Some people always play with the idea that the new year will replace the previous year and everything that has happened. Personally, I see it differently. I believe I grow more and more every year. Whether as an aspiring journalist, as a soccer player, as student and even as a man. It’s about taking the lessons learned that year and have them shape you into a more mature person. 2017 was a roller coaster year for me in various ways. A year with numerous lessons that I’m thankful for.
Okay To Be Selfish
Being selfish is often seen as a negative trait by most people when in reality, it’s important at times. Being 21 years old, I learned to understand that I have the World at my reach with a full lifetime to go, God permitting. Fact of the matter is, most of the people in your life at the moment will not stick around forever. Or even then, their impact in your life will be reduced throughout the years. Therefore, you cannot hold back from living life or from chasing your dreams just because you don’t want to hurt others. Yes, it’s egocentric but no one is going to take care of you the way you do. If you believe that there’s things that you want to do or have been given a great opportunity, take it. The people who truly love you will understand and will support you. Anyone who gets offended or mad doesnt want what’s best for you.
Sometimes You Will Hurt Others
They say you hurt the ones you love the most and that’s true. In the quest for a better life, we sometimes hurt the ones we promised we’d never hurt. That’s perfectly fine. Of course I’m not saying to deliberately go out to hurt your loved ones for fun. Simply understand that there will be situations where you must branch out and leave certain people. A lot of your friends and loved ones have an expiration date in your life. Whether by mutual agreement or not, a lot of those people will not be around forever. It is up to you to decide wether or not you believe that taking an alternative route without that person is the right thing to do. If you truly believe that what you’re doing is the right thing for you, then by all means go for it. Even if that means setting a loved one aside.
Okay To Feel Lost
Life is a crazy trip man. You can be at the pinnacle of your life one moment then rock bottom days later. It’s a journey that most people don’t learn to appreciate because the road can be so strenuous. It’s important to remember that there will be times where you feel lost. At times you’ll feel uncertain about your next move. You’ll question your decisions and even doubt if you’re on the right journey. That’s totally fine. You won’t always know exactly where you’re going of if your last move was the correct one. We are all humans and we will make mistakes. It’s only natural. However, it’s not about being perfect but simply about how you can bounce back. Nevertheless, the “bounce back” part is something that can take time. You won’t always know how to bounce back right away. Give it time and think it through before you make irrational moves.
Don’t Settle
When we first taste glory or success, we tend to get too comfortable and think we won the battle. In reality, the battle is never won. There is always room for improvement and ways in which you can be more successful and win more. That goes for everything in life. Just because something is good doesn’t mean it can’t get better. You scored 10 goals last season? Great. Now make it 20 next season. You became editor for PerSources? Great. Now go become the Head Editor. There’s always something you can be better at. Just because you taste success doesn’t mean it’s time to stop.
Be Patient
Everyone in life works at different rate. Success and happiness come at different times for everyone. Don’t measure your improvement based off of what other people are doing. Instead of focusing on others, focus on yourself and doing what you can do to improve your life. Some people graduate college at 22 while others don’t finish school until their late 20s. Either way, they both got their degree. Life isn’t a race. Be patient and just keep working on yourself. If you work hard and do the right choices, your time will come.
Reach Out Of Your Comfort Zone
It’s easy to get sucked in to your every day routine and feel uncomfortable while branching out. I can say personally I had sucked myself into the same repetitive lifestyle and I regret it. There’s so much to learn and see in this World and such little time to see it all. You will find things that you don’t like or enjoy which is fine. However, you may also find things that end up becoming your favorites. People you would’ve never associated with that end up becoming one of your best friends. The World is massive and there’s always things to try and people to meet. Don’t get sucked up in the same lifestyle.
Pay Attention To Those Who Ride With You
Not all of your friends will rock with you through your hardest times. Just because a person doesn’t hit you up everyday doesn’t mean they don’t care for you. The difference between a friend and a person that rides with you is important. Some people will only stick around with you when things are easy but leave as soon as you need any form of help. It’s fine to have those type of friends as long as you can understand the difference. People that ride with you are a call or visit away and truly care for you throughout the worst of times. As we go on in life, we will need the support of others to keep us grounded and moving. Find those people in your life and mentally separate them from rest.
Stay True To Your Goals
You will change over time whether you like it or not. Different experiences and change of perceptions will cause you to change in multiple ways. Change is normal as long as you maintain sight of your goals. Set your goals and expectations straight and keep them as your reference point. It’s okay to enjoy life and be a little reckless once in awhile. Just as long as you know where you’re trying to go and don’t lose sight of that.
I can say I’ve learned a lot this year. A year filled with hard-earned lessons but also a joyful year spent with amazing people. I traveled the World and learned more about myself than I ever thought I could. If you are someone who is going through difficult moments in life, I hope some of these lessons I learned can somehow help you out as well. I have much to learn but I’m glad I’ve taken the steps I’ve taken this year. Always remember that no matter how hard life can get, you will get past it and life will get better. Here’s to a successful 2018!