Reflections on 2017
Wow what a year!
So mental in fact that I’m having to post this in early 2018 as I ran out of time. I learnt a lot in 2017 and most of it will hopefully mean a more productive, less stressful, more efficient and enjoyable 2018.
So what did I learn?
Google docs really is that good! — I’ve always been a sceptic. I’ve always enjoyed Office 365 and found moving between Google and Microsoft a hassle never mind having to get my head around Keynote collaborate. But all things said 2017 was the year I embraced Google docs and witnessed just how effective it can be in getting shit done. Of course you can collaborate with Office 365 and Keynote but a day watching 5 workshops come to life using the tool at Airbnb finally convinced me. I finally realised that whilst a good looking deck is important sometimes it’s the rapid collaboration that’s more critical to success.
Burnout is 70% my own fault — yes it was hard to admit and a right pain I couldn’t blame clients or someone else. Like many consultants I found 2017 the year of Yes. I said yes to almost everything. In fact I can’t remember once saying no to a meeting, workshop or deliverable. I worked on my holidays, weekends and pushed friends to the back of the queue. My clients are super and must have wondered how on earth I did it.
Well folks — I burnt the candle and burnt myself out. Thankfully Christmas came and gave me a compulsory break. 2018 will be the year I start to embrace the power of No or at least a Maybe.
Storytelling really is a thing in business — I’ve been lucky in that I’ve worked with some amazing clients who are amazing at telling stories. Whether it’s a strategic plan or a change in how the operation works. I’ve seen how storytelling can bring teams together and give employees something to collectively believe in.
Face to face meetings can take their toll — meetings clients is critical to running a successful business but there were times where I could have done meetings remotely. Due to the fear of saying no I jumped on planes and wizzed around the world. I found myself skipping timezones, crossing continents and blurring through cities only to find a short meeting that I could have done from the comfort of my own office. Again, I put expectations on myself that were unrealistic. I made a rod for my own back. In 2018 I’ll be a little bit kinder to myself and the planet by staying away from Heathrow as much as possible.
SFO really is a money making business opportunity — never have I ever been to an airport where you struggle to spend money. There are now 1 or 2 extra places to eat but when compared to other airports, SFO is a gold mine waiting to happen.
Business class travel makes the difference — very rarely have I boarded the plane and gone left. I travelled a lot in 2017 and often in economy with my teeth nearly nibbling my knees. I once decided to take a financial hit and book myself business. Of course, I charged the client the economy fare but they must have been amazed when I strode into the office, wide awake, latte in hand ready to start work. Yes a flat bed really does pay for itself.
WiFi on planes is still sketchy, which is good and bad — Bad if you need to work but good if you want a break. For most business travellers you can still get away from it all by claiming the WiFi was bust. For those travelling United, that’s easily a convincing plot line. I used WiFi several times heading to the West Coast and the guys at Deutsche Telekom (they provide the WiFi) have it nailed. Not once did it drop and best of all it gets me over my fear of flying.
Staying healthy is a business must — like everyone else I arrived home from a business trip to unpack clean and unused gym kit. I even made the effort of booking hotels and Airbnbs with gyms close by. I researched them online. I knew the best cross-fit locations in Portland. I knew of at least 3 personal trainers who were available through an app in San Francisco, but of course I did none of it. In fact I did the opposite and filled myself with cakes, lattes (they are silent killers) and out of control portions. 2018 will be fitter. Letting your health go means your work soon follows. You become less alert and prone to tiredness.
Digital detox is essential — I’m moving away from the likes of Twitter and constantly updating The Guardian and BBC news. I really don’t need to know what Trump is tweeting about. Neither do I need to distract myself 50 times a day with checking how many likes I got on Facebook. 2018 will be the year the phone stays out of the bedroom. I won’t have another year reading about disasters, political upheaval and office nightmares before I have my boiled egg and soldiers for breakfast.
And hopefully next year’s reflections will happen before 2019 starts.
Wishing everyone a wonderful 2018!
Paul
To work with an effective and relaxed Paul visit www.strategyactivist.com to learn more or call +44 7786063053.
