Reflections & Lessons

Reflecting on the year that was 2023! I hesitate to label it as concluded; rather, it was a year of learning, grappling with challenges, realizing how swiftly circumstances can shift from favorable to challenging, and the importance of resilience.

?Our lives encompass various facets, primarily our professional endeavors and our personal spheres. In both dimensions, we confront challenges, manage stress, grapple with anxiety, navigate pressure, maintain composure, progress forward, and resolve issues, all in pursuit of meeting targets, achieving goals, and fulfilling desires.

?Some pivotal lessons stood out for me in 2023:

Lesson 1: Confront challenges head-on; don't succumb to them.

Starting with our professional journey at Mediapro Middle East, we celebrated significant victories. These included a prestigious project with Abu Dhabi Civil Defence for multimedia content creation, collaboration on a customer happiness robot for AD police, development of XR training solutions for DEWA, initiation of a new robotic project with AD police, and the creation of ample VR content. Most importantly, we solidified the foundation of a core team.

Projects may come and go, but what endures is the learning, the ability to engage with clients, address issues without succumbing to them, and face challenges head-on. This resilience proved to be the most crucial lesson of 2023. We encountered obstacles at every turn, but we confronted them with a champion's spirit, worked cohesively as a team, and found effective solutions.

So, as a team, we are now better equipped to tackle problems, devise solutions, and channel our expertise to address specific challenges, ensuring we meet our commitments.

Lesson 2: Embrace courage; say no when necessary.

While pursuing an exciting and futuristic project with a reputable government entity in the UAE, we realized, as the pitching process concluded, that it didn't align with our strengths. Despite our consideration for the project based on our reputation and trust, we made the courageous decision to decline. Though skeptical about potential consequences, our decision was well-received. During a subsequent meeting where we explained our reasoning, our credibility soared, earning us respect. Ultimately, we not only won a new project but also learned the value of prioritizing well-being over immediate gains.

This principle extends to personal life as well; it is crucial for happiness and mental well-being. Transitioning from being a "yes man" in my earlier years, I've embraced saying no when necessary, prioritizing personal well-being.

Lesson 3: Prioritize family time.

Amidst the hustle, this aspect often gets neglected, with the assumption that there is always time for family.

Our families represent our true assets, irrespective of our financial status. What truly matters is the love we give and the time we spend with them. Time and love are their most significant needs.

When my 3-year-old says, daddy come be with me and I forgot all that is worrying me or bothering me. I try to be one with her in those 30-40 minutes and come out so calm and positive.

Our best avenue for rejuvenation is the time spent with family. Having two beautiful daughters and a supportive spouse, returning home to their welcoming smiles is a revitalizing experience. Prioritizing family time not only contributes to our well-being but also creates a positive and calm atmosphere.

?Lesson 4: Be prepared for unforeseen tragedies.

A personal tragedy underscored the unpredictability of life. A beloved brother-in-law, leading a larger-than-life existence, succumbed to a sudden illness. His positivity, generosity, and willingness to help others were unparalleled. A normal flu escalated into fatal pneumonia, leaving us in shock.

All we can say now, is Abrar, we loved you, why? A big unanswered why!

Tragedy strikes without warning; hence, it's vital to cherish life, assist others, prioritize family, and live in the present. While we may lose loved ones, leaving behind a legacy and a safety net for our families ensures they are taken care of.

These are the lessons I've learned and continue to learn. I share them candidly, urging everyone to live, laugh, and love more.

?Live a legacy!

Wishing you the best for 2024 and beyond

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