Reflecting on My Year: Plans for Improvement in 2022
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Chapter 1: Introduction
In the spirit of sharing insights and experiences, I want to use this public platform to not only document my personal reflections but also to encourage others to assess and enhance their own lives. While my narrative may contain elements of self-reflection and planning, I hope it serves as a useful framework for anyone looking to evaluate their circumstances and make positive changes.
The framework I follow is summarized by the acronym: WWWWWWEBI, a memorable concept I learned from Peter Knight, a well-respected leadership and management coach, particularly known in the property sector. His insights are invaluable, and I recommend following him for guidance and inspiration. He is currently authoring a book inspired by Gandhi’s belief that “life is all one indivisible whole,” emphasizing that personal and professional lives can coexist harmoniously rather than merely balancing against each other. This philosophy underlines the importance of evaluating all aspects of life.
Section 1.1: Home Life
What Went Well?
This past year has brought many joys at home. My son Harry thrived in school, Tilly is blossoming, and Max has been a delightful addition to our family. We managed to juggle work, home, and childcare responsibilities, even amidst the ever-changing COVID policies. My wife transitioned back to work smoothly after her third maternity leave. We enjoyed a fantastic summer getaway in Cornwall and a lovely Christmas together. A significant improvement to our home was the completion of our new driveway in the spring.
What Went Wrong?
Despite these positives, we struggled to find quality family time, often interrupted by work emergencies or other pressing matters. My father-in-law's health issues weighed heavily on us all. Our support system shifted dramatically due to COVID and other illnesses, leading us to spend more than planned, which resulted in a canceled holiday and less quality time together. My fluctuating stress levels have sometimes affected my presence at home.
Improvement Strategies
Looking ahead, we must better organize our time together and focus on being present during those moments. A return trip to Cornwall is on the horizon, but we should also plan other activities to break up the year. Additionally, lowering our living costs will help us relax more. We've started addressing this with our mortgage repayments. Setting clearer family goals will give us something to strive for collectively.
In summary:
- Restructure mortgage and contribute to our pensions
- Schedule all holidays for the year
- Dedicate at least one day per week for quality family time
- Perform minor home maintenance with a touch of creativity
- Focus on self-improvement to ensure I'm fully present at home
Chapter 2: Professional Life
What Went Well?
In my role as an estate agency manager, I had a prosperous year financially. The Lettings department rebounded from previous losses linked to the Tenant Fees ban in 2019. Although the sales division had a flat year overall, my leadership in the last quarter led to improved results. I've collaborated with exceptional staff, and our businesses have flourished, thanks to regular one-on-one meetings and technological investments from our managing directors.
What Went Wrong?
Unfortunately, we experienced a higher staff turnover than in previous years, which is concerning under my management. Additionally, I had to participate in an unpleasant disciplinary process for a staff member and oversee a recruitment initiative. While the sales market remained vibrant, the Lettings sector faced challenges as landlords exited due to rising costs and housing price increases.
Improvement Strategies
For the upcoming year, I have devised business plans for both departments that include:
- A recruitment strategy to maintain staffing levels
- Enhancing the referral process across departments
- Increasing proactive efforts to convert more leads into deals
A full team can alleviate many issues, and nurturing client relationships is crucial to ensure any lost business stems from personal client decisions rather than our company's choices.
Medium Platform Growth
What Went Well?
My presence on Medium has significantly grown, with more than double the followers in under a year. I've seen an increase in story views and have forged valuable connections that have enhanced my writing quality and structure.
What Went Wrong?
At times, I've struggled with consistency, resulting in pieces that were either too brief or lacking in depth.
Improvement Strategies
Moving forward, I aim to produce one article weekly, a commitment I reached through guidance from Tim Denning, who helped me recognize my potential based on my lifestyle.
Additional Goals for 2022
- Reading: I read more books in 2021 than ever before, but I'm aiming to conquer at least six in 2022.
- Exercise: I've faced challenges with my exercise routine, especially with our aging dog. Prioritizing longer walks is essential, along with hiking the local Malvern Hills.
- Diet: I successfully became vegetarian last year, but I need to shift towards more plant-based options while reducing dairy intake.
- Education: I will request my employer to continue the quarterly academy course led by Peter Knight, as they provide valuable insights for management and self-improvement.
The Resounding Theme
My ambition for 2022 is to push myself toward becoming the best version of myself across all life areas while cherishing each moment with those around me. It's all too easy to overlook life's blessings, and this review has reinforced how fortunate I am and the opportunities available for growth.
Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections. If you found value in this, consider subscribing to my work or following my link on Medium for more insights!