Q02

Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're especially proud of from this past year?

I have gotten somewhat better at resetting my expectations about how much I can accomplish in any given hour, day or week. However, I continue to fixate more than I should on how I am spending my time, with a constant concern about whether I am using it wisely and efficiently enough. I have noticed that I am unintentionally sending out the message to others that I am too busy to spend time with them or address items that they need my help on, particularly at work. I’d like to work on this in the coming year, by trying to make peace with the reality that I’m always going to have a lot things to do and emails to reply to. That is a function of who I am. I should accept it and live with it; prioritize what matters most and worry less about getting caught up with the rest.

I wish I had made more decisions for myself and fewer for other people. I am proud of myself for becoming more independent.

In this time of transition and unemployment, I would like each day to be more focused, and feel like I'm getting more done. I'm trying. Some days are good. Some days are lost.

I'm sure that there are plenty of things that I would have done differently this past year. I am especially proud, however, of how my wife and I got through her pregnancy, and the first months of our son's life. This is a stressful time, and, although we did butt heads from time to time, we have handled it, overall, with agreement.

I wish I had made more of an effort to keep myself healthy this year. Physically, mentally, emotionally. I've gained weight, battled depression, and lost sight of what I really want out of life. And while I know much of my unhappiness has resulted from being unhappy with my hectic, crazy, unforgiving work environment, my job has shown me that I can handle anything that is thrown at me. And I'm proud that I can say that.