The Scars 2011 Left Me

Written by Ken Benrock

I’ve learned a great deal this year. Unlike previous years I’ve shared a good amount of those lessons on this blog. Some hard and painful, others not so much.

My ultimate goal was to teach you a couple things, have a laugh or two, and more than anything make you think.

Just like everyone, I had my fair share of ups and downs. I’ve made some exciting discoveries, but also failed many experiments. One thing that I’m happy about were the amazing people I met. On the flip side though, it does come with the cost of letting other people go.

The list below highlights the important things I’ve learned this year.

• Everyone on the Internet is looking to fill some type of void in their life. Answers to questions they have. Filling in the gaps of time they have so they’re not bored. Following that desire to be a part of something and feel important. Searching for their passion and who they are.

• Listen at least once and give everyone a chance, on and off the web.

• Stats and numbers mean less than you think. No matter how many subscribers, friends on Facebook, or Twitter followers they have. If they add value in your life sync with them.

• If you want to be successful at this blogging thing you must write and read every day. No questions.

• You cannot fear the publish button and what people think. There will always be haters out there. The more haters you have, the more meaningful your work is becoming.

• Everything you do, and everything you write isn’t going to be epic. Deal with it, you just don’t know.

• At one point every year, life will break you. There’s no avoiding it. The key is what do you do after you’ve been broken.

• Who you hang out with and surround yourself with on and offline is so important. Remember you’re the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.

• Reading books will only get you so far. You have to experiment, take risks and Do the Work.

• The harder, more uncomfortable path that makes you suffer and causes you pain is the route you should take. It’s the path less traveled, but the end result is worth 10 times over.

• You don’t have to unteather from everything.

• Sleep is more important than you realize. Go to bed, it can wait another day. You’re not a zombie.

• Chances are you’re going to fail more times then succeed. Keep taking risk, fear nothing, and trust me when you do finally succeed after all those fails it’s that much more special.

• If you can create or have an opportunity to join like minded people. Do it!

• Evernote and Spotifly are the apps (iPhone & Mac) I used the most this year. They help me out tremendously. I recommend them to anyone.

Here is my favorite blogs and favorite articles for the year 2011.

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I’m amped up and cannot wait for the new year. Join me next year for free by email or rss.

What important lessons have you learned in 2011? Share your lessons in the comments or better yet if you wrote a post on the topic add your link.