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A Year In Review

Csturdi's picture
Submitted by Csturdi(642)
Contributor
December 28, 2011 - 5:25pm

A Personal Reflection Shared With Fellow Skillologists

The month of December often forces an uncomfortable push for reflection. This reminiscing is usually plagued with a list of items you wish you could’ve accomplished, but let slip away.  This year, instead of drowning myself in failed mistakes, I made a list of the top 5 occurrences that made a positive impact in my life.

1.  Turned 25
I really had no choice in this matter. But there’s something different about turning 25. It’s that “quarter-life crisis” itch that makes you scratch your head, scratch your back and eventually break out in hives when you realize that you’re nowhere near where you thought you’d be in your mid-twenties…

…or was that just my experience?

But after I found the right ointment to soothe my bruised reality, I began to reflect on my achievements. I may not have completed college, live on my own, work full-time in a career I love, have been proposed to by the dark-chocolate man of my dreams, backpacked through Europe and single-handedly saved the world just by being me, but I still have a lot to be proud of.

And what’s more, I have a lot to look forward to.  The foundation that I have created at 25 has set me up for even greater success in the coming years. And that’s good enough for me.

2.  Got on Board
This summer, I was elected a board member to a very notable, non-profit organization. Initially, my experience was bittersweet. I was surrounded by some of the greatest minds I’ve ever encountered; yet I felt out of place.  My sponge-like youthfulness often left me soaking up knowledge but not pouring much out into the informational pool.   

But after being reassured that my presence was, in fact, valued and it takes time to find your seat at the table, I felt relieved.  Now I am able to familiarize myself with concepts, learn new vernacular, take advantage of resources and put myself in a position to grow, with no apologies.

The most progressive moments in life come in situations of discomfort.  Thus, I know I’m in the right place.

3.  Quit my job
I wonder, every sixty seconds between the hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m., how many people dream of walking out of their workplace and never coming back.   And of those who ponder this every minute, how many actually take that step?

*looks around... raises hand frantically*

Just over two months ago, I made that leap and resigned from my full-time job. And from this experience I learned two things:

  1. Working for yourself is Awesome!!  I have been able to work full-time (voluntarily) for my non-profit, developing new programs and procedures for 2012, which lays me on a bed of elation each night. I have no doubt in my mind that this is the professional life that I want to live.
     
  2. Never quit your paid, full-time job unless you have a PAID-backup.  You can’t ask a bill collector, “Hey, I quit my job, so I can’t pay you right now BUT, can you take my satisfaction in pursuing my passion as collateral”???  It just doesn’t work that way. SN: I’m looking for a PT job in DC… hit me with leads!
4.  Recruited My DREAM Team
You often hear people tell you, “Go out there and find something greater than yourself to pursue.”  However, this is rarely followed by, “Then immediately find 10 people to conquer this great task with you”!!!  It’s simple mathematics.  If you’re working on something grandiose, there’s no way you can tackle it by your solitaire self.  

I mean, we all saw The Social Network. Even the billion dollar baby, Mark Zuckerberg, had a team, right?

So through a long process of recruiting and interviewing, I have managed to find my dream team.  And they’re an outstanding group of people. I look forward to working with them to accomplish greatness in the New Year.

5.  Snagged A Mentor
This year I realized that I had to find someone in my arena to show me the ropes. Somehow, I was blessed to have stumbled upon one of the best mentors in the industry.   From the first time I heard her speak, I was floored.  And every time I mention her name to someone, I hear nothing but admiration.

I have been able to take her advice and forge new relationships, develop new concepts and broaden my overall network of resources. I believe that this relationship will propel me to the next level of professionalism if I continue to use it wisely.  

With all of the above being said, I now charge you, my fellow Skillologists, to make your lists of personal accomplishments, lessons learned, and positive reflections to share with yourselves and with the Skillology community.

Best wishes for a new year of fulfillment as we reflect on the greatness of our past.