What 2018 taught me!

My year in review

As we approach the festive season and the end of the year, it’s a great time to look back at what 2018 taught us.

Have you asked yourself:

What did I learn this year?

Here are five things 2018 taught me:

1. Social media is addictive – and powerful!

This year I’ve come back into contact with childhood friends, raised my profile and gained some wonderful new clients – all through social media.

My current favourite is LinkedIn. I think LinkedIn has gone from being a boring ‘professional’ network, to a fantastic way to connect with like-minded people all over the globe.

This year I’ve also helped my clients increase their visibility through connecting their blogs with their social media, and getting over their concerns about using social media platforms to grow their businesses.

2. New technology is exciting – and sometimes scary!

This year I’ve experimented with recording video conversations or interviews via Zoom. While I’ve been used to video conferencing for many years, having the call recorded is slightly unnerving! However, it can be very useful for clients to refer back to at a later date.

(When I was a kid I thought video calling was just science fiction! I remember it was a big deal getting a (wired, landline) phone in the house!)

3. I like snow if I’m on holiday

…and I find it more stressful if I’m at home, supposed to be working or expected to drive.

Similarly, I’ve learned that really hot days are best enjoyed at the beach or by the pool. I’m not sure I’d recommend moving house on the hottest day of the year! Which brings me on to number 4:

4. Moving house really is one of life’s most stressful events

I now know this to be true but it also provides many learning opportunities. Hopefully it will be a while before I need to revisit the ins and outs of house surveys, making or accepting offers, exchange and completion!

5. The importance of taking time to reflect

We can all be so busy doing what we’re doing that we may need to be reminded of the importance of taking time to reflect – at the beginning of the year, at the beginning of Autumn, at the end of the year…

What needs to be celebrated?

What is it time to let go of?

Where do I want to be this time next year?

What new things will I try?

Several times this year, I’ve reviewed how and where I spend my time and/or money. I have decided to let go of a couple of things and to experiment with some new things. I find it scary and liberating at the same time – but without taking a step back and reflecting, it’s hard to grow…

What about you? What has 2018 taught you?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Or please get in touch via the contact form or call me on +44 7526 740486.

If you’d like some guidance in reviewing 2018 and planning 2019, please take a look at the downloadable reviewing, goal setting and planning workbook on my new resources page!

Small business owners have used this reviewing, goal setting and planning workbook successfully – in face-to-face workshops over the last 2 years – to take stock of the year just gone and to plan for the year ahead. I’ve now made the workbook content available for you to download for £9.99 – let me know how you get on with it!

I hope you have a wonderful festive break and a fabulous start to 2019!

Sian

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