The Outro: Network

In the beginning of 2015, I decided I would have a theme each month. For May, I chose networking, then changed it over to network. I decided to work with this theme because networking is hard for me. I compartmentalized and over think, so I spend a lot of time shelving worst case scenarios. I would spend more time doing that then getting to know the people around me. There were a lot of wasted opportunity for me and other people, all because I didn’t speak up or join in the conversation.

Over the last month I have made some solid gains in this area. By no means am I perfect, but I have grown. I have learned a lot about myself, and what I am capable of.

Wins:

• Networking List – I made a networking list, and through it I intend to restart some relationships I lost and connect other people to opportunities.  It was surprising. I didn’t realize how long I had let some things lapse.
• Commenting – I commented on most articles I saw this month, and it made me get better at making a concise point. I got the opportunity to help people, and I helped myself. My theme for next month comes through commenting.
• Tech MBA – Through reaching out, I got the opportunity to put some energy behind a new challenge – getting an MBA. I added a practice to my routine (GMAT Practice) which kick started some areas in my brain.

Losses:

• Hesitation – I missed many goals I planned for specific weeks. I started running into resistance, and it sucks.  Going forward, I am going to start recognizing the changes that happened once I made these changes, and try to just get started
• Organization – My organization gains slipped this month. I am not where I was before April, but this lets me know that I need to watch this.
• Reading – My reading slowed down a lot this month. I had to change some things around and that was the first thing to go. I have to make some changes here.

I have a stronger network now than I did at the start of the month so I can count this month as a success. I also realize that these themes get me on a baseline. Through this baseline I can start the process to improve.