Year Of Many Firsts

Covid-19 has brought us many changes to our daily lives. I think its's fair to say no one expected 2020 to turn out like it did. From tough times come tough lessons, personal growth and learning opportunities. Just listing down some life lessons the year 2020 has provided me with as the year of many firsts.

• Taking the leap of Faith.

Year 2020 taught me that life is short. Don't waste your life waiting for the right time. The right time to do something will never arrive with thoughts alone. Took a leap of faith early this year in my career as a challenge to myself. Something I was never comfortable with and still learning along the way. Never try never know, as they said.

• Slowing Down.

Hustles of life. Though work has indeed became tougher, pipelines driven & personally challenged. Year 2020 gave me the opportunity to create time for myself and find a stillness rarely afforded in modern life. It also reignited some of my old hobbies to keep me entertained for awhile.

• Finding Happiness in simple things.

Having everything shut, cancelled and taken away from us re-sparked the joy of those small happy moments. Making the effort to wake up early, going for a short run near the neighborhood. Bringing the kid to the nearby park, watching her having a go at the playground. Having Zoom calls with family & friends entertained me more than Netflix. These gradually became the simple pleasures in 2020.

• Be Consistent.

We can make all the New Year's Resolutions in the world, but following through is the real work. Jotting this down that we are a byproduct of our actions, not our goals. Having something positive to look forward to is encouraging to keep going and be consistent.

• Never Stop Learning.

One of the greater joys in life to to learn new skills. Happy that I've gotten my 2nd Data Certification amid still climatizing on my new role. Taking the unexpected in stride, I also presented in my 1st Webinar to hundreds. Bucket-list checked, Nerve-Wrecking yes. It's impossible to anticipate challenges, but it we change our mindset to anticipate them, we'll be better prepared to tackle them - no matter how unexpected they might be.

As a whole, 2020 hasn't been the greatest of all years. While I can't wait to usher in the new year, 2020 has indeed taught me a lot. I've grown massively from it, both personally and professionally. Hoping not just a fresh year but a fresh decade to make our own. Stay Safe & Stay Curious.

#RememberWhyYouStarted.

Cheers. Daniel.