The last 12 months
I used to be one of those people that downplayed birthdays, however, at 57, the fact that I’m still here and going strong is definitely something to celebrate.
Every year I try to improve on the last one, looking everywhere for inspiration and motivation. This sounds exhausting yet in reality it centres around developing small habits to ensure that happiness in personal and professional life is still the priority.
And whilst life has thrown some challenges since my last birthday, there is still much to positively reflect on. So, I thought I’d share the things that have kept me going and growing over the last 12 months:
Favourite fiction books:
The Kingdom - Yoel Noorali
An Officer and a Spy - Robert Harris
Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir
Favourite non-fiction books:
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Adventure - Alfred Lansing
The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt
More Everything Forever - Adam Becker
Favourite albums:
Code d’Amour - Plastic Estate
Ever The Optimist - Trashcan Sinatras
More - Pulp
Favourite movies:
Nouvelle Vague
The Invite
New book ideas: 4
Papers written: 1 - Making Culture Change Stick - Coming next week!
Countries visited: 10
Favourite: Sweden
Favourite holiday: Palm Springs, USA
Newsletters I religiously read:
Soft Power, Hard Problems - Sophie Krantz
Seth’s Blog - Seth Godin
Weekly Newsletter - Cal Newport
After School - Casey Lewis
Things that I’m working on:
Staying abreast of social culture changes and how they affect the world of work. The pace of change is so great now, that it’s hard to stay in touch, but I just about manage to do it in between client work and love this side of my job. My clients expect content that is fit for today and it’s a responsibility I take seriously
Better understanding of AI and its practical use to increase productivity in business. I use it for research in my work, but still have to double check its outputs
I’ve dramatically reduced my phone-based consumption of content, podcasts, music etc. I’ve noticed that I’m much more present, attentive and creative now that I don’t have my headphones in all the time
Similarly, I have reduced my use of social media, which is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now. I found that it added little value to my sense of wellbeing
Recent knee injury aside, I’ve been exercising 6 days a week, mixing up cardio and strength training.
Things I need to work harder on:
Sleep - such an important part of recovery, yet I’m still really bad at it. I blame my overactive brain most of the time, when in reality it’s a good routine I lack
Taking a break - something I talk to my coaching clients all the time is the importance of taking time off from work. Yet other than Christmas, I still struggle with switching off. I’m on holiday in Morocco right now, and have brought two business books with me to read 🤦♂️
So here’s to another year of life, love and learning. Cheers! 🥃
