2011 Annual Review

At the end of the year, the blogosphere is alive with many annual reviews as a way to reflect on the past year and to help in the planning for the upcoming year. Previously, I’ve done more comprehensive reviews and found them to be a good way to see all the adventures, successes and failures I’ve had in a year.

This year, I’m going to this review process slightly differently. Chris Guillebeau, one of my favourite bloggers, challenged his readers to answer just two simple questions: what went well in 2011 and what did not go well in 2011?

What went well in 2011

Leaving a job I didn’t like for a job that I really enjoy – This was probably one of the best decisions I made all year. Having a fulfilling and enjoyable job goes a long way to happiness. Its not just a cliché! I’m happy that I was able to get myself out of a miserable situation and into a fulfilling job. I’m learning loads with each passing day. Not to mention in another country! Which brings me to my next point…

Living and working abroad – I had always talked of going on an AIESEC internship. I wanted something where I would be living abroad for a long period of time – at least a year. Well, I am currently in month 8 of an 18 month internship in Budapest. I was scared to be away from home for so long, but it has worked out so far and I’m really enjoying my time in this European country.

Hero`s Square in Budapest during my first week.

Keeping my blog up to date – I managed to maintain my exchange blog quite regularly with updates 3 times a week. This was a promise that I made to myself and I’m really happy that I was able to keep it. This is definitely something that I will be keeping up in the new year.

Trying new things – This past year has been one for adventure. I tried many new things including: taking a bartending class, staying up the whole night (believe it or not, I’ve never done it), attended my first Tweetup & Twestival, tasted many many Hungarian delicacies, hosted a trivia night, went to a Yelp elite party, ran around in a thunderstorm, and attended my first concert (another believe it or not moment – I saw Usher!). I’m sure I’ve done many other new and crazy things this past year, but I can’t think of them now.

The Congress Committee team for Global Leaders`Summit

Joined an Congress Committee for an AIESEC conference – After completing my term as Organizing Committee President for a conference for Western Canada, I really wanted to join the Congress Committee for International Congress that was coming up in India. However, I found a job and wasn’t able to make it happen. I was thrilled to hear that AIESEC Hungary was hosting Global Leaders’ Summit (aka International Presidents’ Meeting) in 2012 and was looking for a virtual media manager. Hurray for fulfilling another wish.

Travel – In the 7 months I was in Hungary this year I traveled to 4 new countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Poland. I also visited Vienna twice, one of my favourite cities in Europe, Berlin, which became another favourite European city, and to Prague twice. With these 4 new countries, I’ve now been to 18 countries. Another 7 to go to meet my goal of 25 countries by the time I’m 25.

What did not go well in 2011

Falling through with commitments – At the end of 2010 I had committed myself to volunteer with a non profit in Vancouver. However I got ridiculously busy and wasn’t able to meet the commitment they required. I was originally really excited about the opportunity, but I just wasn’t able to make it happen. On a similar vein, my work with the Suitcase Entrepreneur started slipping, especially when I moved to Hungary.  

Lack of motivation and inspiration – I had periods where I was highly motivated to do this and that. Then I had periods were I had absolutely no motivation to do anything. Goals I had set for myself were not being met and my blogging was falling behind. For 2012, I need to come up with a way to maintain my motivation.

Stopping meatless Mondays and poor eating habits – Up until I moved to Hungary I was very diligent with my meatless Mondays. I had kept it up for more than a year. But once I moved to Budapest I found it really difficult to source vegetarian food (at least the items I was use to) so I stopped. Once I stopped that, my eating habits became terrible. I started cooking less, instead eating a lot of take out. Its difficult to cook for just one! But I love food and I love to cook. This is definitely one area I will be focusing on in 2012.

Bitterness and homesickness – I spent a lot of time in month 3 and 5 being really bitter about being in Europe. But with time it went away. I just need to keep reminding myself that I’m chasing a dream right now and that I wanted to be here. Plus, home is only a phone call away.

How was your 2011? What went well? What did not go well? Share in the comments!

P.S. The new Facebook timeline was fantastic for reviewing my year!