2019
The last 365 days of my life were filled with so many events that I can generally sum 2019 up as the year of ‘preparedness’ for the promising 2020. Just like every other year, it wasn’t all rosy, a couple of downs here and there but overall, I think I made significant progress for which I am very grateful. Kindly read through as I take you through some of my major highlights of the year
Career and the New Role;
The first week on 2018 came bearing the good news of my promotion at work, I was promoted to the role of media account manager which meant I will be taking on some new responsibilities, It was tasking as the expectations were high but I managed to survive and grew in the process.
I made some conscious effort to do beyond my primary responsibility, thanks to Asher, one of our Directors, who created an avenue for me to grow. I worked closely with him on a campaign for an international money transfer brand from the planning phase to execution, this project is particularly challenging at it involved coordinating so many vendors and detailed justification for the media spend (The highest I have ever worked with).
This year particularly revealed to me, some of the soft skills I will need to acquire to complement my technical skills and I am right on track to acquire them as continuously hone my skills.
I am set to take some certifications in 2020 and will most likely go back to the classroom.
Devouring the Books
My goal for the year was to read 20 books, to almost doubled what I read the previous year. Reading has been one of the ways I have acquired so much of what I know today, they have shaped my understanding of the world and have greatly enriched my knowledge bank.
I was able to read 18 books by the end of the year, I didn’t believe I could do this. Some other books I read that aren’t captured here are Sneakers War by Barbara Smit, Obviously Awesome by April Dunford, leanIn by Sheryl Sandberg and Idea Virus by Seth Godin.
Some of these books covered many topics including Productivity, Business, Marketing, Sociology, Fiction and Research.
The Peddling Racket
I have never had a gym membership but I have always paid a keen interest to my health by eating well and staying fit. In 2018, I decided to be doing daily push-ups and I started with 20, I now do an average of 100 push-ups daily ( at some point I was effortlessly hitting 120 on a daily basis), I do not intend to stop as I have come to realise the power of deliberate consistency.
This year, I also picked up the racket to learn how to play lawn tennis. I signed up for a tennis class towards the end of Q3 and I am now learning to perfect my serve.
I also got myself a bicycle and I ride for at least one hour every week. if you see me ride by, holla at your boy!
The Money Part;
Like we jokingly say in Lagos, I no come count bridge for Lagos. 2019 came with its financial responsibilities, I checked many of the boxes here but I still have a very long way to go. I invested so much that I didn’t have unused cash sitting in my bank account, I tried business and failed, I donated and gave out money and I bought gifts for people.
Lessons.
I learnt so much this year but the lesson that will probably stick with me for the rest of my life is the fact that I am not perfect, I have always known this but it dawned on me the hard way. A close friend pointed out one of my flaws, It was hard to admit but I am grateful I did.
I am working at mending my ways and I hope I turn out to become a better person especially as I prepare for the next phase of my life.
2020 in view.
2019 prepared me for some important life decisions I am going to make in 2020 regarding my career and relationship. I am looking forward to taking on more responsibilities, volunteering, knowledge sharing and making an impact.