Below, I share a recap and reflection of 15 things I’ve learned in 2015. I wrote one last year, and I am sure that many people are writing and sharing their plans and goals for next year. It’s important to take time to reflect and look back at what worked and what didn’t—this will help you to succeed in making corrections towards the next steps.
1. The learning never stops.
I’ve read countless posts, subscribed to numerous blogs and newsletters, listened to countless podcasts—and I know that there is still so much more to learn. I keep a list of "read later" and listen to audiobooks while at my day job.
2. Being organized will save you money
—and time. Learn how to be organized and create systems. It will help you save time and get things done faster. If you ever need to bring help on board, this will prevent confusion.
3. Connections, networks.
Build your connections. You never know where it will lead you! I listened to two periscopes before reaching out and connecting with Joy Marie from joblogues. I also met Sean when he visited NYC, which taught me to make connections and learn to build authentic relationships.
4. Learn to build your audience by curating what you share.
Anyone who knows me can attest—I love all different forms of design. There are so many forms of creativity, and I believe that you can discover even more things that you like through collaborations.
5. Take Time to Rest.
Most of this year has been go-go-go. I made a conscious decision to go on a trip—AWAY from the states to enjoy myself. While I can’t take one week off every seven weeks like Sean does, I’ve learned that rest is highly important.
6. Learn to invest your money.
For three months, I worked with a great friend of mine. While getting ready for four weddings, they took me one a journey of saving up an emergency fund. We all know that these events are costly, and we all want to look good.
7. Learn to say “no”. I wrote about this in a previous post, sometimes we back slide from the things we set out to do. This is something I will be practicing once more in 2016. You need to remember that you do not have the solutions to other peoples problems. You also need to remember to not take other peoples problems and make it your own.
8. Figure out and remember why.
Why are you doing this? What is the end goal? On the days that you are sick, and you have a project due, what is the motivation that keeps you going?
9. Stay positive.
This world is full of negative people—we’ve got enough of them. Learn to surround yourself with positive people. Being positive doesn’t mean that you’re always happy, nor does it mean that things won’t go wrong. However, your reaction to difficult situations and how you deal with things of this nature can truly affect your future.
10. Your health is important.
What good is your wealth if you don’t have your health? How can you enjoy the fruits of your labor? Learn to make better decisions and healthier choices so that you can live a longer, healthier life.
11. Slow and steady wins the race.
Have you heard the story of the tortoise and the hare? Spoiler alert: the tortoise wins. The moral of the story is to pace yourself during the journey and celebrate the small victories along the way, something that we must all make sure to remember.
12. Be consistent.
Consistency helps people to remember you, see where you are, what you’re doing, etc.
13. Get an accountability partner.
I’ve talked about this in a previous article that can be found here. I must say having one has helped through the lows and to bounce ideas off of someone.
14. Always practice professionalism.
I plan to write more on this topic in the future. In the meantime, you can read more from Andy Rutledge.
15. Learn to invest
—in books, products, services, and anything that will help you grow your business. Like the first thing mentioned, the learning never stops. Learning to love the process of learning something new is amazing. The approach and curiosity will allow you to build an armour of knowledge - just remember to share the wealth and to put it into action!
What lessons have you learned? Share in the comments section Below!