2022 was a whirlwind of a year; suffice it to say, I closed it out with mixed feelings. While goals were met, some had to be abandoned due to a change in priorities, and some plans were created mid-way through the year and subsequently carried through.

Life works out interestingly in that manner, and I am reminded of a quote that’s attributed to Bill Gates:

“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”

The first part is definitely true. As I get through the “messy middle” of this life journey, I am learning how to balance raising a toddler, working a full-time 9-5 job, working with clients and their expectations, and maintaining relationships, all while managing other aspects of the day-to-day hustle. However, the grind never stops. I felt as though I could accomplish more in 2022, from personal development, and career development, to actually going through my book reading list, but at the end of every week I would ask myself, “where has the time gone?”

A quick recap of what I did accomplish in 2022 includes the following:

• Promotion to a Sr. title at work
• Ramped up client work for my media company Sharplite Media
• Pivoted Sharplite Media from “just” a photography service company to a Digital Marketing and Media company
• Gained new connections in other industries outside of automotive

On the flip side, however, maintaining a budget with a growing child in the household has proven to be difficult. While not exactly hurting for money, it makes putting money aside for stocks (especially in a buying opportunity right now) more difficult. Additionally, I would have liked to utilize all the tools I have at my disposal such as LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, Coursera, etc. Those tools are part of the focus for 2023.

Additionally, because my family and I are traveling this year, we will need to focus on spending quality time and getting the most out of the travel. Yes, it will cost money, and yes it will take time away from Sharplite Media, but it is all worth it because memories aren’t something that can be bought back. Once the moment passes, it’s gone forever. It’s good to have a mental break and recharge, and even better when visiting family overseas and not having to worry about other things.

Professionally, I want to grow at work but I also want Sharplite Media to grow. Eventually gaining more clients will mean hiring people, but I will cross that bridge when I get there.

I do want to focus more on this blog and reinforce my writing skill as well – I’ve left this website dormant for far too long but 2023 “should” be the year I get more consistent.

In fact, that should be the theme of this year: consistency. I’m pretty good at starting things, but with so much going on, it’s easy to lose track and thus lost consistency, whether it’s posting, following up, reading, writing, the list goes on.

So for 2023, I can definitely say I need to be the following: consistent, present, accountable, proactive, and aggressively patient. I have a toddler getting closer and closer to 2 years of age and she’s definitely watching my every move. It’s time to set a better example.