2017 Focus and Intentions

This time last year, I wrote a blog post on resolutions, which was helpful to get thoughts down on (virtual) paper, I found that I didn’t really go back and revisit how 2016 was aligning with my inspirations.

For this year, I’ve decided to set a focus and intention for my actions in 2017. That focus is on giving back and having influence.

Giving Back

Through 2016, I was presented with a number of opportunities to share my professional and career learnings, and people found what I shared helpful. One of the most touching pieces of feedback that I received was when a professional connection mentioned that he was applying my advice, and he found it helpful, even months later.

I enjoy teaching and sharing, which is what prompted this blog. I believe that if I find something helpful, someone somewhere will find it helpful too.

In 2017, I would like to manifest this intention by:

• Writing more blog posts; strive for at least two a month.
• Continue to meet with professional connections to talk through their goals, issues and help the best that I can.
• Share knowledge at Meetups and other events.
• Mentoring and volunteering.

Having Influence

I’ve been very lucky in my career to have worked in a variety of organization, structures and project management methodologies. I would like to help shape the future of the project management profession as the technology community is beginning to recognize that the core tenets of project management (organization, scheduling, budgeting, communication) are still needed no matter what the methodology.

As far as manifesting this intention, there are a number of groups and online efforts that are focusing on this, and I will seek to become more involved with them.

Non-Professional Goals

As far as non-professional goals, I usually set a running goal for the year, and this year, I’ve decided I will run 500 miles. I stole this idea from one of my friends who ran 1000k in 2016. No marathons this year, but London is planned for 2018.

Now that you know my focus and intention for the year, if there’s anything I can do to help you and/or if you know of something that I may want to be involved in, feel free to reach out to me – joanna@joannavahlsing.com.

Wishing you the very best in 2017!