There are plenty of mixed feelings about 2016. It was a year of growth, of loss, unexpected surprises, scandal, regrets and new beginnings. It gave us a lot to focus on if we chose to focus on those things, but why do we want to? What purpose does looking back serve? Don't get me wrong we need historical references to have a greater understanding of the Good the Bad the Ugly of 2016. However we must not stay there. We should be looking in the direction of which we desire to go. For me that direction is onward and upward. By continuously looking back, we completely miss key oppotunities ahead of us; debating what we did wrong, what we could have done better, and did we engage and cultivate the right relationships. It's all a bit overwhelming, and can be a very exhaustive state of mind. Whew...now that 2016 is behind us, let us focus on looking forward. Looking in the direction that we want to go, the direction our game plan set the path for. This year I didnt make a resolution or promises to myself or other people. Instead I created a plan with measurable objectives. Whatever I didn't do in 2016 to move me closer to my goal I cannot change it now. Nevertheless, I'm laser focused, I have written action and execution plans, and more importantly a new accountability group. So that's it, nothing new. I didn't recreate the wheel, I didn't have a life changing experience, and I dont have regrets or any lingering woulda coulda shoulda symptons. All I have is a crazy amount of determination, a great therapist and a 2017 Map. I'm not looking back because that is not the way I am going. I may need to stop and recharge along the way, and I might need to slow down to be reflective; but the coordinates of my map have been set. There's no looking back now and it's not the direction I'm going in anyway. Cheers to 2017 and the year ahead!
1 Comment
Just last month , women across the globe were celebrating Women’s History Month and recognizing game changers that have been committed to the development of multiple generations of women. Some of us attended ceremonies to honor great women and others spent time mentoring. While I spent time doing some of both, I came across an article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle by Harvey Mackay that made be proud, but also made me question what more can I do to inspire, influence, and lead women at all ages and stages of their lives. According to the article Women’s contributions to business being highlighted, recognized, the number of women entrepreneurs is multiplying two to four times faster than men, depending on which part of the country you live. As the first woman President and CEO of a chamber in the third largest county in the state of Georgia, I see everyday how challenging it can be as a business owner, executive, or a woman that wants to break into an industry that has been male dominated for decades. It is one of the reasons I developed the Chamber's first women's resource group, Women Executive Leaders of DeKalb, it was an effortless way for women to network in a community of women with shared goals. Goals to be successful, achieve their idea of balance, and help support and promote each other. In addition I started the chamber's First Annual Women's Golf Clinic. Allowing women who don't want to play golf, to get on the driving range hit a few balls and come back and network the hell out of the room. A room that for years was filled with men drinking beer and having a great time, and the only women around were volunteers and chamber staff. Everyday I think about how to change the game, how to make the playing field leveled, how to make pay equitable and how to progress multiple generations of women. While things have changed its still not enough. So my challenge never stops and I continue to invite women and men along the way to be advocates. This blog post is my invitation to engage you the reader, to think about what you can do, and to inspire action to do it! |
AuthorKat's opinions are her own, as they should be. Let's Find some common ground and connect. Archives
July 2018
Categories |