2010 has been a massive year of both ups and downs for me which has lead to some significant personal development. As I take a leap forwards into come new challenges I thought what better time to compose a very brief list of some lessons I’ve learned in the year past.
Professional Lessons
- A campaign not working is not a failure as long as you learn something from it
- Just because something is a good idea doesn’t mean it will work, just because something didn’t work doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good idea
- Take holidays – for years I put off taking trips because I didn’t want to fall behind on work, but nothing leaves you more hungry to do good work than a little time away
- ‘No’ is not a dirty word – If a timeline is unrealistic at least suggest a more manageable solution, don’t just say yes
- Low cost, High Quality, Fast delivery – Pick 2
- Anyone can be insightful, often without realising it. The secret is to listen closely enough to hear the verbal diamond in the rough.
Personal Lessons
- There is no such thing as a black and white situation – only varying shades of grey
- While it’s important to speak your beliefs it is more important to listen to those of others
- Exercise really is enjoyable – everyone wasn’t lying to me for the past 23 years despite what I previously thought
- If you want something in life take it. Don’t wait for the ‘right time,’ it may never come
- In 12 months everything can change – Last year my dad spent about 6 months in hospital undergoing chemotherapy and a stem-cell transplant. The end of December see’s him 12 months cancer free and he is currently back at work full-time and looking more healthy everyday.
