NEW YEAR, NEW ME... DO I REALLY NEED A NEW ME?
By Laura Kidd, Internal Control and Governance Support Officer, City of Victor Harbour
Council performance reporting and community engagement are intrinsically linked components of robust and responsive governance. Both are crucial for ensuring accountability and transparency, fostering business improvement and achieving positive community outcomes.
The start of a new year is often seen as a blank slate — an opportunity to reflect on the past and look ahead to explore new opportunities. The phrase "New Year, New Me" is plastered through our social media feeds, gyms, and conversations with friends, family and colleagues. But do we really need to reinvent ourselves? Frankly I have spent a lot of time, money and energy on the “old” me.
During the Christmas break, I reflected on the year and worked on a simple statement that I use for the year ahead. I like a statement that sets a theme for the year that doesn’t set unrealistic goals. The statement can be applied to my professional development, growth, self-improvement and my personal life at any time. Not just on the 1st of January.
My theme for 2025 is meaningful change. Change is an inevitable part of life, but not all change is created equal. However, meaningful change is not about quick fixes, fleeting goals or reaching milestones—it’s about creating lasting transformation that enhances our overall well-being.
However, with change comes challenges; and with challenges comes creativity. So, I’m embracing change and have used AI to help me collate my thoughts to share with the BPIN community.
1. Know Yourself and Your Values
When you are clear about your values, you can make decisions that reflect your authentic self. Reflect on some questions like:
- What do I want to contribute to the world and the local government sector?
- What do I care about most in my relationships, career, and personal life?
2. Embrace Small, Intentional Steps
Focus on taking small, intentional steps that contribute to your broader goals. Small changes, when repeated consistently, can lead to profound, long-term transformation. From little things, big things grow.
3. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Focus on the daily actions, the learning, and the experiences that contribute to your growth. Celebrate the effort you put in, rather than solely the results.
4. Align Your Surroundings with Your Goals
Your environment plays a significant role in supporting or hindering meaningful change. Take steps to create an environment that nurtures you. This might mean:
- Organising your physical space to reduce stress and increase productivity. That is, clean up that desk.
- Surrounding yourself with people who encourage your growth and support your goals.
- Seeking out resources—books, podcasts, mentors—that inspire and motivate you.
A great place to surround yourself with great people and resources is the
LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Viva Engage page. A blatant plug I know – however it includes thought-provoking articles and information on the topics for the 2025 Forums.
Conclusion: New Year, Better Me
Change, especially meaningful change, is rarely linear. Meaningful change is not a destination—it’s a process that unfolds over time, impacting every area of your life. Whatever you have planned for 2025, may it be filled with meaningful change, laughter and the articles from the BPIN network.
So, I will leave you with the wise words from Louis Tully from Ghostbusters 2. “Happy New Year. Stay fit, keep sharp and make good decisions.”
