Blog

By: Krissy Fuller

We’re coming up on the end of the year, and generally I think it makes most of us participate in all the “sights” – but I’m NOT talking about holiday lights here. I’m talking about foresight and hindsight. It’s a time of year where we reflect back on everything that has happened, and look to the future with new goals and ideas about the year to come.

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say this, but this past year has been equally full of challenges and successes, both personally and professionally. As I look back I want to share some of the things that helped me navigate both sides.

Reading:
There’s a challenge out there (I’m not sure what it’s called) but it requires that you read 10 pages every day amongst other things. No excuses. It doesn’t matter what you read, you just need to read. I love reading, and will always have a book nearby. I’ve had to (many times) donate my books because my shelves are full. (Yes, I’ve dreamed of having a huge library full of all my books – one day, one day). At work, we read books to continue our learning. This can range from tactical, strategic, leadership, to deeper more personal internal work. Some books were a breeze, others were tougher material that took a while to implement. Here are some of my favorite key takeaways from a few of the books:

• Change the questions you’re asking. Instead of the why questions, ask how and what instead. You’ll start getting VERY different answers.
• The value of NO, and the danger of YES. A few years ago there was a big movement to saying yes to everything that comes your way. And while that may sound great in theory – it can also leave you overwhelmed. There is a lot of value in the word no. It can help you define what you’re truly passionate about and putting your effort into things that align with you and/or help you reach where you’re trying to go.
• Simplify – No, this didn’t come from Marie Kondo, but I can see why her book was such a big hit. This actually came from an intense work book about operating systems and how to thrive. It’s slightly akin to the saying of “jack of all trades, but master of none”. Focus on what you’re good at. What problem are you trying to solve? Don’t get distracted by “squirrels” and “shiny jewels” along the way. What is absolutely necessary?

Self Care:
I always thought I made an effort for self care. The reality of it: I always had it in the back of my mind, and would only sometimes make an effort. This year I started making it a priority, and found if it’s on my calendar I would actually do it. Set it as a task – yep it’s happening. There’s something so satisfying about clicking that checkmark. Here are things I tried that have worked well for me:

• Friday Me Time: This ranged from massages, facials, haircuts, bookstore visits, saunas, swimming, puppy cuddles.
• Morning Affirmations: I rotate what I listen to, but definitely love this addition.
• MUSIC: Constantly playing. I love music, and have started growing my record collection again.
• Moment of Gratitude: a simple pause in the middle of the day. Added bonus if it’s outside in the sun.
• Changing my social media use – YEP – it’s true. I wiped my IG clean and curated a new algorithm of what I see. It’s amazing how much of an impact this actually made. I also set my phone to actually tell me how much time I’m spending on my phone and where. I was NOT prepared for what I saw. Including how many times I pick up my phone in a day. Granted, like most people, I work on my phone for a fair bit. Even still, I didn’t like the number and it allowed me to make choices for myself that are more aligned with my goals.
• Reading: didn’t see that coming did ya? I bet you did. It honestly is a form of self care for me. It lights my soul up and takes me to sooooo many new destinations.

Community:
Finding your people and knowing who you can rely on is a GAME changer. This is important for both your work life and personal life. Do you have a board of directors? Who has the most agency in your life? I saw this video that asked “If you were captured in another country, and you were given one phone call and 24 hours for that person to come through and find you – who would you call? A bit rough to think about, but if you’re honest you immediately thought of 1 person. No hesitation. Who you have around you, closest to you, should all be a HELL YES. If the relationship with them isn’t, I encourage you to start noticing why they aren’t. I’m NOT saying drop anyone who isn’t a hell yes right now, but notice. Is there something that’s changed? Perhaps there’s some conversations that need to be had.

Volunteering/being of service – This can be in many forms, it doesn’t have to be at some big event. Take a look around in your life/community and see where you can be of service. Perhaps it looks like taking in your neighbors garbage cans because you know they picked up a second shift/job. Or bringing a bag with you on your pup walks to pick up trash along the way. Want to go bigger but not crazy? Check your local animal shelter and see if you can take pups out for walks/hikes. Check if there’s a local park clean up day. Be realistic in what you can take on – small things really do make a huge impact. I’ve seen retail workers get so excited when they see someone putting the cart back in the stall. Acts of service are endless and all around us. Sometimes – it’s a simple head up (not buried in a phone) and holding the door open for someone.

As you look back on the past year, think of the moments you loved. Moments that brought you peace, comfort, laughter, joy. Moments where you lost track of time, and a silenced mind. When you look forward to 2025, what can you do to create more space and time for allllll those moments you just remembered in 2024? Here’s to 2025 being filled with more “light up” moments than Clark Griswold’s house!