21 days into 2025, here’s my assessment of the global and personal scorecard.
Have you ever thought to give a scorecard to the world and yourself? During my corporate career, I was periodically assessing my team, while I was also being assessed; with the usual outcome of achievements, ranking and rating - all tied to bonus payouts and one’s trajectory in the company.
This is the first time I’ve taken this same scorecard approach, in a very early part of the year. I quite like the experience of checking-in, calibrating my expectations with my reality, not waiting to be told by others and/or dominant media outlets. I get to adapt the goals as needed and recognize that opportunities to build resilience is also a gift, just as celebrating successes is a must.
Global Dynamics
Positive Indicators
· Accelerating technological innovation
· UN Global Happiness Council's focus on happiness, hope and gratitude for 2025 gaining traction
· Overall resilient global economic recovery
· Cooperation on climate goals with increased finance flows and higher trade in low-carbon technologies such as solar, wind and electric vehicles
Areas of Concern
· Both the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Gaza war are still ongoing
· Climate change impacts becoming more pronounced – LA Fires
· A media personality-turned-politician returns to power
· Inequality remains a significant concern globally, with the richest 10% controlling nearly 56% of total income in many regions, including Africa
Perplexity AI gave the following Scorecard Assessment - Overall Rating: 6.5/10
Breakdown
· Innovation: 8/10
· Global Cooperation: 5/10
· Economic Stability: 6/10
· Environmental Progress: 5.5/10
· Social Development: 6/10
Personal Dynamics
Joyful Moments
· Grateful for our home amidst fresh air, mountains and sea
· Abundance of fun activities (Moana 2, My Fair Lady, Shopping, Meals, Nature)
· Both girls happy to start school again
· Love and support from family and friends
· Summer in Cape Town – cool early mornings and nights, beautiful sunny days.
Trying Times
· Single parenting
· 36 hours without running water
· 17 hours drive back from Johannesburg to Cape Town
Note: Interestingly, each of the 3 points above are easily turned into triumphs and pride.
I gave the following Scorecard Assessment - Overall Rating: 9/10
Breakdown
· Creative activities between us 3 girls: 9/10
· Chores done with minimal pain: 8/10
· Surrounded by art and music (maybe too much K-Pop): 10/10
· Independence and “me” time: 8/10
· Lack of arguments: 10/10
Verdict: Happy 2025!!
AI gave some alternative titles to this blog, love em’
"Where Chaos Meets Potential"
"Spoiler Alert: We're Still Here"
"Surviving, Somewhat Thriving"