Hello!
As we approach the end of the year it’s natural to reflect on all we’ve achieved. The retrospective part of the sprint is incredibly important but oft overlooked as it doesn’t share the shiny results that the review/show and tell does, nor does it inform what’s upcoming like the sprint planning session. The retro is an intrinsic part of the team’s ceremonies as it encourages us to stop, reflect and understand why what happened happened. Could things be done different? Of course, what worked, what were you constrained by? What did you think you could do differently? All these questions can be answered, but a part of the retrospective that doesn’t get the focus, but I feel is just as important, is a candid internal review. Not demonstrative like the sprint review or a show and tell, a retro allows you to actually enjoy and breathe in the successes you’ve had through the sprint without the spectre of external scrutiny.
I’m my own worst critic, constantly second guessing myself and questioning everything I’ve done, it could be a superpower as it lends well to my role as a user researcher like a paranoid Columbo. With this in mind I’m going to reflect and review on what I’ve done this year, sharing how I do my internal retrospective, so hopefully my inner dialogue will cut me a little slack (Spoilers: it won’t).
So here’s the tool I use to help me reflect. It’s simple, but the compartmentalisation of different life aspects works: THE LIFE WHEEL.
Breaking down each part of your life/psyche like this helps you pull and tease out parts of your current situation by themselves. I had thematic and defined goals of what I wanted to achieve at the start of the year and worked towards them throughout the year. Obviously some were stretch goals and unlikely to be hit, but the intent was strong with clear ways to measure any success. I’m not going to be too navel gazing in this, instead just looking at a high-level at successes, failures and consolidation.
Career:
This year I moved teams and areas, finding myself in a much happier place. Cultivating relationships has been important and I find myself now working in a brilliant multi-discipline team with a clear goal, whilst the sky-high dream may be to boil the ocean, the team is solving problems methodically and logically. I feel I contribute to the team and my own skills have grown as well.
I’m continuing to grow my skills with Bikablo visualisations and facilitation, utilising it alongside sketch-noting is helping me create resources and artefacts that stand out. The limitations of the space have forced me to consider words and wording more thoughtfully which conveys the messages I want to share. This is proving positive and effective and for now makes the work I produce stand out.
In career outside of work I presented and spoke at the BITR conference in Newcastle this year. I was surprised my talk was chosen but I’m very happy that I presented to some incredibly bright and insightful people in a wonderful venue. It’s something I hope to pursue further in 2020, let’s hope I can string together some ideas.
I drew this guy. He’s a cool guy.
Finance:
This year I paid off my student loan. *deep breath*
Paid off the sofa for the new house and slowly moving to eradicate all debts. Of course I want to slay the mortgage beast, but I need to be realistic. This year we’ve been saving up for the future and I’ve been learning about investing and getting a proper pension sorted, these are all things I’ve dipped my toe in, but need to develop further in 2020.
Health:
This year I lost two stone. Over 28lb. With a combination of yoga, running and generally being healthier in my habits I managed to shift weight and feel a lot better. Yes I could have made deeper cuts and more efforts but I’ve been consistent and the weight has stayed off. I’m down from an XL t-shirt to L. I’m flirting with a 32” waist compared to 36”. I look and feel better. I’m not as lethargic and I’ve found out that the Fitbit UI becomes far more intuitive and cooler when you actually do physical activity. My resting heart rate at its best was 47, down from 62. It’s currently floating around 53 after Christmas, but I’m sure I can improve on it once more.
Weighing myself every day, writing it down and keeping myself accountable has worked wonders. I allow myself some kind of reward for every 5lb lost, or body fat % reduction.
Granted I haven’t kept up the running routine I initially planned to due to a mixture of illness, asthma, ice and cold weather, but I have maintained weight and gained strength with a yoga plan. Running is something I can get back in to in the New Year, seeing the results pay off is a real incentive.
Social:
As a natural introvert I’ve attempted to put myself out more to go out with friends and colleagues, and you know, it works. I’ve prioritised seeing or speaking to people, tried to be more open to going out even if I’m tired and worn. It’s something that for me requires effort, but is overall positive. I think going forward I need to add more structure to what I want to do with friends, setting plans, building routine and tradition will ensure that I’m committed to being a social person.
Family:
The big thing this year is the impending birth of REDACTED. Our family growing has clearly monopolised the year and rightly so. We’re so excited to grow our family with the support of family and friends. We’re getting prepared and working to make our house the family home.
Love:
This year I made a concerted effort to spend more quality time with my wife. More engagement and speaking, being present in activities and leaving phones down. I feel closer to my wife and I’m really happy in my marriage.
Recreation:
At the start of the year I was worried that I didn’t have a proper hobby and I needed to learn to do more things. What did I do? I just tried to enjoy what I did more, being open to new things and doing self analysis to see what I enjoy. What I like doing is solving problems and making things. I’ve chosen video games that I really enjoy as opposed to playing passively. I’ve baked throughout the year, I’m definitely getting better at it, I’ve also learned how to make alcoholic ice cream. As I get older I’m learning more about what I enjoy and I’m actively focusing on it, being present in the activity as opposed to thinking about what I want to do later on.
I’m reading more, novels, graphic novels, audiobooks. I’ve had podcast culls - listening to things I actually listen to, not just put in the background (goodbye crappy angry podcasts, hello 538!).
This year I also had a nigh-on spiritual experience at Wrestlemania in New York with friends. As a sheer spectacle it’s bucket-list material, which had 31 year old Jason giddy like he was 11 year old Jason. It also gave us an excuse to have a wonderful week in New York City which is ensuring that I prioritise travel and adventures with Kim, which inevitably strengthens other aspects of the life wheel.
Contribution:
With regards to charity/contribution, this is something I need to work on going ahead. I have donated to charities throughout the year that I resonate with. I think as I settle in to the new status quo going forward I will have more opportunities. I have ideas as to how I’d like to best impact and help the community but at present I’m being a positive neighbour and doing the best I can to help people.
Spirituality:
Bypassing religion where I’m something-agnostic if anything at the moment, how much I feel connected to the world as a whole has increased. By being more present and mindful in day to day activities has been beneficial. Truly engaging my efforts and becoming invested in things has made life more vibrant and positive. I dabbled with mindfulness and meditation apps, it didn’t go as well as I’d hoped, however I want to reapply myself and try hard on this in the new year.
Self Image:
Am I more confident? I think so. Do I feel more confident in my body? Yes. Is this temporary? Everything is temporary, but I’m feeling happier and have better habits. I’m trying to look after my mind and body, doing more of what I want and more of what’s better for me. I’ve started journaling using a prompting journal. Setting intention is curbing the negative voice in my head and ensuring that I’m being objective and not overly harsh on myself.
Review:
So, this year? Growing family, better work, presenting at conferences, brilliant holiday and experiences, losing weight and getting fitter and being more present. These are things that may not get the shares on social media, but they’re important and it’s important to reflect on what’s important to you. I’m happy with 2019 and look forward to 2020, what this means though, is that I have set brand new goals and intents before January 1st. I have some ideas….