There’s always an air of expectancy whenever a year end hovers into view. Mistakes that were made in the year just gone can be learned from and improved upon; things that haven’t been done that you wanted to do can be reworked for the year ahead; and new opportunities await in the months to come.
Yet 2009 promises to be a year that could stand apart from many others, both personally and for the world at large.
After the economic despondency of the last few months of 2008 and the numerous misguided decisions that saw the people of our planet grow further apart over the last eight years, next year offers a landmark opportunity for change.
The United States (and, by that token, the rest of the world) sees a new dawn in history and the potential for inspiration when the new President steps into power in January. No matter which political affinity you might have, I think it’s fair to say that Barack Obama has the opportunity to make right all the wrongs the current administration got so very wrong during their tenure. Let’s hope and pray he can and does.
2009 also offers the chance for common sense and redemption for all that’s wrong with corporate greed and mismanagement. The fall of large financial institutions and the need for restructuring in the auto-industry that was the business story of 2008 shouldn’t be ignored. If ever there was a time for CEO’s to take stock and re-evaluate how they do business and treat their employees and shareholders, next year is their chance.
Yet perhaps more than anything, 2009 offers a chance to change the world around us personally. Wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, if there’s something that can be done to improve both our own fortunes and those around us, we should grab it. There’s a groundswell of personal belief that I see all around me.
Social media continues to open up new areas and teaches us that greatness and bettering ourselves and our fellow man is infinitely preferable to selfish needs.
On a personal level, I aim to take these teachings and make lives better if I can. As you might be aware, one way I’m doing this is with the 12for12k Challenge and already I’m touched by the outpouring of well-wishes and support for the project. It’s still early days but I have high hopes for making a difference over the next 12 months.
The title of this post is actually derived from a statement Chris Brogan made on Twitter late last night. In it, he mentioned that he was thinking hard about what his three words would be for next year. Picking just three words that would be the guiding principles that shape his decisions and actions in 2009. So the title of this post is my response (although my original one was slightly different).
Every day next year can be a journey into greatness, for everyone. I’d love to meet you along the way.