13 Lessons I’ve Learnt In 2019

I’ve always seen 2019 as my year of self-discovery, self-growth and self-healing. The road ahead of me is still long for sure, but I feel like I’ve learnt so much in just a span of 1 year; some I had to learn the hard way while others came more easily. I’m in no way a life expert, but my wish is to share the 13 lessons that I’ve learnt in 2019. And hopefully, you can all benefit from them as well.

LESSON #1: Negotiate, until both parties reach a middle ground.

A decision made is not necessarily the final say. Learn to negotiate, until all parties reach a middle ground.

LESSON #2: Like all things in life, people change.

“The only thing that’s constant is change”.

As infants, we were born with a clean slate. However, as we get older, we develop our own sense of self — our personality, beliefs, opinions, preferences, identity, values, principles etc. Various factors shape the person that we are —   our environment, the people we associate ourselves with, the books we read, media we consume, stories/opinions we hear, lessons we learn etc. In the end, it all comes down to how we want to be identified and how we carry ourselves as a person.

LESSON #3: Never ever sacrifice your truth.

The journey towards your goals can be very lonely and isolating at times. Tons of sacrifices will have to be made, but never ever sacrifice who you are. Climbing to the top will require a lot of sacrifices. Not everyone will understand your choices. What bothers me most is how most people are comfortable with the status quo. They’ll tell you to slow down, to take it easy. Regardless, never let anyone discourage you. Have clarity on your purpose and hustle towards your dreams.

LESSON #4: Face problems through ideal meritocracy and thoughtful disagreements.

“Our success occurred because we created a real idea meritocracy in which the goal was to have meaningful work and meaningful relationships and the way we went after them was through radical truthfulness and radical transparency“.

— Ray Dalio, Co-Chief Investment Officer & Co-Chairman of Bridgewater Associates, L.P.

In every problem faced, ideal meritocracy is key. Never assume anyone knows what is in your head. Talk it out with good intentions, find the root cause, develop a solution, execute it and move on. Don’t take everything personally.

LESSON #5: Keep an open mind.

Be open-minded and always willing to listen to the opinion of others. Do not be quick to judge a situation based off your own understanding. There is only so much that you know. Try looking at a situation from multiple angles or perspectives.

LESSON #6: The importance of a morning routine.

Wake up early and start off the day with a morning routine where you set aside time for yourself to gather your thoughts and be one with your Being. What you do for the first few hours of the day will set the tone for the rest of the day. Routines are not meant for you to feel trapped and rigid. Instead, they serve as a guide to navigate your everyday routine and it helps in adding more value and meaning to your life.

LESSON #7: Age does not define maturity.

Age does not define maturity. Experiences, learnt lessons, common sense and the way you present yourself to others do.

LESSON #8: Love yourself.

“I am enough”.

— Marisa Peer, Speaker, Therapist, Behavioural Expert and Best-Selling Author.

Love yourself fully and wholly before loving anyone else. You cannot fill others when your own cup is empty. Love is not handed to you, you must first find it within yourself.

LESSON #9: You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.

The truth is, we are all filled with insecurities but sadly, they’re often seen as a sign of weakness. I think we should all embrace our flaws and find perfection in imperfections.

LESSON #10: It’s not WHAT you say, but HOW you say it.

Be nice. A little kindness goes a long way.

LESSON #11: You are the 5 people that you surround yourself with.

Hence, choose who you want to associate with wisely.

LESSON #12: Do not act or say anything out of anger.

You never want to end up with regrets.

I initially listed down 12 lessons, to represent the 12 months in a year. But come to think of it, there’s one more lesson that I forgot to mention and is also equally as important.

LESSON #13: Do not settle for toxic or mediocre relationships.

Set your standards and know your worth. It may be hard at first, but know that when it’s time to let go, let it go. Have faith that something better is in store for you! Life is too short to waste your time and energy on those who treat you like a second option.

“Never give a human

The job

Of making you happy.

Some days,

They might call in

Sick.

Other days,

They might

Quit”.

— Vessel

Thus, that concludes the 13 lessons that I’ve learnt in 2019. Hope it helps and I’d love to know from your side as well, about the things you’ve learnt in 2019, or in life for that matter.

As always, take care and God bless xx