As 2015 comes to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on everything that has happened this year. Before I dive deep into my annual recap and choose my theme for 2016 (This year’s theme was Vulnerability), I like to look back and reread some of my favorite posts and books from the year. Last year, I wrote a recap of the best posts I read or listened to in the community management space.
This year, I made a conscious effort to read a broader spectrum of content, as I realize I learn and discover the most the farther I go outside of my comfort zone. I’ve rounded up 11 of the best of the best posts (or in some cases listened to) below.
1. Advice to my 22-year-old self: You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take
Even though I’m much closer to 30 than 22, this post is a must read regardless of your age. Rachel Thomas, President of the Lean In Foundation, shares some really solid advice for how to thrive in your career and personal life.
2. Why your community isn’t growing (and how to get unstuck)
If you feel like you are struggling or can’t seem to get past a brick wall in the community you manage, give this post from Richard Millington, founder of Feverbee, a read. It has some great tips to help you get a fresh perspective and evaluate what is and isn’t working. Some of my favorite tips from this post are “read outside of communities” and “resolve the emotion not the question.”
3. Our lives need more adventure
“Big change happens when you decide that you want the dream more than you fear the reality.” This quote sums up the post from Jason Zook brilliantly.
4. The Core Reason For Community Builder Burnout
You would be hard-pressed to find a seasoned community builder, who hasn’t felt burnt out from time to time. In this fantastic post, Carrie Jones opens up with her struggles and how she has overcome them. It’s an absolute must-read for any community builder.
5. Silent Night What I Observed and Learned About Myself Through 18 Hours of Silence
When’s the last time you truly unplugged? No laptop. No phone. No TV. No music. No chatting with others. Just you, yourself and your thoughts. If you are like me, it’s probably been a long time. That’s exactly what Jess Lawlor did for a day earlier this year. She shares insights from the experiment in this excellent post.
6. 40 Random Lessons From 40 Years On Earth
I know what you are thinking? Oh great, another birthday listicle. This one from Amber Naslund is different, and well worth your time to read. Some of my favorite tips in this post are, “Confidence is sexy. Arrogance is ugly. The difference? Humility.” and ” It’s okay to not be good at some things. It’s even better if you’re self-aware enough to know what your challenges are.”
7. Get on the Plane: You Become What You Do At The Margins
This is one of the best and most thought-provoking posts that I’ve read of all-time and not just this past year. In essence, Taylor Pearson writes about how the small changes you make at the margins ultimately compound to much more significant results in time.
8. The Bruises We Carry, The Bruises We Lay Down
This post from Carrie is so raw, so vulnerable and so courageous that it would be impossible not to include it. Yes, I know this is the second post of Carrie’s that I’m sharing in here. Both are absolute must-reads but for very different reasons.
9. I am my own worst enemy
Paul Jarvis has been one of my top 5 favorite writers for a couple of years now. His Sunday Dispatches (his weekly newsletter) is one of a small handful of newsletters that I actually look forward to reading in full each week. I’m super bummed that he doesn’t release any newsletters for the month of December, but hey I realize everyone needs to take a break every so often. This post is one of my all-time favorites. No doubt, probably because I can relate so much to it. No one is going to be harder on me than I am on myself.
10. Uncommon Sense
This talk from Derek Sivers was hands down the best talk from WDS earlier this year. I’m so glad that the WDS crew decided to share it in full as it’s well worth the 40 minutes to listen to.
11. Harnessing the Power of Your Authentic Voice
This episode from the Unmistakable Creative is an interview with bestselling author Todd Henry. It dives deep into how to find your voice and unleash your creativity. An absolute must-listen.
Enough from me. I’ve shared my favorite posts from the past year. What were your favorites? Please leave a comment below or email me directly.
Thank you so much for including my post here! Can’t wait to check out the others.
jesslaw 🙂