It is finally over – the crazy year that was 2016! What did we learn? And what key ideas and plans do we have going forward to make 2017 a success?

Wow! I’ve heard 2016 referred to most eloquently as “a dumpster fire” but I’m trying to be positive here. Like most everyone, I experienced a lot of the tumult both personally and professionally.  And like everyone else, I have been reading blogs and listening to podcasts about what was achieved; all the hits and misses (yeah, you know what those were!) of that Year that Shall Not be Named.

So after I shook off the confetti and sat down to write about the future of my business, I started to think about what I had learned from such a dramatic year and what I wanted to accomplish going forward. In a show of transparency and accountability, I want to share these with you.

Three words for 2017

Progress

This specifically refers to learning.  I was pondering the question, “What have you learned in the past year?” and my answers varied between ‘learning to research and write blog posts’ to ‘learning how to network’ to ‘understanding HTML and the latest content management systems.’ So mostly, I learned how to start working on a business and how to BE in business – Accounting, Billing, Taxes, Connections, Proposals, Apps, etc. – and with that I have fallen behind a bit in the updating skills department. I heard a quote recently, thought it was brilliant and felt that it defined where I wanted to go this year by choosing to progress in my career.

“In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” (Eric Hoffer)

I was a fearless learner when I started out as a technical writer, I’d go anywhere and do anything to study something new and absorb vast amounts of knowledge and I’m going to rekindle that fire. I think surviving 2016 and now moving forward in 2017, these are definitely times of change(!)and I want to be a learnER as opposed to the learnED!

Present

Everyone from the most famous CEO to the owner of the local burger joint seems to be meditating these days. I cannot seem to find the most comfortable position or the quietest spot – which according to meditation law, is supposed to be inside my own mind – to practice. The Fitbit I got for Christmas has a 2-minute breathing session programmed in but I usually tap out of it.

This year, however, I will strive to be present. I mean, not be thinking of the first 10 things I will do when I arrive at my destination when I haven’t even turned the key in the car to get there.  I want to experience the moment I’m living in.

Being a solopreneur requires that you think of the past (finished project) and the future (new business) and rarely allows you the luxury of living in the present. Running crazy doesn’t count as living in the present moment (but I have been thinking of it as such). So this year will have a crossed-off-has-been-completed list of projects and a future to-list and the present will take care of itself. I might even mediate for 2 minutes at a time; the Fitbit may convince me yet.

Open

Another saying that caught my attention this past year was something to the effect of, “what are you saying no to so you can say yes to something else.” When I was setting goals for 2017, this put a lot of things in perspective.  There are only so many hours in the day (even if you don’t sleep!) and in business you need to decide what is best for clients, prospective clients, and for you – the only company employee who keeps things running!

I know that last paragraph seemed counter-intuitive to my intention, but stay with me. If I am open to opportunities that make me better in my work, improve my health (stay out of this, Fitbit!) and recharge me spiritually so I can be the best I can be, then the goals of 2017 will be attainable.  With that, my intention is to be open to volunteering more, taking on different types of projects, and forming lasting relationships.

Now that I’ve gotten over the 2016 hangover and swept out the confetti, I think it’s going to be a great year…and if these resolutions don’t keep me on the straight and narrow, I know the new Fitbit will. #hyperwriterbeinghyper