Three days off.
I spent the last three days in northern Germany, in absolute quietness (on Sylt, the only time of the year I like to be there, as there is literally nobody).
I did not meet anyone, and I did not talk to anyone. I just took long (really long) walks.
I am not a big fan of "year-end reviews" and big plans for the following year. December 31st is just a date. You can always work on plans for tomorrow. No need to wait.
But sometimes, it is worth stopping and taking a deep breath.
I had no idea what would come out of these three days.
And here is the bummer: I don't have any life advice for you after these three days. Everyone is different, so don't trust anyone here on LinkedIn telling you how to optimize your life in 2023 😉
I enjoyed it to have no plans. No calls. Time to look around. Just walking. Time to be slow, at my own pace. To go out for dinner by myself. Without the need for a conversation.
The longer I walked, the more I realized the great stuff that happened in 2022. All the positive memories stuck.
Ultimately, it comes all down to the people you are surrounded by.
I met so many inspiring, funny and lovely people. People with great ideas who don't mind that these ideas sound strange or even impossible to almost everyone else. People who respect me for who I am.
So many people listened to me and my thoughts (or read them). I was able to tell my stories and get people excited about what lies ahead of us. Something I am deeply grateful for.
I have learned so much. Every single day was different from the one before. I learned to avoid people who don't give me any energy. And double down on those who do.
I enjoyed traveling. I made so many great memories while on the road. It also showed me that I can literally work anywhere I want to.
Getting ideas executed is highly rewarding. Nothing beats having an idea on one day and getting it out there the other day.
All of this is my fuel. The fuel that gives me so much energy. It is the energy that keeps me curious. And curiosity keeps me going!
So what does that mean for 2023? It means doing even more of what is giving me energy. And trying to say no to things that suck the energy out of me and don't refuel me.
As simple as that. As hard as that.
Thanks, everyone, for being part of the ride!
PS: some new ideas for 2023 also popped into my head 😊