Every year I do a three-part review and planning process. I call it Review, Reflect, Forward. Today’s post is Forward. I’ll be discussing what’s up for 2017 and what I’m most looking forward to next year!
If there were one word that sums up 2016 for The Storytelling Non-Profit, it would be focus.
I did much less overall this year, but I had a much clearer focus and purpose for everything. That was really refreshing and helpful for me. I find I do my very best work when I feel like I have clarity. In that sense, this year really became focused on teaching in the form of publishing my book, teaching The Storytelling Non-Profit Master Class, and in-person workshops.
What did not have as much clarity for me this year was the blog content. I still enjoy writing weekly articles, but I found that I was having a difficult time with editorial themes and ideas. Late this year, I started making some changes and I think that’s helped me get back into the groove.
I also ran a reader survey in November, which provided me with a lot of great feedback for the blog, newsletter, and classes that I offer.
What Am I Most Looking Forward to in 2017?
* Teaching The Storytelling Non-Profit Master Class. I have taught 3 rounds of this class and absolutely love it. I’ve had the opportunity to work with well over 100 amazing organizations and people through this class. It brings me a lot of joy and I’m looking forward to teaching it in March and July of next year.
* Building a stronger community. I love interacting with blog and newsletter readers, and I have long desired a better way to connect all of us. The answer finally came this year in the form of a Facebook group. I’m looking forward to cultivating this group and making it a robust place for non-profit professionals to convene.
* Writing another book. I have a couple of ideas percolating for another book and I’m planning on putting in the time to bring it to life next year. Stay tuned for more about it!
What’s My Wish for 2017?
My wish for next year is to stay the path and stay focused.
Working for myself comes with its own unique set of challenges. Sometimes I doubt myself or end up doing something that is counter-productive or tangential to what I really want to do. I hope that next year I can work on banishing some of this so that I can focus on what is truly important.
