It was a momentous year of milestones in 2018 for many of my family and friends. Not all were welcome, and although we are still reflecting on the ending of things, I’m focusing on the new beginnings those endings can create.
I don’t think any calendar year is innately good or bad. I believe life just happens and how I choose to respond to the occasional rollercoaster is ultimately what can wind me, or wind me up.
Often the very thing that blindsides you today can be a blessing in hindsight. Sometimes it takes time and the will to see it that way.
As an example, I began my niche marketing business from home a decade ago, just as the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) hit hard. I weighed up the option of clinging instead to commuting to a safe, city job with lots of perks but few opportunities to grow or progress.
I imagined that starting a new consultancy would be challenging, probably madness – and it was uphill at first, but in fact the GFC presented more work than I guessed, because many companies chose to outsource their marketing needs as they downsized.
My timing was accidentally perfect. This year I was so busy working with clients nationally, travelling, juggling home life, studying a whole new industry and learning on the fly, that I completely forgot to mark the 10-year anniversary of my business. That’s a pretty good problem to have, as the saying goes.
It is not always simple or fun to see the possibilities and the positives in change, but it can make a big difference if you always have something to look forward to that you’re passionate about.
I like the summer heat because it means pool swims under the stars with my son. I don’t begrudge the traffic that means tourists and visitors.
I like to see my local cafes and bars busy, I can wait my turn. I love the Australia Day long weekend for bringing the Murphy Homes Maroochy Classic surf carnival to my favourite beach and a barbecue with the Hottest 100 playlist in my neighbour’s backyard.
I am looking forward to joining the guys I know who get together every year to watch the Superbowl at The Post Office; it’s the one time this year I’ll eat hot dogs and drink beer.
I will even get some sense of satisfaction from having to close out my year and pay my BAS, because that means my business is still growing and enabling me to do what I love.
So, welcome to the new year! Whatever is behind you, I hope you’re keen for all the goodness that is ahead. Let’s keep looking forward to whatever comes next.
