What a year! It is always interesting to look back on the year and realize all that has occurred. For my last newsletter of the year, I did just that, at least from the perspective of all I wrote about.
Thank you for engaging with me. It always feels better to be in a conversation rather than writing into the void. Based on your comments, email responses, and my favorite topics, I have compiled the best of my 2024 articles as a year in review.
Which are your favorites?
January: We started off the year with Lessons From A Recovering Perfectionist and how this is a constant battle for those of us that have this tendency. How are you doing with it? What have you been able to let go of?
February: I felt compelled to write about How We Can Disagree And Still Get Along. This is still relevant and even more so, we need to not just talk, but we need to listen.
March: In March I was launching the brand new Connected Leader Club and our Connected Leader Course. So, of course, I wrote about how Starting Something New Is Hard! We have just finished our second open cohort and first private session. An asynchronous version will be launched in 2025.
April: April finally brought a decision for my oldest son where he would attend college. It was the hardest decision he has ever had to make. Always inspired by my kids, I wrote about decision making and how some of the Decisions Are Hard. Now my youngest is soon to be in this position of having to make the same tough decision. What decisions are on your plate?
May: Once again, I was inspired by my kids, especially my highly introverted one. So, I had to talk about Networking While Introverted. Remember to own your strengths, whether an introvert or extrovert. But also understand where your stretch is. We all need to keep growing.
June: Sticking with the theme, I stayed focused on understanding our strengths but also recognizing when they are no longer working for you. If you missed it, check out my article called Do You Over Leverage Your Strengths. Remember, if you only use your strengths, they can become weaknesses.
July: Trying to take it slow for the summer, I needed to remind myself that No is a viable response which inspired the article titled, Do You Know How To Say “No”? We need to have the word “No” as an option and know how to use it without putting a relationship at risk, without guilt, and without fear. Sometimes we all need this refresher.
August: Staying with my slow down summer theme, I expanded on the idea with one of my favorite concepts. If you haven’t read, Do You have a “Not-To-Do” List, it’s not too late. Figure out what you should be saying no to so you can start building your not-to-do list.
September: As my oldest went off to college, I got reflective. I like seeing posts on Insta where he is having fun, but I do worry about their generation living their life online. Truth be told, I am exhausted by social media too. So, I wrote, Is Social Media Bad For Us? the verdict is still out.
October: Though I tend to steer clear of politics, one politician did something that was a great reminder for us all…We don’t need to buy into someone else’s beliefs or framing of a situation. See how to navigate those banana peel moments and Set Your Own Definition.
November: I wrote a lot about word choice this month. The article, Do You Ask Yourself These Questions took it a step further in not just the words we choose but the questions we are willing to ask ourselves. These questions can reengage you and prioritize what is truly important to you and make it happen.
December: I just wrote this one and the sentiment is great for this time of year. Sometimes we can be all business, so my article Don’t Get Right Down to Business was a good reminder about how connections truly form and the kinds of conversations and topics that enable that to happen.