The feeling that comes with the new year can be a rush of emotions all at once. A surge of happiness, anxiety, excitement, and the list goes on. The wonder of each new year is the lessons we can take from the previous one. The moment of sober reflection on how the year went is a journey of self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-improvement. This forms a mini-journal filled with the highlights and turning points of the year that will serve as a guide for the new year.
Here are five key lessons I learnt in 2022 that will guide my journey and maybe yours in the new year:
Relationships are the new currency
I’m sure it’ll be nice if I was referring to hard currencies like Pound Sterling or Euros, but relationships are one currency that no one should overlook. The year 2022 taught me the value of having and building the right relationships with people. This is more than just about meeting people and relating to them. This goes into seeing the value in people and finding what value you can bring to their lives as well. It can be in the relationships that span across work, family, friends, business, and career.
There’s Always a New Level to Be Unlocked
This year has shown me the importance of being kind to oneself when trying to grow as a person. This involves being content and appreciating where you are and the stage of life you are in, but also being willing to strive for better in all aspects of life. It’s a realization that the more you stretch yourself and push yourself to achieve more, the more limitless possibilities open up for you. This is what I experienced as I stretched myself in my work task and, personal goals.
Work Smart, Not Hard
This might sound absurd to some, while to others it hits the mark. Going through the year made me realize that it’s good to work hard, but it pays better to work smart. This was not just what I learned at work, but what I believe is essential to being an effective individual. It is a way of life that recognizes the importance of putting forth effort in whatever task is at hand while also measuring what produces the best results when focus and effort are applied. It is a reminder that collaborating with the right people gives better results. As the saying goes, ‘teamwork makes the dream work.’
Be Open to Shortcomings
This can be a hard pill to swallow, but it is a truth that every human needs to accept and embrace. The year taught me how to redefine the word “perfectionism.” It is human to not be perfect. This wasn’t an excuse to fail, but it was a soothing balm I had to constantly have on the days I didn’t hit the goals or make a win. It is a reminder to forgive oneself when one knows better but doesn’t do better.
Be Grateful for Your Seasons in Life
Three hundred and sixty-five days will take a person through many phases and seasons of life. In the midst of the changes that come as the days and times go by, I find it fundamental to be grateful. The end of the year always brings into perspective that seasons change and it is temporal, whether good or bad, and going forward into the year, it is a priority to show gratitude to God, family, friends, and those that make a positive impact in your life.
In a nutshell, a lot occurred in 2022. I experienced life and learned from those experiences. I believe as I enter the new year, some of the takeaways to put into practice will be: never stop giving back, own your story, be open to change, and put what you learn into action.
