I’m sorry, 2009, it’s just not working out. It’s time for us to move on. I’m already flirting with 2010.
Why? Well, lots of reasons, really. You didn’t live up to my expectations. You left people scared and skittish. And some other reasons, too, including:
- Some of my favorite clients were shifted around from role to role in corporate reorganizing (sometimes more than twice per quarter!) in maddening attempts to save CEO paychecks.
- Many of my friends are still searching for work that matches their incredible education and expertise.
- Blagojevich.
- Balloon boy’s parents and the thousands like them.
- Miley Cyrus and her “breaking up with Twitter” rap.
- Speidi.
But, like any long-term relationship, you gave me lessons, too.
Attitude continues to be everything.
While I remain the eternal optimist, 2009 tested me in ways I couldn’t have predicted. After spending too much time feeling sorry for myself, friends, and the world, I realized change starts with me. The people I want to support, lift up and encourage are the ones who see light on a very dark day. I try to do that for others and I get the gift of feeling better, too.
It takes a village.
Not just to raise a child…but for everything. No person is an island, and as people find themselves in unexpected situations they find it’s necessary to rely on one another. It’s best to share and give to others BEFORE you need them. Having said that, however, I’ve done my best to respond to every call for help. And I’ve been more likely to ask for it myself, too.
Do unto others…
Working with clients on how to engage employees during challenging times, it comes down to this simple truth: Treat people fairly. We’re all aware of the world we’re in, but there are simple ways to let your folks know they matter. Treat them well, give them training, and watch your customers gain from that experience. Stress can be a quick way to ruin a good relationship. Take the time to let those around you know how much they mean to you.
Take a risk.
Risks are hard, but the payoff is usually worth it. Not all of them will achieve the desired results, but taking the risk will teach you things you didn’t know you needed to learn. If you’re thinking about taking a risk over and over, it means you need to do it at some point. Take the risk.
Failure is a lesson and a gift; just give it time.
Each failure provides a new window, a new opportunity, a better situation around the corner. But sometimes that “corner” takes a while to round. Give it time, gain perspective and you’ll thank the universe for providing a lesson.
The world is full of amazing, talented, and giving people.
It’s easy to lose faith in humanity. I do it a few times per week in parking lots, grocery stores, banks, and just answering my phone! But then I connect with another person in some miniscule way and it restores what I already know – most of us are in this to help each other out. Social media has shown me this in so many ways. I enjoyed a glass of wine with my prom date in New York City because he saw I was close by for business; I received support and friendship from people on Twitter more times than I can count; and I was able to provide support for those who needed it. It’s worth it to trust others.
So, 2009, while it didn’t work out for us, I still appreciate all that you’ve given me. I look forward to the relationship I’ll have with 2010. (If you must know, we’re in the honeymoon phase now and things are going GREAT!) So, good luck to you, 2009.
I would say “we can still be friends,” but I think we both know that just isn’t going to work.
