Reflecting to Transform 'Failures' into Triumphs

As the new year approaches, we find inspiration in crafting a list of resolutions. This is an effective means of setting our goals for the year, encompassing both personal and professional aspects.

Nevertheless, I believe it is important to establish a prerequisite for formulating new year resolutions, and that is 'Reflections from the previous year.' This prompted me to dedicate some time to reflecting on the events of 2023.

2023 welcomed me with the news of what I then perceived as a 'failure'—an endeavour for which I had invested a substantial amount of time and effort. In the process of preparing and executing this endeavour, I overlooked various crucial aspects of life. The realization of this neglect left me feeling disappointed and filled with regrets.

I engaged in introspection to identify ways to prevent disappointments in similar situations. This experience imparted valuable lessons, prompting me to redefine my objectives. Consequently, I learned to strike a balance in life across various facets, thereby minimizing the likelihood of regrets and disappointments later on.

I compiled a list of the areas that I had unintentionally neglected during my focused mission, primarily revolving around health, family, nurturing talents, and self-development.

To begin, I prioritized the most crucial item on my list—one that is non-negotiable under any circumstances. I dedicated time to prioritize my health and fitness, maintaining consistent adherence throughout the entire year. While I was not initially enthusiastic about workouts, the sustained commitment over the year transformed workouts into a habit for me. I view this as the most rewarding habit I cultivated in 2023.

Regarding family, I allocated dedicated time to spend with them, particularly with my son. It's crucial during this phase when children absorb information like a sponge. As a parent, I recognize the importance of imparting the values I've learned.

Throughout my school years, I was actively involved in painting. However, as I transitioned to college, my emphasis shifted more towards academics, resulting in less or no time devoted to nurturing this talent. I've come to understand that talent is a gift that shouldn't be neglected at any stage of life. This realization motivated me to successfully create some paintings this year, which I consider a significant achievement.

I joined the MENA Women Product Managers Guild, where I played a key role in the leadership group, driving initiatives. This experience enriched my perspective, expanded my professional network, and heightened my awareness of Product Management developments, enabling me to support others professionally.

Today, I recognize that the endeavour I initially labelled as a "failure" at the beginning of this year was, in fact, not a failure. It proved to be successful, considering the positive changes I made in my life and the new initiatives I spearheaded and participated in throughout 2023.

Reflecting on ourselves and our activities is crucial to:

• Evaluate both successes and failures, deriving valuable lessons for improvement.
• Celebrate achievements, take pride in them, recognize your capability for even greater accomplishments, and express gratitude to people who supported you.
• Define future objectives effectively, boosting productivity through improved time management.

Let's take a moment to reflect, feel a sense of pride in our accomplishments, and draw motivation to achieve even more and make further improvements in the upcoming year!