8 Lessons I’ve Recently Learned That Are Shaping My Career and Life
Javier Saavedra
Global Comms Professional | Storytelling, Internal Comms, Employee Engagement, Social Media, Multimedia Content Creation, Positive Change
In the past few months, I’ve come across some powerful lessons that have reshaped how I approach my career and personal life. These insights have helped me focus on what matters most, and I want to share them with you. Here are the eight lessons that are guiding me on my journey, and I believe they can resonate with anyone aiming to grow both personally and professionally.
1. Saying No When Appropriate
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that saying “no” can be as powerful as saying “yes.” For a long time, I thought saying yes to everything would lead to more opportunities. But instead, it led to burnout. Saying no isn’t about shutting down possibilities—it’s about protecting your time and energy for what truly aligns with your goals. It’s empowering to prioritize what really matters.
2. Mastering Emotional Control
Learning to manage my emotions has completely changed how I navigate challenges. It’s not about suppressing what I feel, but about choosing how to respond. Whether facing a difficult work situation or handling unexpected feedback, taking a pause before reacting allows me to maintain better relationships and make clearer decisions. It’s about owning my emotions, rather than letting them dictate my actions.
3. Be Resilient, But Don’t Wait Passively
Resilience isn’t just about holding on; it’s about taking action. I’ve learned that waiting for things to change without taking steps forward can keep you stuck. True resilience involves pushing through challenges, knowing when to pivot, and actively creating new paths when necessary. It’s about staying adaptable and making things happen, rather than waiting for change.
4. Giving and Receiving Feedback Constructively
Constructive feedback is one of the most valuable tools for growth. Being open to receiving feedback helps you learn and improve quickly, and offering it thoughtfully helps others do the same. Feedback, when done right, builds trust, strengthens relationships, and moves everyone toward a better version of themselves. It’s not about criticism; it’s about learning and growing together.
5. My Purpose is Non-Negotiable
Your purpose is your anchor. I’ve come to realize that no matter how many opportunities come my way, I won’t compromise on my purpose. It’s the driving force behind my decisions and actions. Staying true to what drives me has kept me grounded and focused in both my career and personal life. When you are clear about your purpose, decision-making becomes much easier, and the right opportunities naturally align.
6. Everything I Do Creates a Consequence
Every action we take, no matter how small, has an impact. I’ve become more mindful of the choices I make, knowing they can have long-term effects not just on me, but on the people around me. Whether in work or personal life, being intentional about my decisions has helped me create more positive outcomes. Every choice matters, and every step creates a ripple effect.
7. Ask for Help When Needed
Asking for help is not a weakness; it’s a strength. For a long time, I thought handling everything on my own was the only way forward, but I’ve learned that seeking support can lead to better solutions and faster growth. You can’t control how others perceive you, but you can control how you take action. Surrounding yourself with the right people and asking for guidance when needed helps you grow faster and smarter.
8. Set Boundaries to Avoid Burnout
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the importance of setting boundaries. In the past, I used to feel like I had to say yes to every request, but I’ve come to realize that boundaries are essential for maintaining balance. They aren’t barriers; they’re guidelines that protect your energy and help you prioritize what’s important. Knowing when to say “no” has allowed me to stay focused on what truly matters and avoid burnout.
Conclusion:
These eight lessons have had a profound impact on how I approach both my career and personal life. They remind me to stay focused, stay true to my values, and keep pushing forward with intention. I hope these insights resonate with you, and I’d love to hear what lessons you’ve learned that have shaped your journey recently?
What lessons have you learned that have had an impact on your career or personal life? Let’s share our experiences and grow together!
#PersonalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #Resilience #EmotionalIntelligence #Feedback #Purpose #Boundaries #LinkedInVoices
Teacher of French (IGCSE, MYP, DP) * Revision Village French content creator * Workshop leader in DEIB work & Queer visibility in schools * SGIS Pride Educator * Certified DEI Coach * Certified Fitness Instructor
5 个月Thanks for sharing Javi. I particularly love the part when you say your purpose is non negotiable. That resonated with me. Keep smiling and sharing!