Memorandum 2022

As we reflect on another strange year. I remember last New Year's Eve saying that there was hope 2022 would be a bit more 'new normal' and yet here we are still dealing with a global pandemic and no shortage of uncertainty. So let's be kind to each other and make 2023 the best we can together.

"It's often said that life is strange, oh yes, but compared to what?"

Steve Forbert 

Life was unstable before 2020 and it will remain unstable. So all we can do is live our best lives, try our level best, take care of each other, and keep what's really important alive in our hearts. That's certainly better than the alternative. 

Let's also remember some we lost in 2022.

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Happy Holidays

Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noël, Frohe Weihnachten, Buon Natale, Feliz Natal, Crăciun Fericit, God Jul, Glædelig Jul, Hyvää Joulua, Gleðileg Jólm, Wesołych Świąt, Vrolijk Kerstfeest, Sretan Božić, Veselé Vánoce, Felicem Natalem Christi, Nollaig Shona 

Happy Christmas🎅

c

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Year of the Rooster

Today is the Chinese New Year and the beginning of the Year of the Rooster - more specifically the Fire Rooster. It is also known as the Spring Festival in China. It is said that 2017 is going to bring fresh challenges requiring quick wit and practical solutions.

If you were born in 1945 or 2005, you are a Wood Rooster which means you're engergetic and tender. Fire Roosters born in 1957 and 2017 are (will be) trustworthy with a strong sense of timekeeping.

Earth Roosters born in 1909 and 1969 are generous and trustworthy. Gold Roosters who were born in 1921 and 1981 are determined and brave. And Water Roosters born in 1933 and 1993 are quick-witted and compassionate.

Roosters are resilient, brave, loyal, hard working, astute, charming, and witty. They are also complex, creative and artistic. Problem solving is their special talent. It's been suggested we make room for our Roosters as they will give us the fire we need to get through challenges and establish creative solutions.

May the coming New Year bring you joy, love and peace.
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MMXVII – Now What?

It's a new year, a fresh canvas, a new list, a potential re-set button. I don't know about you, but I'm reflective this time of year. 365 days ago, I had a list of 10 things I wanted to tackle or accomplish in 2016 and I was able to put a check mark beside 7 of them.

Why do we do that to ourselves? We make lists, resolutions, promises to ourselves for a better year than last. 2017 is gonna be the best year ever, man! 2016 sucked; 2015 was awful, this year is gonna rock, dude!

Ambitions and Resolutions

Is it a tad dramatic to sum up our lives in a chunk of time according to a calendar? Every year comes with challenges, unforeseen opportunities, dips, and pleasant surprises. Yes, it's important to have goal that we not only verbalize or write down; it's much more critical to actually accomplish them, isn't it?

Perhaps it's an age thing with me, but I still make my lists, and if I don't get to an item, I question why. Did I have it on the list because I thought I wanted it? Was it because I should have wanted it? Am I giving up too easily? Was I too ambitious?

I can only guarantee one thing about 2017; most of what will happen we cannot predict. The key, perhaps, will be to not dip too long if we hit a snag and ensure we pause and enjoy the good moments.

Cheers to you for a great year!
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Thank You

The new year has begun. The resolutions, reflections, promises, and future, have all been examined. We are all more reflective this time of year and despite the onslaught of meals and gifts and visiting you may have done, not everyone has that experience; many are alone this time of year. If you know someone who is, give them a call, they'll appreciate it.

This is also the time of year we often look at our lives and wonder if we are living it the way they want. I know a lot of people who lost their gig in 2015 and my heart breaks for them. I have been consulting for nine years and it's not always easy. We all have challenges and rough patches. Last year was a transition one for me on almost all levels as I ready myself for the next push up the hill.

Rethink. Redo. Restart.

In the past six months, I have completely revamped my life. I have emerged from a few tough years and many have stepped up to help. It's a bit overwhelming. Friends show up when you need them. I'm sure you're like me; you help without a thought, but asking or receiving help isn't as easy. Friends encouraged me to speak at TEDx this month and continue working on my book.

As we embark on this new year, my words of advice are; offer help and ask for help. We aren't in this thing called life alone. Let's spend less time clicking and posting at each other and more time helping, growing, and learning from each other.

Happy New Year!
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As a passionate leader, Kneale Mann has extensive experience as a business advisor and project manager in numerous industries and organizations including; human resources, corporate training, financial services, media, real estate, healthcare and more. He is always open to meeting leaders who want to improve their bottom line through strong culture and leadership.

It's a New Year - Now What?

To millions, Christmas and New Year's are the most depressing and stressful events of the year. We have created expectations that far exceed what we may be able to replicate in reality and it can be tough.

The old adage that you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family rings true for too many and that includes the workplace. My Holidays were filled with time spent in person, on phone and online to catch up with some of my favourite people. I hope you did the same. Not just at this time of year!

Later is Now

Most are back to work today looking at a list made in the haze of too much champagne that has now been added to the growing catalogue of items left to get to after the Holidays. If you're one of them, now is the time to decipher whether you made the to-do list to really do now or simply procrastinate in December.

Lists are simple to make. I have made more than my share over the years. They are filled with promise and possibilities written in a brave moment of clarity meant to push me through to completion only to fall short because the action was far more involved than writing about it. Let's try less and actually do more.

Ready?

Kneale Mann

image credit: animationideas