In 2015, if I thought it might help me grow or push my thinking, I was in.
After actually getting engaged in dialogue on Twitter for the first time, I launched a blog and blogged a lot (this is post #74), launched CSISDchat with Jeremy Stewart, attended two EdCamps (EdCampNavasota and EdCampKaty), and engaged and engaged and engaged on Twitter.
This time last year, I didn’t know what Buffer, Nuzzel, and Voxer were. I use them daily now.
And in a lot of ways, it’s been great. So many relationships have started. So many have deepened. I’ve been growing all the time, and it’s really stretched me.
The problem is that it’s really stretched me.
It’s been a lot.
There’s a lot of things I can do that I just don’t have enough time to do or to do well (or not without a significant opportunity cost somewhere else in life).
I could keep up my daily #91winterblogs challenge for the next two months, but I miss the depth that blogging less frequently brought. I’m stopping the challenge to do what’s best for me.
I could jump into three chats a week without blinking an eye (LeadUpChat, TXeduchat, and CSISDchat–which I host). But I really have to be careful about pursuing professional growth while my kids are awake. I’m still going to be engaged, but I have to be even more dedicated to planning time with my family and friends.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
In 2016, I’m going to make the transition from doing “whatever I can” for growth to “growing well” throughout the year. I want to live well with my family and in my other relationships. I want to serve and lead well at school and in my church. It’ll mean I say no to some things.
I’m not going to totally shut it down, but where I’ve done a lot in 2015, 2016 needs to be done well.
Here’s to living well in 2016!
I will be cheering for you to find the balance between all the different hats you wear and choosing well for your career, your church and most importantly your family. It all starts and ends with family. Happy 2016!
Aaron, I think this is part of the growth process… learning to say no and prioritize. I can relate so well to where you are now. Finding “balance” is tricky and an ever-changing process depending on our seasons of our lives. I think you are in for an incredibly satisfying an momentous 2016!
Best,
Jennifer
Thanks Jennifer! I’m hopeful about the coming year (and working on a plan to live out that hope).