Reflecting on 2019: ML Annual Review and Life Lessons Learned

Team celebrating major successes and milestones this year.

Annual Review Overview

Reflecting on the year allows us to celebrate achievements, acknowledge challenges, and learn valuable lessons.

Q: What is the purpose of an Annual Review?

A: The purpose of an Annual Review is to assess what went well, what didn’t, and what lessons were learned over the past year.

Celebrating Successes

In any year, it’s essential to recognize the victories we’ve achieved.

Q: What were some major successes this past year?

A: This year was marked by impressive milestones, including the strong performance of the book Atomic Habits, which sold over 1.3 million copies.

Q: How did the book perform in sales?

A: By December 2019, Atomic Habits had achieved 12 consecutive months on the New York Times bestseller list and maintained a 4.8/5 star rating on both Amazon and Audible.

Newsletter and Audience Growth

Creativity can manifest in various forms, and this year saw the launch of a new newsletter.

Q: What is the 3-2 – 1 newsletter?

A: The 3-2 – 1 newsletter shares three ideas, two quotes, and one question weekly, proving to be a valuable creative outlet and gaining a positive response from subscribers.

Q: How did the audience grow in 2019?

A: The year culminated in 353, 970 new email subscribers, raising the total to 586, 638, with over 10 million unique website visitors.

Social Media Engagement

Active engagement on social media platforms can significantly contribute to audience growth.

Q: How did social media efforts evolve this year?

A: Social media efforts were intensified, resulting in doubled audience engagement on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

Q: Why is social media important?

A: Social media plays a crucial role in audience building, allowing for direct interaction and timely updates.

Travel Experiences

Traveling offers unique perspectives and memorable experiences, which can shape personal growth.

Q: How did travel impact the year?

A: This year involved 158 nights away from home, with visits to 18 states and 14 countries, highlighting the importance of cultural experiences.

Q: What was a personal responsibility taken during travel?

A: Eco-consciousness was emphasized by purchasing carbon offsets to remain carbon neutral, demonstrating an awareness of environmental impact.

Learning from Challenges

Despite numerous successes, challenges arose that prompted reflection and growth.

Q: What were some challenges faced this year?

A: Key challenges included a decline in writing due to promotional activities, inconsistent workout routines, and struggles with email management.

Q: How did challenges in writing manifest?

A: Writing efforts dwindled as promotional activities took precedence, highlighting the need for balance in responsibilities.

Adapting to Change

Adapting to change is vital for both personal and professional growth.

Q: What important lessons were learned this year?

A: Key takeaways included the importance of acting quickly, recognizing the need for prioritization, and understanding that growth takes time.

Q: How did the need for prioritization affect planning?

A: Prioritization became crucial to focus on essential tasks, prompting the need to say no to inessential commitments.

Outlook for the Future

Looking ahead, it’s essential to build on the successes and lessons learned.

Q: What are the next steps moving forward?

A: Future plans include creating more structured writing time to maintain consistency and further exploring effective email management strategies.

Q: How can these steps enhance personal development?

A: By committing to consistent practices, there’s potential for significant growth in both writing and overall productivity, positioning oneself for future achievements.

In conclusion, an Annual Review is a powerful tool for growth. Reflecting on successes and challenges enriches our understanding and prepares us for the year ahead. Happy New Year!