With a new year upon us, it’s time for Michael, Kurt and I to engage in a The Potentiality New Year’s tradition and make public commitments about how we will realize our potential in 2016. By aligning goals with our natural talents, being aware of barriers to our development, and frequently monitoring our progress we will be more likely to achieve our goals.

John’s reflections and goals

Last year I set out to be healthier, a better listener and more connected within my fairly new community at work. I sweated every day, never succumbed to illness, and am still building an active and influential network of change makers. Talking significantly less was/is a harder achievement than I probably understood, as I have a lot of habits to break when it comes to being heard. And my weeks need to also involve 60-90 minutes of “high-impact” exercise to significantly enhance my physical health. Overall, 2015 was a really good year.

My year ahead will have one over-arching focus: slowing down. Thinking through ideas will help me set better context about the purpose of work for my employees and doing this will help me communicate more clearly, too. Solo-tasking will make me more efficient. Consistently practicing mindfulness will enhance my focus, reduce stress, and bring additional clarity to my thinking. Relying less on mobile devices, being less of a slave to email, achieving focus through listening, and living authentically in the moments I share with colleagues, friends and, most importantly, my family are behaviour-changes that I hope to achieve through my goal of slowing down.

Michael’s reflections and goals

Last year I committed to being healthy by being active as a family, appreciating the positive, and having more fun by getting back to my passion for music and the mountains. I was in a transition period with a brand new job, and didn’t want to peg year-long career goals, but overall I’m happy with how well I’ve lived into my potential with the goals I set. This summer my wife and I took our three kids on a week-long bike holiday that included a wedding. After that experience I was on cloud nine for a long time and I’m happy to say our winter holiday hikes and walks have been fantastic too.

Pursuing my core passions more deeply in 2016 is now at the top of my list. My secret-santa gave me a gorgeous set of art supplies as well, so I’ll be sketching and singing my way into 2016.As for my career potential, after my first full-year working in a communication-focused role I find I’m far too easily distracted by the myriad of updates, emails, messages, and requests flowing my way from every channel. I’m going to work on filtering, prioritizing, and delegating. Along with filtering, prioritizing, and delegating information and work, I’m going to prioritize growing into my potential through building my professional network.

Kurt’s reflections and goals

Last year I committed to maintaining a healthy commute, staying grounded and listening better and being patient and happy. How’d I do? Pretty decently I’d say. Healthy commute-wise I’ve jumped on the “bike riding bandwagon” and through most of the summer and fall I rode 1-3 times per week. The listening piece is something I will continue to improve.

I don’t feel like I knocked my listening resolution out of the park in 2015 – so that one’s still on the list for 2016. In 2016, I’m going to try to do a better job of considering options when making decisions. I’m also going to focus on one of my strengths (thanks for the advice John!) and continue to build out my experience as a connector and networker by using my lunches to make positive connections between my old and new friends. Not only is pleasurable in the short term, but it’s a great long term social capital investment.

Godfrey’s reflections and goals

In a lot of ways, 2015 was a breakthrough year for me in terms of reaching my goals both at work and on the personal front. I acted on my desire to learn more and get more out of my work, moving from internal communications to more dynamic issues management. And I rounded out the year by landing a really exciting new gig with Vancouver’s Board of Parks and Recreation. I also somehow managed to be a supportive husband and father, holding the fort for my two little ones as my wife took on a really exciting new career challenge of her own, stretching our ability to blend work and life to the limit. Entering the year with a desire to grow professionally while also committing to help my partner reach her incredible potential seems to have paid off in spades, I’m pleased to say.

The challenge for 2016 will be building on and sustaining the potential-momentum I created last year. Hitting the ground running at work will be key, but I’m also looking to carve out more time for friends and new experiences. Kurt and I are biking to Seattle in May which I hope will be the beginning of more touring adventures before the year is out. And, like John, mindfulness is also on the top of my agenda. With a new house, renovations and my daughter entering kindergarten, I’ll need to have my “zen” on to juggle all my competing priorities with consistent grace and good humour.