 2007 review, accountability, discipline, getting organised, learning, looking back at 2007, looking to future, mistakes, new year resolutions, solutions