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7 Questions to Help Bring Closure to 2013

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I am a member of Platform University which is a member site that provides coaching and resources to help those building a platform. Michael Hyatt, creator of Platform University, invites members to “look over” his shoulder to learn from him.

By: Joanne

A couple of weeks ago, Michael Hyatt shared the “importance of properly bringing the previous year to a close before beginning the new one.” Michael challenges us to answer seven questions that will not only bring closure to 2013 but also “lay the groundwork” for a great 2014.

I thought I would share with you my answers to the seven questions posed by Hyatt.

If the last year of your life were a movie, what genre would it be?

I googled movie genres to give me more ideas.

What genre did I choose? Adventure and Slice of Life.

Adventure is where “the protagonist has a mission and faces obstacles to get to his destination.”

Slice of Life is defined as, “a story that may have no plot, but represents a portion of everyday life.”

Two big adventures dominated 2013.

We transitioned from foster parents to adoptive parents.

I wrote and published my first book, Adopting the Father’s HeartThe first half of 2013 involved proofreading, rewriting, editing, more rewriting, publishing choices, design decisions…quite the adventure.

Finally we published in July!

What were the two or three major themes that kept recurring?

This question made me glad that I journal. Here are three themes that jump out at me:

Connections – Before late 2012, I was not involved with social media at all. No Facebook. No Twitter. Nothing. I know, how in the world did I survive! I jumped in with both feet though to build an online platform.

An unexpected result was reconnecting with friends from childhood, high school, college, and past places of employment.

Value and importance of godly men in my life – This was reinforced this year. About 10 years ago, I asked God to teach me how to be a friend, an authentic friend. God answered that prayer by blessing me with several men that have become great friends who know me—both the good and the bad.

The need to pursue my wife – I so wish I was a romantic. My wife wishes that I was too. Over and over in my journal I write how I need to pursue my wife.

What does that look like?

It means that I have eyes for only her. I should seek her attention just like I did 25 years ago when we were dating.

It means that I also pursue being her spiritual covering. What? Think of an umbrella protecting your head from rain. I need to pursue that in our marriage. It means that I pray for and with her…a lot.

What did you accomplish this past year that you are most proud of?

This might be the easiest question to answer. Writing and publishing a book. I realize even more now that this is a bucket-list item for many people.

What do you feel that you should have been acknowledged for, but weren’t?

Wow, this is a tough one, especially to share with all of you! The only thing that even comes close is how I spent quality time with our son. Even as I share that I think how most parents probably feel that parenting is thankless yet rewarding.

What disappointments or regrets did you experience this year?

2013 will go down as one of my favorite years ever. However, I do regret that I didn’t pursue Danielle more. As I shared, that was a recurring theme for this year—the need to value and pursue her more.

What was missing from the last year as you look back?

Organization – This was a year of firsts for me. Writing, in business for myself, and working mainly from home demanded more organization. I tend to organize just enough to get the job done. A little more will help.

Pursuing Danielle – Did I mention this was a recurring theme?

Abiding – Several years ago I learned that I needed to abide or rest in God. I spent my time either regretting the past or anxious of the future. I didn’t do the present very well.

All the newness of this year tested my ability to abide. I found myself many days consumed with the tasks at hand.

What major life lessons did you learn from last year?

Why leave it for tomorrow?My new Honduran friend Emilio said that more than once while I was on a mission trip in Honduras a few weeks ago.  Great lesson! As I look back on 2013 I see that I applied that to many areas.

I am not too oldWhen adoption looked certain in 2012, it concerned me that I am about 50 years older than my son. This past year taught me that is not that big of a deal.

I am not too old to adopt a son 50 years younger than me. I am not too old to start a new career. I am not too old to write a book. You get the idea.

How about you? Have time to share with me your answer to one of these seven questions?

 

About the Author

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I am a longtime Austinite. Married my beautiful wife over 35 years ago. Adopted our son September 2012.
As a small business and nonprofit coach/consultant, I have found my sweet spot. I lean on my varied background of corporate, small business ownership, writing, and pastoring as I work to help small business owners and nonprofit founders build the business they want to have.


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