Reflections on 2013: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the Conquered

As I procrastinated to write this post (frankly I’m a little burned out from completing my personal Kindle-book-a-week challenge that ended just after Christmas) and enjoyed some rest over the holidays, I had a little time for reflection. Overall 2013 was a great year. Way better than 2011 and 2012 when my personal life fell apart. We exceeded our company financial goals, my husband completed his first full year full-time with our company and we reached many other milestones that I was beginning to think were out of my grasp. Here are my thoughts on what 2013 held as I launch full speed ahead into 2014:

Time “Sucks”

We have a lot less time than we think we do. Every project I wanted to launch in 2013 took at least three times as long as I thought it should have. When I set aside time to do something, inevitably I ended up doing something else. It was incredibly frustrating for a while until I realized it made me analyze what’s really important. Now even though time may seem to get “sucked” away, I can choose to spend it on what’s most important and have no regrets.

Is it Important?

Speaking of what’s most important, so many entrepreneurs get trapped in the “gottamakeabuck” mentality that we lose sight of what’s around us. Divorce is rampant, life can change in an instant, and if you’re not watching you may end up with some serious regrets. Yes, it’s important to earn a living and put food on the table. It’s equally important (if not more so) to use that table to gather as a family and spend time together.

Crap Happens

In May of 2013 we discovered all my websites had been hacked. It took several months of cleanup and rebuilding to get the sites manageable, and until Thanksgiving they still weren’t running smoothly. Crap happens, and while it caused a lot of stress on my business and myself, it also forced me to look at the bigger picture. Can my business run without a website? I proved to myself that it could by signing a major client without any website to show them our work. I’ve spent the past ten years in the publishing industry working on my reputation, and having that solid reputation earns me the respect of colleagues who refer business my way—with or without a website.

For those still wondering why we haven’t completed some improvements on our sites, until just under a month ago our sites were still unstable and some were still under brute force attack. I’m literally about six months behind my website marketing, so we’re doing the best we can. Thank you for your patience. 🙂

People Rock

In 2011 my family fell apart. In 2012 I put on a lot of weight, mostly through depression eating. In 2013 I lost all that weight (and then some), shifted my focus off the pity-party of myself, and discovered I’m surrounded by amazing people who uplift, encourage, and enlighten me. I’ll always have more to learn. I’ll never reach perfection. But as the saying goes, if I’m the sum of the five people I spend the most time with—dang.

You all stood beside me, some through the personal mess, some came later. No matter when we met, I value and appreciate each one of you. The world better watch out because my posse and I are coming!

As I catapult myself into 2014 with a string of new challenges (starting with the launch of my Kindle in 30 Challenge Boot Camp you can join here => http://KindleIn30.com) that will test my daily resolve and character, I know I’m going into this year strong. What I can’t handle on my own, I’ll rely on those smarter than me who I surround myself with.

As you take on a new year, find your posse. Spend your time with people who uplift and support you. Let go of those who don’t, and be OK with it. Tell yourself every day how amazing and valuable you are. Because trust me, the world wouldn’t be the same without you!

Photo courtesy Shutterstock, frankie’s