I'm doing 22 things
Done
1 day ago
So pleased to see this tab because I’ve already been thinking about my goals for next year. I’m whittling down even further for 2010 and constructing my 43T list around these core aims.
JakeB's Life List
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1. revise a novel until it sparkles
7 entries . 26 cheers1 person -
2. Get represented by a successful, reputable and friendly agent
6 entries . 30 cheers2 people -
3. Have a one word resolution for 2009
19 team members . 6 entries . 16 cheers23 people -
4. Make 2009 My Best Year Yet
15 entries . 51 cheers107 people -
5. Enter three writing competitions
4 entries . 28 cheers1 person -
6. Attend a Writer's Conference
2 entries . 9 cheers6 people -
7. Complete 15 x 8 mile hikes in the Peak District in 2009
15 entries . 25 cheers1 person -
8. take a cooking course
2 entries . 57 cheers23 people -
9. complete the 3 peak challenge
4 entries . 22 cheers9 people -
10. Overpay my mortgage by 4 months
3 entries . 48 cheers2 people -
11. Climb Ben Nevis
1 entry . 36 cheers54 people -
12. Hike the West Highland Way
2 entries . 41 cheers33 people -
13. bring up a happy,healthy & confident family
1 entry . 81 cheers1 person -
14. Participate in The Genographic Project
4 entries . 20 cheers18 people -
15. stay in my current workplace for at least 5 years (and enjoy it!)
6 entries . 13 cheers1 person -
16. Buy and Live in the Dream House in the Dream Place
1 entry . 24 cheers1 person -
17. Look for the positives
14 entries . 24 cheers1 person -
18. Build the best team in the whole damn place
4 entries . 3 cheers1 person -
19. choose joy
2 entries . 7 cheers7 people -
20. get a masters degree
1 entry . 8 cheers2,975 people -
21. do the coast to coast walk
1 entry . 7 cheers8 people -
22. house
1 entry . 3 cheers78 people
How I did it
It made me
Ecstatic 
How I did it: Found a good instructor, and practised as much as possible in my spare time - stretching myself when I felt that I could handle a more difficult route.Before the test day, I listened to a hypnosis CD a couple of times (hey - it's worth a try), and also stopped driving in our own car as the handling was too different from the driving instructor's car. Rather than drive every day, I took a couple of one hour lessons and concentrated o… Read how I did it…
It made me
Super-happy!
How I did it: I thought about where I wanted to be long term and then made a shortlist of employers, with one at the very top. I checked their vacancies every day and made sure that I was ready when I got my foot in the door. Although I didn't succeed in my first application, I managed to get a place on my second. Read how I did it…
It made me
How I did it: I gave the job a chance, 3-6 months to see if it would improve. In the meantime, I saved some cash and applied for other jobs. In the end, I quit my job without another firm offer in place, but luckily I secured a new position a few days later. I gave full notice, and worked hard right until the end. Even though the company had treated me badly, I decided to maintain a professional attitude and left on a good note. Read how I did it…
See all "How I Did It" stories...
Recent entries
November Week Off
1 day ago
Lots happening next week, but I am SO glad that I am taking a break from work. Plan of action as follows:
Friday Night – dinner with Mum and N
Saturday – writing
Sunday – writing/cleaning
Monday – writing/walk?
Tuesday – Xmas shopping with sis. MiL arrives.
Wednesday – writing am/country house/scrabble
Thursday – writing am/Birthday – day TBC/evening feast
Friday – Nan & Grandpa am/MiL leaves/collect paint
Saturday – writing
Sunday – writing/walk?/Xmas cards/project
Major aim is to get the writing underway. A is going to take the MiL out in the mornings and I’ll join them in afternoons/evening. I’m aiming to rewrite at least 6 chapters – more if poss. The additional goal is to do at least 30 mins exercise every day.
Ironing Out
1 day ago
How long does it take for a new team to settle? My guess is 6 months at a minimum, probably 12 months.
I came back from a workshop today to find my Inbox full of gripes against one section of the team. Unsurprisingly, it’s the one section that has been through the most disruption – a complete revision of roles, long-term sickness, many different areas to service, no time to prepare, unclear procedures. They need more time – fair enough.
What kills me is the reaction from other colleagues who haven’t been through the same process. Negative criticism, lack of patience, nit-picking. Where’s the communication? Teamwork? Support?
This is the major thing I dislike about my workplace. Staff spend far too much time pulling each other to bits and not enough time helping each other out. We’d be so much more successful if all that energy could be directed into constructive work.
