5 Things I Hope for in 2014

Here we are at the start of another calendar year. In 2014 I hope:

1. To Expand Knowledge

I want to continue to expand my knowledge of what works and what does not – and why. I want to spend time reading, reviewing, communicating, synthesizing and sharing the knowledge. I want to test theories and ideas, and take the leap of faith to get out of my comfort zone and explore new information with a clear mind.

2. To Apply Learning

I want to take the knowledge that I gain and apply it in a range of different settings. I want to apply it within my consulting and academic work. I want to ensure that I share it in reports that I write, keynotes that I provide, workshop sessions that I facilitate, and through mediums like our website and Twitter feed. I want to learn how to improve sharing the volume of information that I have in my brain, bookshelves and laptop.

3. To Find More Courage

I want to be increasingly comfortable with expanding my talents, thoughts and resources into a range of areas beyond what I have been spending a lot of time upon. For example, I have been delighted to be working so much on assessments and coordinated access. While I continue to that I want the courage to expand and explore how that can be better applied to other practice areas. I have to have courage to invest time in creating new areas of expertise and new products, even when it is more comfortable to keep doing just what I have been doing.

4. To Be Vulnerable to New Ideas and Different Ways of Seeing Things

I want to learn to be more comfortable in saying “I don’t know. Teach me.” When I don’t have answers or know the resources people are referencing I tend to track down information after a conversation or exchange so I am better prepared the next time. There will always be a place for that, but I think there is also room to swallow my pride in some instances, and appreciate that while I have expertise there is more than I need to be taught. I have to be completely open to life-long learning. That cannot be a catchphrase or buzzword. It has to be a lived commitment.

5. To Provide the Best Foot Forward Each and Every Day

I want to get better at being “on” each and every day. Regardless of how many times I may have presented information, taught a subject or introduced data to people, it is often the first time for recipients in hearing it. I owe it to those I exchange with to give my all each and every day. I do this to some extent now, but I know there is an opportunity to make improvements.