Advice For 2010: Don’t Be Reactive
Happy New Year!
I’m really excited about 2010, partially because 2009 was a tough year for me. This time last year I was trying (unsuccessfully) to get some sleep before packing my truck full of everything it would hold and trekking 17 hours across country to Charlotte, North Carolina on January 2nd.
In the last year I’ve learned more than I could’ve ever imagined (mostly about myself), worked with some really smart people, and continued that agonizing process of “growing up.”
2009 was also a year that saw the amount of traffic to this blog increase 500% over 2008 (true story), and subscribers grow from 102 (Dec 31, 2008) to over 1200.
I’m not sure what 2010 has in store for me yet, but I do have a bit of “easier said than done” advice I’d like to dispense for readers of this blog:
Are you a proactive, take life by the reins kind of person? Or are you the college graduate sitting at home, applying to random jobs on Monster.com and moaning about the economy?
Are you doing work you’re passionate about or did you take your gig because the economy stinks?
What’s your approach to 2010?
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Congratulations on a killer 2009, and I look forward to seeing what you do in 2010.
What you have done thus far is beyond impressive, and I’ll take any chance I can to learn from you.
With all that bullshit ass kissing aside, we have some serious LOST discussions ahead of us. Make or break year…I’m optimistic
.-= Rich DeMatteo´s last blog ..Would you hire a cast member from MTV’s “Jersey Shore”? =-.
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admin Reply:
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Rich – Glad we got acquainted via Elisa as there’s no doubt we have a ton in common, including impeccable taste in television. I’m anxious for the triumphant return of LOST.
I’m also anxious to see what 2010 holds in store for Corn on the Job. Thanks for being a contributor here. Surrounding myself with people like you helps me amplify my own game!
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Cheers Ryan. You have been and still are a great influence to me – and you constantly push all of us to be at our best. I think this is the year that I REALLY take Godin’s advice that you so aptly quote – that happiness should NEVER be sacrificed for a paycheck. It’s going to be a banner year for a lot of us, and I can’t wait to see what we’re all talking about on January 1 2011. Best of luck my friend!
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admin Reply:
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Isn’t that Seth guy pretty smart? :p
I have no doubt it’ll be a banner year for many of you guys. As for me — I’m learning towards one of those cabin in the woods, watching from afar type of years. We’ll see what happens
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Good advice, especially for many 09 grads. Many are still moping, complaining about the economy and hoping something falls into their lap. I think 2010 will be a wake up call. Stop expecting things to be handed to you, and start pursuing the things you care about. If you are dedicated, smart, and most importantly, willing to stay focused, you will begin to see results.
As always Ryan, keep up the good work. Congrats on a good year and good luck.
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admin Reply:
January 25th, 2010 at 11:46 am
To be honest, I had 09 grads in mind when I recorded the video. There are so many of them that put on their suit and walked around the booths at their career fair with a resume that looked like everyone else’s just hoping to get a gig like people in previous years had.
Why aren’t more of them building their personal brand online? Acquiring real world experience through free work? Targeting specific people in specific job roles they’d like to have and asking them to mentor them?
So many possibilities besides job boards and career fairs.
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Ryan,
I’m at work so unfortunately can’t listen to that advice quite yet, but I do like what you have to say in the rest of the post. Seems like 2009 was a year of many changes and growing pains for a lot of people.
I like what you say about being Reactive vs. Proactive. I recently realized that I spent a lot of last year reacting to situations. I think that’s ok, sometimes — actually, sometimes it’s necessary. But I’m eager to see what 2010 brings — I’m eager to really get out there and take life by the reins, as you say, to take risks, to jump in.
The cool thing about blogging? Though we’re in different places, different situations, we’re still right there alongside each other. It’s been great getting to know you Ryan, connecting through your blog. Can’t wait to see what you have in store, what life has to offer you. Wishing you the very, very best.
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January 4th, 2010 at 8:57 amI love the idea of not being “reactive.” Proactive versus reactive is an interesting mix personally and professionally.
I think it’s important to be proactive about what you want in life and reaching high. In addition, I think being reactive and listening can be part of the learning and growth process, as well.
Happy New Year! I’m not sure what 2010 will bring me, but I’ve dubbed it the year about me
in a healthy selfish way, because 2009 was sort of the opposite.
.-= Grace Boyle´s last blog ..How Do You Hire? =-.
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admin Reply:
January 4th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
I’ve seen quite a few of “our kind” (me included) wax poetic about a more selfish approach this year. I learned so much last year, but when it was all said and done I felt “tired.” Here’s to starting the New Year fresh, continuing to create content and help others, but most importantly – not to forget ourselves.
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Have you showed the TSA your video yet? Maybe an opportunity there
I’m a big fan of Seth’s, so I’m with ya 100%. Let’s do it!
.-= Tim Jahn´s last blog ..Flashpoint Academy =-.
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January 4th, 2010 at 1:06 pmGood stuff Ryan. I agree, make your own paths, blaze your own trails.
Here is to an amazing 2010 and hope to connect with you more in the coming year.
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January 4th, 2010 at 1:37 pmGreat thoughts, Ryan. This past year I definitely was one that took things as they came at me. I’d probably use “I’m at a new job and getting my feet under me” as an excuse, but that’s a) not a good excuse and b) no longer an excuse I can use.
So, I’m definitely (hoping) to start carving my own path instead of going wherever the wind takes me.
Great stuff and glad to see another video post from you!
.-= Jackie Adkins´s last blog ..Setting Goals for the New Year =-.
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January 4th, 2010 at 2:56 pm