New year, new directions

“Made any resolutions?” my daughter texted on new year’s eve. I haven’t. But I have identified three things that I want to move toward this year.

I’ll spend time and effort building my professional identity - moving out of the shadow of “PhD student” and into the role of “expert”. The work I do: reading, writing, continuing to learn and develop my knowledge and skills, consulting, and facilitating will both flow from and help to create my professional self. It isn’t all new of course. I’m building on the foundation of my career so far, my experiences, and my learning. Much of what I will do professionally transfers skills from other projects, but this year it has a level of focus which is new.

I’ll travel. I haven’t been on a plane since the year the world stayed indoors! Having got some big “close to home” things off my agenda I’m more than ready to venture out. This will combine making professional connections and contributions as well as “just for fun”.

The third thing I hope to move toward this year is personal and not for discussion here! All three movements will require a combination of vulnerability and strength, of staying grounded in what is fundamentally important to me and being to new possibilities.

New years can start any time… September 16 marks a new year for me each year - and there will be other key dates as life continues to unfold. Last September I identified two words for my year: ambition and contentment. These will serve me well. For January I have another word to add: petrichor, the smell of rain, especially on dry ground. One of my favourite scents which announces possibilities for replenishment, softening, and growth.

2024 will be an interesting year...