19 Things I Learned in 2019

Hello there,

I have not written a blog post or article since 2013 so I thought I’ll give it a try again. My inner-self would always tell me “go-write-a-blog-and-polish-your-writing-skills” but I always end up either not having the time to start it or I lack the motivation to do it. Before this year ends, I wanted to share some real world experiences that have helped and molded me into the professional person who I am today. I am forever grateful to all the people that I met along the way who have deeply touched me and instilled wisdom and values in me and I plan to keep applying those every day.

Now, let’s get real. I had my fair share of ups and downs this year in my professional career. I have encountered a lot of challenges and growing pains. I celebrated small wins, fought so many silent battles, had a taste of victories, hit my rock bottom, and picked myself up. Overall, I can say that it wasn’t bad but it was a pretty tough year. 

Here’s a recap of what I have learned this year: 

1. Integrity is everything. Your work ethic reflects who you are as a person. Be self-aware and transparent. If you make a mistake, own it. If you have a shortcoming, apologize and get it done. If you fail, try it again until you make it right. Do not over promise and under deliver. Life happens.

2. Say what you feel in a soft and respectful manner in every situation. "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

3. Take care of your health. Yes, including mental health. Make it a top priority. If you need to take time off to attend a doctor's appointment, rest or even just to unwind, do it. You deserve it and don't feel guilty about it. It will make your day more productive when you return to work.

4. If you don’t like something, change it. Don't just sit and b*tch. Just don’t. Identify the problem and provide your proposed solution. Trust me, your boss/es will appreciate this.

5. Travel as much as you can. May it be a trip abroad or an out-of-town weekend getaway. As cliché as it may sound, traveling has good benefits as it helps you become nimble, a better communicator, be creative and gain more perspectives at work. I have proven and tested these so many times. So if you have been thinking twice to go travel, I urge you to do it. Book that trip, it's going to be worth it and you'll thank yourself later.

6. Never stop learning. Seize every learning opportunity. May it be attending a conference, workshop, webinar, online training, reading a book, getting a skill certification or going back to school to pursue higher studies. There is always something new to learn.

7. Find your niche and be an expert at it. I have spent the last few years in the Recruiting world improving myself to be a better “Recruiter” only to realize that I have a true passion for talent attraction and retention. Ever since I have discovered my love for “Employer Branding”, I focused my energy on learning everything about it. I spend a lot of time doing tons of research, understanding business case models, keeping up with current market trends, putting up strategies, running various campaigns, analyzing data and connecting with like-minded seasoned professionals that have industry experience. Pro Tip: See #6.

8. Dress for the job that you want, not for the job you have. Feel good, look good!

9. Be open and humble. You are not always right.

10. Be thankful and content. Someone else is praying for the things you take for granted. Don’t forget to thank Him and the people around you.

11. You don't have to be friends with everyone. But remember to be kind always. You never know what that person is going through.

12. Find a mentor, a sponsor or a coach who will inspire and support you in aligning your personal and professional goals. Your mentor, sponsor or coach is the one who will advocate for you to the next level of your career. He/She knows the areas you are good at and the areas you need to improve on. Find someone who can be brutally honest with you but can also be sweet as honey at the same time.

13. Manage your emotions. If it’s not going to matter in the next two years, don't dwell on it and let it go. Apply the 5 by 5 rule here. Pro Tip: See #2.

14. Manage your finances wisely. If you do not need it, don't buy it.

15. Don’t be impulsive. Count 1.. 2.. 3.. 10 times or more before making a decision and make it a habit all the time. Why? Go back to #13 and #14.

16. Spend quality time with your partner, friends, and family. Celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, holidays or special occasions with them. Because what is life without spending time and not creating memories with the people that you love and care about?

17. Be spontaneous, take risks and try new things. There is always a first for everything. Be bold and adventurous. #YouOnlyLiveOnce #YOLO

18. Stop eating at your desk and eat slowly. Enjoy your meal. There is a reason why cafeteria and break rooms exist.

19. Accept your individuality. Embrace yourself because you are born to stand out!

To wrap it up, I can definitely say that these lessons have made me a stronger individual and I cannot wait what 2020 has in store for me! Bring it on!!!

P.S. If can you relate on this, share some love by liking, commenting and sharing this post.

Until Next Time,

IO