Last December, I read the Editor’s Letter in Women’s Running magazine which suggested before making resolutions, you should take stock of the past year, see what progress you have made and how far you have come. Great idea! Here is my 2013 post. I liked this exercise so much, I decided to do it again this year!
Here are some of my learnings from 2014:
1. When at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. At the end of 2013, I got a job offer to work with people I liked on a product I think has some amazing opportunities. I was pumped. And then, it fell through. Twice. So, I kept busy with blogging, freelance projects, volunteering and running. Oh, and interviewing. A LOT! And, I got close on a bunch of things and expected some offers. It didn’t happen. Close but no cigar. Then in the summer, I suddenly had two offers for great opportunities that made sense for me and where I am in my life and career. All good, but a sometimes painful process to go through.
2. It’s your story, you decide how to tell it. During what felt like a million interviews, I told “my story” over and over. Yes, I left a job that I didn’t like that I was perfectly capable of doing because I had the luxury of doing so. I didn’t want to look back in five years and be an expert in something that I did not care about. I learned a lot about myself during my hiatus from full time work. I also learned what I was looking for and what would be “deal breakers” for me. I learned that some of the skills I take for granted are valued and that attitude and confidence matter. It’s my story and I learned how to tell it. I also helped some friends and colleagues tell theirs. I am proud of that.
3. Never say never. I tend to be emphatic. I say always, never, terrible, horrible, amazing, the BEST. If I had a dollar for every time I said “I’ll never run an ultramarathon – 26 miles is plenty for me, thank you.” I said I doubted I would ever go back to a regular “9 to 5” type job. I can’t think of all of the things that I did this year that I would “never” do. Never say never… or always.
4. That thing you said never about may actually be kind of awesome. I did an ultramarathon – a timed one. It was one mile loops for 6 hours and started at midnight. I would never do that. Until I did and Kristin and I had an absolute blast and it made me feel like a total bad ass. (recap). I went back to corporate America to a company with a great culture and smart people and I actually like working for “the man.” I am happy and still have the ability to do other things I like – like blogging and running.
5. Take a chance. What do you have to lose? I saw a post by professional runner Stephanie Rothstein Bruce about taking a chance and introducing herself to a rival professional runner, Lauren Fleshman. That leap of faith yielded her a new best friend and a successful business collaboration. In my post, I talk about all of the good people and things in my life that came from such a chance. The “wins” so far way out pace the “losses.” It’s no contest.
6. Patience is a virtue. The job search… blog growth… seeing results from hard work… learning a new job at a new company… running a good marathon or half… these all take patience. This is a lesson I need to learn every year. I try. I really do! It is a virtue, just not my best virtue!
7. Small changes can yield big results. Last year, I wrote about a challenge that Marcia held to make one small change a week for a quarter. The changes were cumulative. I am proud to say that a few of these changes have stuck with me this year. Also, throughout this year, I have made small tweaks to what I eat, drink or how I exercise. I have seen some great results. I also have found a few things that I can stick with like the J & J 7 minute workout app for being less lazy about strength exercises. [Video above: A TedX talk that my brother sent me about making small changes.]
8. Taking time to notice things that make you happy actually does make you happier. Emily and I did the #100happydays challenge. The premise is that people who take time to think of what makes them happy and document it daily for 100 days become happier and more grateful. They say, “Even when the challenge is over the collected 100 happy moments can always remind you about the beauty of your life.” I did this challenge on Instagram and shared my summaries on the blog through the challenge. In the end, I was happier and more grateful – and I continue to look for happy making things to share on my Instagram feed and blog. It works. I highly recommend it!
9. Be honest with people you care about – especially yourself. Sometimes it is easier to say what people want to hear. In fact, I am tempted to say that is ALWAYS true. I realize that being honest is important. I also think that I “tell myself” things that aren’t always true. I focused a lot on being honest with myself this year. It was a self-tough love year and I think I am better for it.
10. Be grateful and keep things in perspective. I wrote about gratitude many times this year. I think gratitude is a key to happiness. I am also humbled by the great people in my life who are dealing with big challenges (like Melissa and Nolan, my IRun4 family and Ivonne) and am reminded to keep life’s annoyances in perspective. My life is so full and I am grateful.
What did you learn this year?
PS. I did not need to learn that I love to host awesome giveaways, so don’t forget to check out the giveaways, please!