2012, I will not be sad to see you go, and 2013 is looking mighty fine from where I stand today.
First half of 2012 seemed fine. Work, life, and everything inbetween seemed to be on an even keel, moving along quite well. Then I found myself in July not knowing which was up, down, left, or right. Work was a little rocky after a less than seamless transition, I broke a bone for the first time in my life, New York City saw the worst monster storm it's ever seen, and I ended the year sicker than I've been in years with the flu. To say that I am excited for the fresh start of 2013, would be an understatement. This year was not bad really, and in fact it had some really great moments - I rediscovered my love of swimming, I explored Nova Scotia for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it, and I received an amazing honor to start teaching at the Syracuse University iSchool (note: the #1 graduate school for information studies in the country, nbd) in January as an adjunct professor. Fairly balanced overall.
2013 is starting off with a bang. I took my first full two week vacation since 2010 and after only a week feel rejuvenated (minus the crippling flu a few days ago). Those who say that community managers work 24/7 and can never take vacations are sorely, sorely mistaken and aren't worth their weight in mud. No person should work 24/7, or be expected to. All that means is that you haven't figured out how to delegate, set expectations, and organize time accordingly. Taking time off and away from the internet is a necessary action.
Aside from the time off, heading into a new year always causes people to take in a breath of fresh air and think clearly about how they want to start it off. Making resolutions is a fun thing to do and most people go with the usual health, fitness, travel, etc. All good things, but it's wise not to be too general which is why I always say instead of making resolutions you should be setting attainable goals. Think of the big buckets, and then the focus points within those buckets, and then tell yourself how you will achieve those goals.
For example, here are my 2013 buckets & goals:
Bucket: Financial
Goal: Pay no ATM Fees in 2013
Goal: Swim 1 Mile
Goal: Use my time more efficiently.
Goal: Keep on, Keepin' On.
First half of 2012 seemed fine. Work, life, and everything inbetween seemed to be on an even keel, moving along quite well. Then I found myself in July not knowing which was up, down, left, or right. Work was a little rocky after a less than seamless transition, I broke a bone for the first time in my life, New York City saw the worst monster storm it's ever seen, and I ended the year sicker than I've been in years with the flu. To say that I am excited for the fresh start of 2013, would be an understatement. This year was not bad really, and in fact it had some really great moments - I rediscovered my love of swimming, I explored Nova Scotia for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it, and I received an amazing honor to start teaching at the Syracuse University iSchool (note: the #1 graduate school for information studies in the country, nbd) in January as an adjunct professor. Fairly balanced overall.
2013 is starting off with a bang. I took my first full two week vacation since 2010 and after only a week feel rejuvenated (minus the crippling flu a few days ago). Those who say that community managers work 24/7 and can never take vacations are sorely, sorely mistaken and aren't worth their weight in mud. No person should work 24/7, or be expected to. All that means is that you haven't figured out how to delegate, set expectations, and organize time accordingly. Taking time off and away from the internet is a necessary action.
Aside from the time off, heading into a new year always causes people to take in a breath of fresh air and think clearly about how they want to start it off. Making resolutions is a fun thing to do and most people go with the usual health, fitness, travel, etc. All good things, but it's wise not to be too general which is why I always say instead of making resolutions you should be setting attainable goals. Think of the big buckets, and then the focus points within those buckets, and then tell yourself how you will achieve those goals.
For example, here are my 2013 buckets & goals:
Bucket: Financial
Goal: Pay no ATM Fees in 2013
- Last year I paid $76 in ATM fees according to my Mint.com info. This year, with the use of my bank's mobile app, I can always search for the closest ATM within my system to avoid paying for a fee. If there is not an ATM within walking/driving distance, then the closest grocery/drugstore will suffice for their cashback system.
- I've been a little lazy about realizing how much money I have left to play with after bills are paid, and have used my credit cards liberally this year as a result. By using Mint.com as well as a better bill paying system & Excel I plan to be more aware week to week of expendable cash & frivolous expenditures.
- In 2011 I was recommended to start using Venmo. Venmo quickly became a running joke amongst my circle of friends for a variety of reasons, but the 6 of us use it religiously. We go out to eat quite often, go to concerts/sports/various ticketed events, take cabs, and generally owe each other money fairly often. Venmo has completely changed how we share money back and forth and has that fun social element that used to belong only to the "Memo:" line of a check. It's incredibly fast and free, and is definitely the future of banking. This is also not a paid advertisement, I just generally love the ease in which I can pay (or charge) my friends so as to not mess around with cash or checks.
Goal: Swim 1 Mile
- 2012 I was reintroduced to swimming as an excellent form of exercise after I broke my foot. I was on a zero to a mile in 6 weeks program that was ruined by the storm taking out my gym, and of course the holidays. In 2013 I plan to finally reach that mile, and then I plan to do it again faster. And repeat, and repeat.
- I in no way shape or form plan to get rid of the good stuff, but as they say, everything in moderation. Less sugar, better portion control, and more nutritious meals are in the works for 2013. Overall, just be smarter.
- This is a tough one. Social events, new cocktail bars, networking events all focus around booze. 2012 saw 4-5 drinking events per week sometimes. 2013 won't be less events (if anything there will be more), but perhaps a glass of red wine to replace sugary cocktails or heavy beer, or a glass of water will be in order.
Goal: Use my time more efficiently.
- With a lot on my plate I should make sure to put hours in my calendar to get a project done. Or to meet more people for coffee. I plan to structure my calendar and limit distractions.
- From 2007-2009 I had a nearly full passport of stamps and visas. In 2012 I did not get ONE stamp (Canada didn't count). I don't care how or when I get this stamp, but I will go somewhere in 2013 to make up for it.
- Something I didn't do much of in 2012 or put much effort into. I had a few pretty bad first dates, said good bye to someone I was seeing fairly often, and decided to work more than care about my personal life. I plan to change that in 2013 by being more open to the possibility of a relationship.
Goal: Keep on, Keepin' On.
- This is one area where I don't really have a goal other than to just knock what I'm doing out of the park, and figure out how to make more money while being happy doing what I do everyday.
- Community Strategy at 2U, inc. -- complete the big projects I've set up for myself in 2012, and then make them consistently better
- TheCommunityManager.com -- more events, bigger content, building on what we've done in 2012
- Teaching -- Putting together my first Graduate level course, and perfecting my teaching methods