17 Dec 2018 Year in Review
What a year, what a year, what a mighty good year
I’m staring down my final working hours of 2018, and like any good overthinker, am taking the chance to take stock of the year and think about what went well and what there is to improve on.
2018 Year in Review: Photo by Steven VanDesande Jr on Unsplash
So, without further ado, here’s my 2018 year in review.
Five days a week
February saw my littlest chick start school and my availability step up to five (short) days a week. In all honesty, it took my longer than I expected to adjust to having both kids at school and what that meant for my own identity as a mother. It knocked me for six, really, and I wasn’t prepared for that at all.
It was probably around the middle of the year that I got my schedule and working patterns into a format that worked for me and family life. I’m looking forward to continuing this in 2019.
Money, that’s what I want
Obviously increased working hours meant I set more ambitious financial goals for this year. It pains me to say that I didn’t hit those targets in the first half of the year, but from July onwards my little business has blossomed and I’m making the money I want, in the hours I want. It’s a great feeling to watch my business mature and settle into a sustainable rhythm.
Community is key
Once again in 2018, it was the community around me and my network that made a big difference in my business. Referrals from other copywriters, sanity-saving discussions in closed Facebook groups, and online connections turning into real-world hugs were all highlights in 2018. I’ve previously written about being named TCCC Member of the Year at CopyCon and it remains one of 2018’s standout moments.
Learn your limits – and push them too
In areas away from work, 2018 was a year of growth too. At the age of 39 years old, I went skiing for the first time. I did not enjoy it. But now I know.
I also pushed my boundaries in the gym. I have always been strong (thanks Dad) and 2018 has been about refining that in the gym. I love strength training because it also reminds me that I can do hard things, plus it forces you to think only about the bar in front of you if you don’t want to get injured. So for an overthinker like me, it’s a great way to enforce some “in the moment” time. And I’m happy to say that earlier this year I set a PB for my deadlift of 100 kgs. It’s a great feeling.
Breaking new ground
After successfully increasing the number of food clients I’ve been working with, in 2018 I set the goal to add wine and beverage clients to my portfolio. I did some online study with the Sydney Wine Academy and I’m happy to report that I’ve done a small project writing some wine label copy that I hope to be able to share soon.
So, what’s next?
Right now, I’m looking ahead to my extended summer off-season. During these coming six weeks or so, I’ll be taking the time to think about what I want my business to look like in 2019. I’m wishing for more great clients, more connections with great people, and continuing to grow my skills both across different technical elements of copywriting and industry knowledge.
May you have a safe, fun and happy Christmas and New Year, and enjoy lots of time with family and friends over the summer.
Lots of love,
Ange
