Continuing my tradition of writing a retrospective (2022, 2021, 2020, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010) or look ahead (2019, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010), in this post I’ll recap 2023 and share goals for what is ahead in 2023.

Exercise

For the past few years I have been making good use of my home office treadmill (Treadly 2) as well as biking with my kids. In 2023 I increased the number of days of exercise (33% of days up to 45%) as well as total distance for the year.

https://twitter.com/BrianTJackett/status/1742557691359203655

• 167 days with exercise
• 422 miles ran
• 168.7 hours ran

I don’t have specific goals for 2024 but looking to continue my exercise (2-4 days a week on treadmill for 60-80 mins).

Reading

Since 2021 I have been reading books more regularly. You can view my profile on GoodReads along with “read” and “want to read” lists.  I set my 2023 GoodReads challenge to read 8 books and ended at reading 12. I was on track to read more but with my Diaconate classes (more on that next) my time was wrapped in classwork and required reading for my class for half of the year. A few noteworthy books from 2023:

• The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
  • I had previously read The 5 Love Languages with my wife. This book takes those same “languages” but adapts to them to the workplace. I actually used the lessons from this book in an org-wide initiative about Feeling Recognition. I was happy to have direct application from book to real-world in this case.
• Radical Focus : Achieving Your Most Important Goals with Objectives and Key Results
  • I read this book as part of a book club within my larger group at work. I found this an interesting read compared to John Doerr’s Measure What Matters. We had many lively discussions about how to apply these concepts to our semester planning and OKR settings.

For my 2024 GoodReads challenge I’ve set a goal to read 8 books again.

Diaconate classes

For the past 4+ years I’ve had reflections on my personal calling to become a deacon within the Catholic Church. I’ve been very active in various groups and ministries throughout my life, but in these past few years this has come up more regularly.

After speaking with a few deacons at our church, my wife and I finally decided to meet with the deacon in charge of formation in our diocese. He was very open and supportive of my interests and had great points for further reflection.

Currently I am in the inquirer phase and have taken 2 pre-requisite classes and just about to start my 3rd class. The whole experience has been very fulfilling as well as helping me adopt a few daily good habits that lead to improved overall well-being. I am continuing in my discernment, but any major next steps won’t happen until 2025-2026.

Copilot for Microsoft 365

In my role at Microsoft, our Microsoft Graph Customer and Partner Experience team made a large shift in priorities around May 2023 to expand our coverage of Microsoft 365 developer integrations, specifically with Copilot for Microsoft 365. This included expanding our Microsoft Graph TAP to rebrand as the Microsoft 365 Developer TAP and incorporate Copilot extensibility topics.

This has been quite the whirlwind for the past 8+ months but exciting times to be at the forefront of this new AI technology offerings. 2024 will continue with these investments across my individual team and larger org.

Family

As you might have noticed, I slowed down on blogging in 2023. This was primarily related to the above two items of Diaconate classes and Copilot for M365 work, but also to increases in involvements with my family. I’m a den leader for my son’s Cub Scout den, fill-in for coaching various sports teams my kids are on, as well as volunteering for different church programs and events. Combined with my wife returning to work part time the end of last year and that left little time for side projects with blogging.

My wife and I also celebrated our 10 yr wedding anniversary. We took a wonderful 6-day trip out to Arizona and had the most amazing time with hiking, train ride, music, and good meals.

I’ll revisit blogging and videos more regularly in the future, but for now you can take a look at 2 Copilot & Graph connectors videos I produced with our marketing team in 2023.

Extend Copilot for Microsoft 365 with external data with Graph connectors

Use Microsoft Graph Connectors To Integrate External Data With Microsoft 365

Conclusion

2023 was a packed year with new experiences, family events, and more. I hope you had a joy-filled year and grew personally and professionally. Feel free to share any of your experiences in the comments or link to your own reflection from 2023. Looking forward to all that 2024 has to offer.

-Frog Out

Credits
2 hikers on mountain – Sylvain Mauroux
Books on table – Tom Hermans