Finding my purpose and other 2022 adventures

It is the end of another big year here at Elm.

I am sure, like many of you, this year feels like it has been ten years in the making and only three months long. It took forever to finish, but it feels like just yesterday it was March.

As I reflect on the year that was 2022, I am reminded of how important it is to know your purpose and follow your passion.

I started the year unsure if I would keep Elm running. I finished 2022 pretty worn out and uncertain if I had the passion to keep a business running for another year.

I had to stop and think about why I started Elm in the first place. I wanted to work for myself so that I could focus on communications and find a better work balance. I love my profession and want more time to do that, rather than the processes and meetings that are part of being a public servant.

I reflected on the projects I loved working on. They were focused around supporting communications teams to be working as effectively and efficiently as they could so they too could focus on the work they loved. I also still loved working on communication strategy, finding a communication solution to a complex problem.

With a renewed sense of purpose and focus, this year has been all about that working on projects that I am passionate about – engaging directly with communications teams about how they are structured, their services and processes and working across government to develop communication strategies and content.

It was a big year. We worked on 29 different projects for 16 clients. We ran 31 workshops and around 60 one on one interviews.

But this year’s biggest achievement was growing Elm to two employees (along with our network of subbie friends). Having Sue Loftus join me in September reinforced for me that Elm has a strong future ahead, and two is always better than one, right?

If you are ending this year with a little less sparkle, do what I did – take time out this summer and think about:

• What did you love working on this year?
• What makes you happy?
• Do you love what you’re doing?
• What are you passionate about?

Time to Marie Kondo your work life! When you know why you are doing what you do, it’s easier to work through the tough times and be passionate about your work. Do what brings you joy.

Elm out!

We have had a big year here at Elm so we are taking an extra break this Christmas to spend some quality time with our family, bed and the beach. We will be out of the office from Thursday 15 December until Tuesday 17 January (I know great right!). We won’t be checking emails or voicemails during this time as we will be switching off but will get back to you as soon as we can in the New Year.

From our little Elm family to yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a restful break!