Have you ever taken a few minutes at the end of the year to reflect back on everything that happened over the past 365 days?
Perhaps you tally your successes, accomplishments you are proud of, or things that went well over the past year.
Traditionally speaking, I’ve done something to this effect for the past five years. It is often coupled with planning the upcoming year.
But, a couple of years ago, I was focused on seeking closure before moving forward. The result, the list of 10 things I wish I’d know last year.
Full Disclosure: This List is a Couple of Years Old
I actually wrote this list out in 2020. It was supposed to be a reflection of the things I had wish I’d known in 2019. However, it never got published because of life (and this ‘little thing’ causing a global pandemic. Not to mention I was incredibly sick in Jan/Feb of 2020… I basically don’t remember a whole month of my life!).
The reason for the significance of this list originating in 2019? Well, in January 2019, Dave (my father-in-law) passed away. While we were family by marriage, we had a special bond that is not typical of in-law relationships.
The interesting part, while this list was originally written over almost two years ago, it is completely applicable today.
Eh, hem… I am still learning and re-learning some of these lessons. I guess you say that we are all a work in progress. And, this list helps to remind me of that!!
All that said…Without further ado, here it is. A list of 10 things I wish I’d known earlier.
Lessons I Wish I’d Known Last Year
1. You won’t ever be fully ready.
Messy action is better than a perfectly crafted plan that isn’t executed.
2. Goals are not the only way you measure success.
Just because you didn’t achieve the “goals” you set out to accomplish this year, does not mean you have failed.
3. Failure is not a final destination.
There are other opportunities waiting for you. Some require you to push past the failures. In some cases, you need to turn around and look for the signs you missed.
4. Not everyone likes you and that is none of your business.
You don’t like everyone. So, why do you care if everyone likes you? It is kinda silly when you think of it that way.
5. Other people’s opinions of you don’t matter.
Don’t try to control the narrative of what people think about you, it doesn’t work that way. You determine your worth — not others opinions of you. Your opinion of you is really what matters.
6. Boundaries are for the person setting them.
They aren’t made to be malicious toward other people, even if people react that way to them. They are intended to help you live a healthier and happier life. Don’t let someone else’s ability to accept your boundaries result in you changing them. If they cannot respect you — and your boundaries — you don’t need them in your life.
7. Don’t live your life full of regrets.
You can’t go back in time. Focus on the lesson learned so you do not to repeat the same mistakes in the future. If you do repeat mistakes, take it as a sign that you are still working on learning that lesson!
8. Life does not turn out the way you want.
That’s not how not how life works. And, it doesn’t matter how hard you try to force it. The sooner you learn to let go and Trust the Universe, the better.
9. Learning to allow things to unfold as intended is an incredible shift in life.
When you let go and allow life to unfold as intended — without forcing — amazing things happen. If you don’t like this one, re-read to the previous statement.
10. Clichés are annoying, but true.
Often times we discount things we hear because they were expressed in the form of a cliché. However, when you truly take time to listen and let the message sink in, you realize just how incredibly true they can be…
How About You?
What are somethings you learned over the past year? Share them below in the comments section!
Cheers to another year in the books!
One more thing before we go: While we might not always be proud of who we have been in the past, remember that you are just trying to do your best. You are a work in progress. As long as you are working to know better so you do better, that is really all that matters. Sending love your way!
