Somehow its 2024 already and we’re catapulted into the season of new years’ resolutions – new strategies, aspirations and ambitions for the brand shiny new year ahead. One thing I’ve done is complete the Year Compass – reflecting back on the year gone and looking forward to the year ahead. What I love about this tool is there are no right or wrong answers, it’s purely for yourself and you can complete as much or as little of it as you want. The format really worked for me, and I got a huge amount from using to think about myself and my business.

The Year Ahead

This year will be a big one for lots of reasons – our daughter starts school which is a huge step for the family as she’s our youngest (and it has big work implications for me), I turn… a big number, I have some sporting goals I’m aiming for, and it’ll see the start of my third year in business.

My Work Strategy

I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with a range of great people and organisations so far. Thinking back over 2023, I’ve been able to distil this into 5 filters for new work:

  1. Paying the bills – unglamorous but essential. Like most people I don’t get the luxury of not working, so my absolute bottom line is earning enough to pay my half
  2. Creating balance – loving what you do is great, but I need to hold and grow my boundaries to maintain a better work/life balance, particularly while my kids are so young
  3. Having an impact – I want my work to have meaning and a legacy, so working towards creating a better future for others is central
  4. Chasing joy – I want to work with organisations and individuals that inspire and energise me, who understand that play, joy and fun aren’t the opposite of work, but essential to keep people engaged, creative and delivering their best
  5. Developing and growing – I want work that challenges me and helps me to learn, develop and grow, rather than stay static or in my comfort zone

My Word of the Year

One of the questions the Year Compass asks is what your word for the year ahead is – and mine is “build.” I want to:

  1. Build my business in terms of reach and impact
  2. Build my income
  3. Build my knowledge, skills and experience
  4. Build my professional network
  5. Build using LEGO® as a service to achieve all of the above

The opportunity to reflect and set intentions has been essential to focus on what I want to achieve this year. I’m excited about where it could lead.

What’s your word of the year?