I started the year not knowing what to expect. It’s been exactly two years since 31 December 2007 that I left the relatively predictable corporate environment where I had dug my trench and camped for 20 years.
Before I get to 2009, a bit about 2008.
2008 was a stressful year. Mainly because it was my first time outside the safety of a secured monthly income and a fairly predictable, if somewhat dull routine. It was stressful also because it was a financially depleting year. I was paying income taxes based on 2007 income, which included a hefty bonus and I was not sure if the assignments would come in a regular enough stream.
As it turned out, the bank balance depleted some. But it was an absolutely necessary year. When making the transition from a salaried animal with a stable income to an entrepreneur with unpredictable income pattern, the most important thing is a change of mindset. That does not come overnight. The year was necessary to prepare my mind to think different.
So, when I started 2009, I didn’t know what to expect but mentally I was in a better frame to deal with the year. The year was still not a “break even” year but without the burden of a hefty income tax and some de-cluttering (big car to small car), the rate of depletion was lower. Importantly, I started 2 companies (a specialized writing studio and a design & language lab with two other partners), potentially starting a 3rd (developing iPhone and smartphone apps) and got some really interesting assignments. I also had time to think, reflect and make some personal changes for the better.
So, in short, 2009 was a year of growth. Of course, every year is a year of growth but in contrast to 2008, which was a year of “renewing my mind”, 2009 was a year of “growing to enjoy my new station and phase of life”. 2009 was also a year where, for a period, I “bit off more that I could chew” and as a result had a number of months of terrible sleep patterns and lack of consistent exercise. This is something I still need to work on. And I will.
What will 2010 bring? Growth for sure. But I want it to be a year where I learn to take a few more calculated risks both for work and personally. I want it to be a year where I will learn to act in faith and without fear. In short, a year where I will walk by faith, not by sight. I wish for a year that is full of pleasant surprises at every turn.
And that is what I wish for all of you. That 2010 will be a year filled with pleasant surprises at every turn. What more could you want? Excitement, unpredictability but knowing that each time something happens, it happens for the good.
Enjoy 2010, all of you. Yes, all.
Happy New Year!