What was 2024...

Sitting here in my transition period, I've been wrestling with my 2024 reflections, trying to find that elusive bird's-eye view. After countless drafts (Thanks Google Doc!), what has emerged isn’t some fancy structured manifesto I'd imagined, but rather a collection of insights that kept bubbling to the surface. This is a collection of thoughts, some came directly from this past year's experiences, while others are bigger-picture realizations from my ongoing journey.

And you know what's funny? In this pause between chapters, I've discovered something pretty powerful as challenged by one of my OG friend, Bavidra: when you finally let your mind settle – really settle – clarity has a way of finding you. The thoughts I'd been chasing somehow became clearer in the stillness.

So here's my unfiltered collection of insights – not ranked by importance, just honest observations scattered across many notes distilled down to a list that might be of interest.

Let me know in the comments if any resonate with you!

1. Truth of the matter is and despite how it may look, we are trying to figure out this thing called life. Your faves and role models are trying to figure just like you and me.

2. It’s an inward journey first, then the rest comes later. Look inside and listen to what your mind (and body) are telling you. (I learned a similar thought process while doing the Stanford GSB SEED program - start with self-evaluation as a leader before you analyze your business).

3. Part of a journey of building with a common goal, you sometimes forget yourself in the process and that’s okay. Comes with the territory.

4. The limited belief of yourself is what got you to this point. Often on this journey, you’ll undervalue yourself while others see greatness. Daily affirmations can change that. (Sounds cheesy, but you’d be surprised)

5. Clarify your goal. Write it down and continue to iterate till it feels right. The day you require help, clarity of thought will allow others to help effectively along your journey.

6. And once you are clear on what you want and you will know what it takes to get there. What more knowledge do you need? Execute!

7. Everyday, take ownership and live life on your own terms. Don’t allow others to define your journey. Will your way through it. Power your way through it. Your efforts will be rewarded. Where there’s no struggle there’s no progress, point blank.

8. I believed for a while, the journey is the destination, then I didn’t then I did again. Truth be told, we don’t want to face it. It takes work, hard work.

9. Work hard, no one cares.

10. No one is watching you (REALLY), work harder.

11. Be open to learning and growing. The journey might require a new season and a new season requires a new you. A new mission and vision and guess what? That’s okay, you are allowed!

12. Give yourself permission to pivot. (Read that again!)

13. Take breaks when you need it. Refuel but get back to work, you owe it to yourself.

14. Dream big. When you thought it was a big dream, try finding something bigger, you’ll be surprised…it’s out there!

15. The dream is yours and you’re probably saying to yourself: I’m not worthy. You’re probably not, but it’s been given to you anyway.

16. As Denzel Washington once said, “Don’t aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference.”

17. So why not you? Bet on yourself. What’s the worst that can happen?

Our deepest fear isn't that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It's our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Marianne Williamson