A year-in-review post is a way to take stock of accomplishments, setbacks, goals, and mistakes. I’ve heard it described as an exercise in “mindfulness and conscious living” as well as a way to “supercharge” my career. I’ve pulled the disparate pieces of my 2016 together into a cohesive post, let’s dive in.

If I had to describe my 2016 in three words they would be “disrupt,” “adapt,” and “surreal.” My career path was disrupted when I was laid-off mid-year, but that wasn’t the only disruption. I was shoved out of a mental rut I had found myself in and made several far-reaching decisions. I learned about my own ability to adapt and thrive in unexpected conditions; it was stressful and illuminating. I spent a lot of energy in 2015 expanding my comfort zone, and 2016 threw me curve balls that continued that journey (whether I liked it or not!)

The surreal element of 2016 can be seen in the larger events going on; a year characterized by negativity and a dark political climate. People trusted fake news over scientific facts and people’s actions in that climate of “post-truth” will continue to haunt us for years to come. Often I came across articles that should have been in the “satire” category but were actually verified news. I hope 2017 is more grounding and inspires more empathy in all of us.

For starters, my resolutions for 2016:

1. Write more content for the Stamford Innovation Center
2. Improve my LinkedIn profile (using tips and tricks from Sandra Long’s class)
3. Help create more structure in the Stamford Innovation Center
4. My personal resolution was to do more yoga.

I am sad to say that I did not accomplish most of these objectives. I did not write much content for the Stamford Innovation Center (SIC) and I did not create more structure. Part of the reason I didn’t accomplish my goals at the SIC was my layoff in July 2016, but I know I could have done better work on these projects in the first half of the year.

I can say with confidence that my LinkedIn profile is at “all-star” strength and that I used all of the tips and tricks I remembered from Sandra’s class.

As for the yoga, well, it’s surprisingly easy to find excuses not to go to the gym. I know it’s important to get exercise and eat healthily, but health resolutions don’t really work for me. I wear a Fitbit and it has a wealth of data on how inconsistent my exercise habits are. In early 2016 my friends and I routinely ended Fitbit challenges with 15-20K steps a day, but I don’t find myself rising to the challenge as often lately. I need to work on making exercise a habit instead of a chore.

2016’s accomplishments are, in many ways, continuations of previous years’ accomplishments.

In March 2016 I helped organize Startup Weekend Stamford for my third year in a row. Startup Weekend is a global organization that started in 2007, but the Stamford event was only in its fifth year in 2016. I ran SUWE’s social media accounts, wrote copy, planned meals, entered data, kept track of expenses, and met a variety of entrepreneurs. It was a really excellent weekend and every time I have been involved with Startup Weekend I learn more about running a large event.

In May I had a key role in organizing the SIC’s third annual fundraising event. In 2014 we called it the Geeks and Nerds Gala and in 2015 it was renamed “The Indie Gala”. In 2016 we continued the tradition of “The Indie Gala” and added “The Indie Alley,” a marketplace of local small businesses and startups.

In the months leading up to the gala, I was busy writing event descriptions, courtesy emails, and blog posts. As the main point of contact for vendors and sponsors, I made sure that everyone was informed and happy. I recruited volunteers and organized task lists. I marketed the event on social media channels and kept those channels busy during the event itself. I acquired the necessary permits and ensured inventory was stocked. After the event, I compiled all of the data and created a comprehensive profit and loss document. The beneficiary in 2016 was Franklin Street Works, a not-for-profit contemporary art gallery in downtown Stamford. Working with their team was a lot of fun and I’m glad we raised money to support the arts.

June 2016 was dedicated to planning and running a table for the SIC at Brooklyn’s Northside Innovation Festival. This was the third year the SIC sponsored a table at the festival and it was great to see all of the startups brewing innovative ideas in NYC.

In July 2016 I was laid off from my job as Operations Manager at the SIC. I was hired by the Stamford Innovation Center in September 2013, so I worked with them for just under three years. I learned many valuable lessons during my time with the company and I’m glad I was given the opportunity to grow my skills as part of a wonderful team.

As I pulled myself together after that jarring mid-year change I found projects to keep myself occupied. I traveled to Tennessee to visit my friend Sarah Waddell and learned more about House of Douglas Bakery, her parents’ business. I fortified my LinkedIn profile, as per my resolution. I began applying for positions that suited my skills, and I went on a lot of walks. The Pokemon Go craze hit just after I became unemployed, so I used it as inspiration to keep myself active. I’m not sure I should be bragging about this, but I reached level 30!

In the fall I got involved with the American Red Cross and volunteered as a receptionist at their Greenwich location. I’ve been training with them as a Disaster Responder and learning how to help with Mass Care and Shelters. I’m really glad I got involved with the ARC because I’ve met fascinating people and learned great skills. I love the idea of being able to give back to my community in the event of a disaster.

It’s been a crazy ten years since I graduated from Greenwich High School, and to honor that I attended the GHS Class of 2006 Reunion at the Bruce Museum in November of 2016. It was a weird trip down memory lane, but I’m happy to report that the evening went swimmingly. I reacquainted myself with friends, checked on how my peers were doing, and finished off the night playing Munchkin at my house. Networking events used to be very stressful for me, but after years of hosting them for the SIC, I feel right at home.

For Halloween, I painted a mask that I’d owned for a decade, and it turned out quite well. This is more of an accomplishment than it sounds as first. Art makes me a bit anxious and I tend to procrastinate starting projects because I am worried that I’ll ruin them. Then once I’ve started something I nitpick at it until I’m exhausted because I’m never quite satisfied with it. I have heard this described as “The Creator’s Curse” and I’m trying to feel more comfortable with working on art for the sake of art. It’s part of the reason that I have no interest in doing art for profit since that’s an even higher level of stress than doing it on my own.

My art for 2016, as you can see it is a short list.

1. Raccoon Holiday Card 2015.
   1. This one is sort of cheating since it was the end of 2015, but it was the start of a tradition I plan to uphold of making my own holiday card each year.
2. Raccoon Mask
3. Raccoon Holiday Card 2016: We All Need Cuddles
4. There were a few other art projects this year that were a bit less polished. You can find them on my Instagram.

I would be hard pressed to describe exactly why I find art stressful since I DO love it, but the best explanation comes from a study I once read about children that are praised for “talent” vs. “effort”.  “Our society worships talent, and many people assume that possessing superior intelligence or ability—along with confidence in that ability—is a recipe for success. In fact, however, more than 35 years of scientific investigation suggests that an overemphasis on intellect or talent leaves people vulnerable to failure, fearful of challenges and unwilling to remedy their shortcomings.” From The Secret To Raising Smart Kids by Carol S. Dweck. I remember being praised for my “artistic talent” all the time as a child and somehow it never felt good. It always seemed like an element I had little to no control over and its presence made me nervous. If “it” left, would I still be able to do art that was “good”? Learning how to value my own art, mistakes and all, is a journey I’m still on. One of my priorities in 2017 is to create more art to offset all the negativity.

Resolutions for 2017, three professional and one personal.

1. My first resolution is to write the “Year in Review” for 2017 before the year is over! I am currently writing 2016’s Year-in-Review in January of 2017 (oops).
2. Get a job and learn more skills that further my career.
3. Write at least one post a month.
4. Do more art!

Then there’s a resolution I’ve had for as many years as I have been collecting books. Prioritizing reading the books I physically own rather than the ones that catch my eye at the library! Ha, it will never happen…. But maybe I’ll make more of a dent this year than last. As always I hope to do some traveling this year, every year I have at least one trip to somewhere exciting.

It would be cheating to put “Make website live” and “start blogging” onto my 2017 resolutions list, but it’s good to start the year out on a positive note.

Hello, new friends and old! I have a website now, as you can see!

I’m going to finish off this post with a poem by Alice Walker, the author of “The Color Purple.”

 The Nature of This Flower Is to Bloom

Rebellious. Living.

Against the Elemental Crush.

A Song of Color

Blooming

For Deserving Eyes.

Blooming Gloriously

For its Self.

In 2017 I’m going to be blooming gloriously for myself.

References:

• “The Fun Activity You Can Do Now to Supercharge Your Career Next Year” by Aja Frost
• “Your Year in Review: 50 Questions to Help You Reflect, Appreciate and Get Excited for 2015” By Anuschka Rees
• “The Nature of This Flower is to Bloom” By Alice Walker