As we draw the curtains on 2017 and get ready to press play in 2018, let me share some of my choices and decisions that made 2017 memorable.
Let me start with “My 2017 Theme”, which was to build a team that is Engaged, Unhindered and Inspired (E, U and I).
For simplicity, each header is defined thus:
Engaged – Be present, Listen, Ask, Act.
Unhindered – Get out of the way.
Inspired – Live the vision, sell the story.
There were 7 activities for each header, driving the theme. I grossly underestimated the power of consistency in my estimation of the impact of these activities. This was a beautiful underestimation. Consistency compounds.
I have always questioned the term “Achievable” in the mnemonic acronym – SMART, because it is subjective. What is achievable is always debatable and I have seen many “unachievable” goals achieved by ordinary consistent people. The impact of E, U and I only reinforces this bias.
I read less books in 2017 than in 2016, it was deliberate. I consciously stole some book reading time to accommodate blog reading time, and I was welcomed into the garden of some beautiful minds.
Seth’s blog (sethgodin.com) – My daily lunch time reminder to “Go. Make something happen”.
Shane’s blog (farnamstreetblog.com) – My weekly diet of “Mastering the best of what other people have already figured out”.
Paul’s blog (paulgraham.com) – My impromptu dose of a unique view, with profound simplicity.
I indulge in these 3 and flirt with many others.
My blog (zazparelli.blogspot.com) slowly migrated this year from poetry to short articles. This also helped improve my LinkedIn activity, as all I needed to do was replicate the articles on both platforms. I miss poetry.
I remain indebted to those that spend invaluable time, proofreading my drafts and challenging assumptions. Thank you, Oghenebrume Diana Osasu’Oviawe, for your entrepreneurial insight and ensuring I write like I speak. Thank you, Ighodaro Joseph Oviawe, for checking grammar and challenging biases. Thank you, Zechariah Ogunbushola, for always saying, “It is good to go”. Thank you, Temitope Oluwanisola, for prompting me to write, especially on weeks I am aching for a break.
Well, I still read some books and the following stood out from the pack –
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. I did not drop this book for 2 straight days, except maybe when I was in the shower. You would almost mistake it for fiction.
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. It was the best gift I received this year and you know there is only one person that gives the best gifts. While reading, I kept reminding myself – you must read this book again.
David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. If you know me, you should know that every year, I either read or re-read a Malcolm Gladwell book.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. It is one of those books you will need to share, before feeling fulfilled at the experience.
On Becoming by Toke Makinwa. It was a surprisingly good gossip read, but it is out of my library, once was enough.
There were others, but the above are the first 5 that came to mind.
Now for those who read my articles and call me to check if I am the one putting my thoughts out there, considering I am supposed to be restrained, thanks for reminding me that you are watching.
Those who click “like”, thanks, you are special, even I, do not click “like”.
Those who leave comments, thanks for the doses of surprise. I cannot still get used to the fact that someone actually took out time to engage.
Those who chat me up privately to spark new thoughts and cheer me on, thank you.
The activities that supported E, U and I will remain in place and be reinforced by “My 2018 Theme” – Commitment, Care and Courage (CCC).
What is CCC about? Maybe we will talk about it next week, maybe.
– Osasu Oviawe
