This has been a year of a lot of change and growth for me, and the moves I’ve made have been thanks to the direct or indirect actions of others. It seems only fair to reflect on some of the big events for me this year and the people who helped make it happen. For this has been a year of realizing as much as I try, I can’t get far alone.
Daily writing
I’ve admired and envied Seth Godin for years for his ability to churn out something interesting every day for a decade and a half. Sometimes, he writes about why he writes every day. I finally took his advice to heart – for a four month streak at the beginning of 2018 (on a private journal) and now here for nearly two months. It’s a challenge every day, and I’m not always happy with what I publish out in the world, but I’ve come to love the process, and the way it starts a snowball of quick wins in my day.
The altMBA
Earlier this year as I stepped away from my full-time role, I found the timing lined up almost perfectly with an altMBA session, and I decided to take the plunge. I’m thankful for the coaches and students for helping me identify and challenge my weaknesses. I believe I’m a better leader, collaborator, and communicator after my time in the program – and I’m still looking for new ways to apply the course’s lessons in personal and professional life.
Sabbatical and independent consulting
First and foremost I thank my wife, for the encouragement and support as I decided to step away from the stability of my career and try something new. I’m also thankful for my company for understanding and supporting my decision. And finally to my clients for taking a chance on me and helping me turn this experiment into a sustainable business. If there’s anything I’ve learned these past six months in consulting, it’s all about your network, and I’ve come to realize how many amazing, generous people I know in this industry.