Hey guys,
2020 was a year - it stressed me, it took from me, it came with some wins and I’m very excited that it’s ending. Why? I don’t know. A lot of my life (and I’m guessing everybody’s life) was affected by the coronavirus pandemic and now that the year comes to an end, it’s dawning on me that there’s no solution as well to it. But amidst all of the madness, I’m very excited to begin 2021. So obviously, I’m going to try to do a recap of some of the things that happened this year.
The pandemic was very unexpected. One minute, we’re all in the middle of dancing at W Bar and the next minute, you can’t see who it is because they’re wearing a facemask. How ironic? When the pandemic started, I was scared for a lot of reasons. The first problem was just the uncertainty of things. See? I love it when I know what’s happening - think of it like I love to be in control of my environment. I don’t want to be caught unawares and so this hit me. I started with forcing myself to get physical activity in because I was in my room for most of the year to an appendicitis scare and eventually, just cancelling all my travel plans. Before the lockdown, I had gotten my Schengen visa in preparation for my mini Europe summer trip.
I was mostly okay. I took to Netflix (shared some of my recommendations in editions of my newsletter here) and then hosted virtual trivia nights just to keep I and my friends connected amidst the madness. I hoped on Zoom way more than I should and I’m hoping that I see way little of this in 2021 (I mean, I still don’t like physical meetings please, but not a lot of Zoom)
Ws
It feels like forever now but this year, I joined the supervisory board at RNW Media, an international non-governmental organisation focusing on young people and creating positive change in their societies. A friend of mine had thought I’d be great at it, and that was how it happened. I had sat through a few calls, and the next thing, they thought I was brilliant enough to be on their board. So far, it’s been actually interesting for me. I’m learning a lot of things outside the scope of my work, and everyone there is patient and willing to get on calls for further clarity.
I also took my writing a little seriously this year. It’s still getting better, but I’m writing more consistently. This year, I wrote on Okay Africa about the protests and how technology was very instrumental for it to happen and it gave me joy doing that because outside documenting the revolutionary protests, I got the opportunity to write something that long (I’m always a sucker for reads under 1000 words). I wrote a lot of exciting things as well and I’m hoping to do more next year.
This year, I kicked ass at my job too. It’s so easy to not acknowledge your work because we’re always very critical of ourselves but looking back now, I can actually say that I did good work at Wallets Africa where I spent the last 18 months leading with the digital marketing efforts. I did work that I never expected that I could, tried my hands at a little operational stuff and wasn’t that bad and now, I’m taking a break from work - while consulting for brands, small businesses and startups (Please send me an email - mrfrankugo@gmail.com or just book a call here)
Oh, something random that I consider a win this year, trying my hands at speaking. I’m the type of person who has random TED conversations with himself in the bathroom but put me in front of people and I’m very afraid of talking. This year, however, I spoke at Social Media Week and enjoyed that conversation! I went on to do more speaking for a few hubs here and there and it delighted me. Like I said on my website, I’m trying to do more of these when it aligns with things I’m passionate about. (so send me an email if that works)
Ls
I got a lot of rejection emails this year - A LOT! Let’s not even start there. But you know, I think they’re very necessary. Most times, some of them come with extra notes so it’s always very necessary to see where you could have done better with.
I also think about this a lot and realise that I’m sick and tired of Nigeria. Nigeria took a lot from me - my sanity and for me, a good part of 2021 will be dedicated to distancing myself from Nigeria.
Moving Forward
I try to manage my expectations for the New Year, so I don’t project a lot. This year sha, I just want to relax and let my guard down. I want to be loved intentionally and real and I’m open to the idea of falling hopelessly in love (LMAO). I’m also hoping to travel and I type this with hope in my heart that the travel industry will be back to normal in 2021, even though I seriously doubt it. I’m also looking to do meaningful work here and there - maybe consult for some of my favourite companies. Last but not the least, I want to write more.
I think that’s about it. Omo, if there’s anything I remember, I’ll tweet it.
Have yourself an amazing 2021 and be nice to yourselves. You need it.
Until next year,
Franklin.