THINGS THAT I LEARNED IN 2009

I've just finished my first year (officially, anyway) of full-time coaching. It's been a really unforgettable year. It seems like just a few days ago that I was stressing about pre-launch problems, and now I'm getting ready to go unwind and prepare for the coming year. It was definitely a year of self-discovery and I learned so much more than I would have thought possible.

I learned that God is good. Actually I already knew that, but 2009 just completely reinforced that for me.

I learned that people skills are actually pretty important. Who knew?

I learned that it's much harder to hide dirt, hair and dead bugs on lighter-coloured mats than darker ones.

I learned that isolation doesn't have to mean stagnation. If you want to improve, find a way or go do something else.

I learned that running a business with your wife can be really fun.

I learned that friendships and relationships should be prioritised far, far above who can tap who out. Actually I already knew that too, but 2009 drove it home.

I learned that eye infections really, really suck.

I learned that it's easy to create a fun, ego-free atmosphere... but only if that's what you actually want, deep down.

I learned that hypocrisy is not worth your anger. But it is worth your pity.

I learned that running a martial arts/fitness business by yourself is much, much more demanding (mentally, emotionally and physically), involved and scary than the mere sum of its parts would make it seem. Which leads me to the next point...

I learned that God is very, very good.

Finally...

I learned that you may or may not be able to go home again, but if the people there were worth your fond memories in the first place, they'll still be worth it when you visit.