What do you wish you’d spent more time doing this year: Lessons from a Year of Growth

Looking back on the past year, reflection can be both a rewarding and insightful experience. For me, this year was filled with a mix of completed goals, cherished moments, and valuable lessons. This article delves into the areas where I feel I could have spent more time and explores the positive changes that resulted from those experiences.

Exploring New Opportunities

One of the most fulfilling aspects of this year was engaging in new experiences and challenges. Whether it was participating in various types of stage shows in college or school, or stepping out solo on weekend adventures, these activities broadened my horizons and made my life more enriching.

Stage Show Participation: Performing on stage, be it drama, singing, or dance, provided me with a platform to express myself and connect with others on a deeper level. These experiences taught me the importance of confidence and resilience. Solo Explorations: Taking solo adventures on weekends allowed me to engage with my solitude and gain a clearer understanding of my own desires and needs. These solo trips were also vital for discovering new aspects of my personality and interests.

Embracing Learning for the Sake of Knowledge

Instead of merely studying to pass tests, I made a conscious effort to learn for the sake of knowledge itself. This approach to learning transformed my academic experience into a passion for discovery and understanding. I realized that true knowledge is not just about passing exams but about broadening my mind and gaining new perspectives.

Studying to Learn: Focusing more on the content and less on how others perceive my intelligence was a significant shift. It’s important to remember that intelligence can evolve over time, and everyone has their unique journey.

Building Strong Connections

Another key lesson of the past year was the importance of building strong connections with mentors and peers. Engaging with teachers and peers not only broadened my academic and professional network but also provided me with valuable support and guidance.

Connecting with Teachers: Maintaining open lines of communication with my teachers allowed me to receive personalized feedback and advice. This, in turn, helped me grow academically and personally.

Self-Reflection and Prioritization

Self-reflection played a crucial role in my personal growth this year. Understanding my own needs and making myself a priority was a cornerstone of my newfound self-assurance. By loving myself, I was able to cultivate a greater capacity to love and respect others, which has enriched my relationships with friends and family.

Loving Myself: Embracing self-love and self-care was transformative. I learned that self-love is not selfish but essential for creating a healthier, more balanced life.

Finding Balance in Promises and Expectations

One of the challenging aspects of the past year was managing expectations and setting realistic goals. I learned the importance of not promising things I couldn’t keep, which helped me develop a clearer sense of responsibility and self-awareness.

Setting Boundaries: Recognizing my limits and setting clear boundaries helped me manage my time and energy more effectively. Instead of overcommitting, I focused on what I could genuinely focus on and excel in.

A Year of Accomplishments

Looking back, the past year was not just about the lessons learned, but also about the accomplishments that brought a sense of fulfillment. We completed significant projects at home, spent quality time with family and friends, and enriched our lives through reading and learning.

For instance, we tackled a major home renovation project, which not only improved our living space but also strengthened our bond as a family. Additionally, the opportunity to travel and see distant relatives and friends provided a sense of connection and joy.

Overall, this year was marked by a balance of new experiences, personal growth, and meaningful accomplishments. It taught me the importance of time management, setting realistic goals, and making the most of every moment.