December 30, 2013

What is your biggest accomplishment and mistake of 2013?

Ahh, yes. Another 2013 reflection.

The end of the year is a forcing function to reflect; a time to look back on the past year’s accomplishments, mistakes, and learnings. Reality is, we should be doing this on a continual basis but now’s is as good a time as any.

My Accomplishment

Early this year I started actively blogging, writing about my interests in startups, product, and personal growth. I wrote over 100 essays (here are the 15 most shared) with many featured in Forbes, Fast Company, The Next Web, and PandoDaily. I’ve learned a ton writing, built a following of supporters, and (most importantly) opened people to ideas that I believe can help them in their life or startup (example). I’m proud of my blog and the foundation it’s provided for my career (see blogging vs. building).

P.S. I hope this doesn’t come off too self-promotional but I believe it’s important to be proud and showoff your accomplishments tastefully. I’m going first so you won’t feel guilty doing the same. :)

My Mistake

Of course, I’ve also made many mistakes, one of which is closely related to the accomplishment above. I traded my friends for work and “productivity.” Far too often I stayed in to write, work on side projects, and focus on my career instead of being social. I’ve made the mistake of being too introverted at the cost of being a good friend and building relationships. 2014 will be different.