HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Welcome to 2024. If you are like me, you are probably grateful for surviving 2023. It was a journey for me and I’m glad for the lessons: starting with a new business, to experiencing losses, to optimizing my intentional lifestyle, to ending the year with a new job.
As I count my blessings, here are some lessons I learnt in 2023:
Be kind to yourself
Even when it doesn’t look like it, you are doing great. Celebrate your little wins and love yourself. Be your own cheerleader, encourage yourself, challenge yourself, and believe in yourself.
When I started Finewiners Network, I got several negative comments and energy from people, but the worst was from myself. I had self-doubt which in turn affected how far I was willing to push the idea to others.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, success takes time, so you must be patient, kind, and proud of yourself for the journey you have started.
Try something new
Staying in your comfort zone is easy but putting yourself out there for new adventures is far more rewarding.
One of my 2023 goals was to meet new people and make meaningful friendship. That meant I had to be more outgoing and friendly. Looking back, I’m glad I made that choice because last year gave me the most supportive friends ever.
You can never know what you are capable of achieving unless you try. Learn a new skill, meet new people, visit a new place, learn to swim, you just might like it.
Only you can change your life
The choices you make determines your results. Motivational messages are good, but without actions, you will remain the same.
I made a choice to forgive someone who wronged me greatly. Truly forgiveness does more good to you than the other person. I chosed to liberate myself from that anger and it brought healing to my soul.
No one owes you anything, it’s your responsibility to change the direction of your life if you are not satisfied.
Exercise is good for your mind
Being inactive makes you depressed, sluggish, and lowers your confidence. Move your body as much as possible.
I struggled with exercising so much but every time I did, my mind and heart thanked me for it.
Join a gym if you don’t have the discipline to exercise alone and make it a lifestyle. Most importantly, take it slow for sustainability.
Good communication skill is important
Don’t expect everyone to communicate or respond the same way.
Joining Toastmasters International made me understand what a difference the right style of communication could make. I learnt to listen better to people and Truly understand them before giving a feedback.
Learn what works for different people in your circle. When you communicate with the right style, you bring out the best in others.
In all, 2023 was about intentionality.
Regardless of personal and societal challenges, my focus was to achieve my goals. I wasn’t going to waste time living below my potentials. I made the choice to chase my dreams head on and now feel like I can achieve anything! I look forward to a more productive 2024.
