As we find ourselves at the cusp of a new year, it’s hard to believe how quickly 2024 has come to an end. Whether you’re wrapping up gifts or just seeking a moment of peace during this hectic holiday season, I’m truly grateful that you’re here with me today. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
A Year of Intention and Growth
Back in October 2023, I conceived a powerful idea. What if I dedicated 2024 to mastering 12 areas of focus, which I would consider my personal “superpowers”? These guiding principles would shape my life and business, transforming aspects like clarity, levity, and even traditions. And let me tell you, this year tested my resolve repeatedly.
Today, I want to take you through an overview of how this idea played out, sharing both the triumphs and the lessons I learned.
Discovering Clarity
One of the standout superpowers this year was clarity. As an industrial-organizational psychologist, I’ve worn many hats over the years, but this year I reaffirmed my true passion—helping people find joy in their work. This focus on clarity shifted everything for me and propelled my commitment to workshops, coaching, and programs focused on career joy and direction. Remarkably, Lead with Levity earned two Brandon Hall Excellence Awards, recognizing our efforts in talent management and HR.
Embracing Levity
Levity was another area I explored deeply, realizing it’s not just a nice-to-have but a fundamental need. Facing personal and professional challenges, I relearned how to find joy in small moments and prescribed myself laughter as a remedy for stress. It’s amazing how powerful a simple laugh can be in combating stress and encouraging resilience.
Breaking Tradition for Growth
Breaking tradition was an unexpected theme of the year. After losing my voice for a month, my family and I decided to embrace change by living in Costa Rica for a while. This break allowed us to unplug from our routine, reminding us how simplicity aids growth. Little adventures like climbing volcanoes and road trips brought fresh excitement and deepened our appreciation for life’s experiences.
The Wonders of Technology
This year, technological advancements in AI and virtual reality captured our imagination and educated us on responsible usage. From VR’s immersive experiences to AI’s ethical challenges, these innovations remind us to leverage technology for good while maintaining mindfulness about its impacts.
Wrapping Up with Levity and Gratitude
As we conclude this year, let’s infuse our holiday gatherings with levity and gratitude. Allow yourselves moments of laughter and don’t shy away from innovation—even using tech discussions to divert heated holiday table talks! This season, let’s cherish connections, be present with loved ones, and take moments to appreciate the meaningful interactions we experience every day.
From Creative Drought to a Year of Ideas: My 12 Problems Framework Journey
With gratitude,
Dr. Heather Walker
Dr. Heather Walker earned her doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Saint Louis University. Dr. Walker is an Industrial / Organizational Psychologist who wants to change how people experience work. With experience in management, training, and organizational development, Dr. Walker understands that we all need help sometimes to find balance and perspective. This is especially true in the face of constant change and rising performance pressures. Dr. Walker founded Lead with Levity to promote healthy workplaces through survey insights, workshops, and a healthy dose of wisdom from guests on the Lead with Levity Podcast. Her goal is to help people have fun and get more done. Dr. Walker has a successful record of advising and consulting executives on organizational development, talent management, training, competency modeling, and change management initiatives that drive performance improvement and enhance the workplace. She employs an innovative approach, balancing people, planning, and productivity to support departmental and organizational goals. She also leverages her management experience to develop transformative programs designed to improve workplace dynamics, lower turnover, and increase profitability.
