In Scrum, we call it Retrospective

In Scrum Process(an agile methedology for Software Development), after an iteration(a cycle of development) comes to end ,the entire team sits together to discuss the positive and negative aspects of that iteration. We discuss the plus points like learning experiences, improvement in process or technology in order to leverage the same for the coming iterations. We also discuss the issues we faced and come up with action plans to avoid them in the future. In short , we list out our past experiences as a learning to carry forward as we step towards the future.Now that 2009 is coming to an end isn't it a good idea to conduct a Retrospective?Now you must be wondering what a damn software methedology has got to do with the end of a year. Lemme draw an analogy(dont worry ..it would'nt be a long one). Every year that passes by in our life is similar to an iteration,a cycle in the lifecycle of a project.Am I making sense..Hope I am:).Now that this Iteration I-2009(as per our project naming convention :) ) is coming to an end, lets start with the Retrospective for I-2009. Lets deal with the -ve ones first so that we can end this post with positive cheerful note. Lets list them first(as is done in The Scrum Retrospective) and then
we will draw the action plans:

• With Global economy hitting all time low and pink slips flying everywhere we experienced the fear of losing our livelyhood
• The climate change crisis

The above two are, I think (and feel you will also agree) are the 2 major problems that the entire world faced in the year 2009. Now lets move on to +ve points,what we learnt from problems and the action plans

• Recession-It was predicted(when i say prediction I dont mean tarot cards or crystal balls.I am referring to statistical predictions made by economists) that the world will take an awful lot of time to recover from this Global Economy Crisis. But as we can see, the economy is reviving much earlier than was anticipated . We faced big crisis , been through tough times but have finally found our way to recovery and success. This success has given us a renewed energy and spirit so we can meet any challenge with the attitude "All Izz Well...If not..Fikar Not... All Will be Well"
• Its being said that we need resources of two planets to meet the current consumption level of our planet. This is one problem which needs immediate attention.If neglected no renewed energy or spirit will be of use because its our doing ,our exploitation that has bought our planet to such an irrepairable stage. CopenHagen Summit ,inspite of being a fiasco, did convey an important message and bought attention to the point that Our Planet needs attention and the need of the hour is action not just discussion. Folks ,we need to act. Simple things can make difference- We can save power. We can avoid using automobiles unnecessarily. We can make maximum use of public transport so that we don't block the roads and pollute the atmosphere by using personal vehicles unnecessarily.

These were the two important things that , according to me were crucial aspects of I-2009. To me, this year had been a great learning experience...From Spring 2.0 to losing fear over geometry(Now I dont find Geometry elusive) to some crucial life lessons.....Some interesting ..some painful,yet inevitable....It had been learning all the way.....

Some words that struck me on my way back home today..Thought i would jot it down here

Kuch Rahe Na Rahe..

Zindagi na rukhthi hai na thamthi hai..

Bas chalthi hi jaati hai..

Kabhi hasathi hai..Tho Kabhi rulathi hai...

Aur Chalthi hi jaati hai...

Life moves on,years pass by and we can make the most of it and enjoy it and live to the lees by flowing with it and experiencing the ebbs and tides of it .Is'nt It?So lets bid farewell to I-2009 and welcome the new iteration I-2010 and create a milestone in the project called Life

Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous new year

P.S: Now I am wondering ...has this software industry turned me into a geek ? :)