8 Tenets I Will Live by in 2023

2022 was anything but predictable. But is that new? Not only as a consultant but as a business owner, the ability to stay grounded on top of what was happening in the world feels impossible. 2021 taught me that the world around me is ever-changing and to stop resisting and go with the flow. This year, I made the realization that I do have control over my thoughts and actions that allowed me to chart my own course.. Knowing what is in my control was a leveling up moment because it taught me to stay focused on what is most important to me. I also had to find a new level of strength to regain my focus on myself when I felt like I was losing sight of my priorities. 

 As a reflection of 2022, I want to share the eight tenets that helped me to stay focused, in control and even keeled. 

1. Take accountability 

With all the great memories and achievements both personally and professionally in 2022, I was also met with moments of failure, struggles, and self-doubt. It is easy in those times to point fingers and attribute the struggle to people or circumstances, but deep down I am reminded that I am the only one who is in control of how I perceive and understand the world. When I acknowledge my responsibility for my growth and outlook, I found I was able to build resilience to carry on and rediscover my drive. 

2. Be kind to myself

We are our own worst critics. Although I was seeing success in my work, there were still moments when I felt disappointed, useless, or like I was taking a step backwards. These were the moments when I needed the strength to realize that my intention of moving forward remains true and that it’s okay if I need to give myself a break to recharge before I pick up and keep going. Like I would encourage my friends and colleagues to do, I really needed to remember to be kind to myself and celebrate my achievements and appreciate the hard work it took me to get there.

 3. Be kind to others

Being kind to others is the simplest gift you can give. And what I learned is that it takes great strength to stay true to that. There were many times this year that I faced people who lashed out at me and people who didn't keep their end of the bargain. Sure, I was frustrated in those situations but I had to find the strength to be kind. I told myself that what I experienced was a reflection of the challenges others are facing; and that it is not my responsibility to also take those challenges on. One simple gesture of kindness can be the difference in that person’s day and can be the catalyst they needed to pay that kindness forward. 

 4. Give thanks

Here is the truth, whatever I achieved in 2022, I didn't do it alone. There were individuals who steered me to the path I am on right now, no matter if it was a nudge or a shove. Honestly, I don't think I thanked them enough nor will I ever. I do know that when I thank them in my heart and know the roles they played in my life, I feel a warmth inside me and it reassures me that I can continue moving forward for a long time. You know who you are and if you’re reading this, thank you. 

 5. Stay focused

The pandemic threw so many things off-balanced and Sense & Nous was still in its infancy when it hit. There were many months when things were touch-and-go. However, in a way, the pandemic was a gift as well; it has shown me what is truly important in life and to disregard the things that aren’t. As the world continues to adapt and evolve, my journey will continue to have frivolous desires, delusional thoughts, and people to distract me. I need to take what the pandemic has taught me and remember why I am on the journey and stay focused on what matters most.  

 6. Don't stay still

There is a Chinese proverb that says "Don't be afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of staying still". One of my deepest fears that keeps me up at night sometimes is "staying still". Call me pessimistic but I believe that we only have so many opportunities in life to accomplish our dreams and it is way too short to waste time on auto-pilot. I need to stay clear from things and people that put my mind on auto-pilot (e.g., social media, junk content, etc) and stay active in the things that keep me on my toes and motivated.

 7. Stay curious

The moment that you think that you know it all, is the moment that you stop growing. As I gain more experience and see more of this world, it is far too easy to let my ego make assumptions and quick judgements. This world is so vast, we are just fools in comparison. There are always new things to learn and experience. I want to stay uncomfortable and tap into my curiosity to keep my mind active to never stop learning.   

 8. Run after fear

After the last couple of years, you’d think I’d be averse to things that scare me. But the rate of growth that I’ve experienced due to being thrown into uncertainty has been instrumental. And what that’s built is resilience to a point where I am less taken aback by the curve balls that life throws my way. 2022 certainly brought on a few opportunities that were a bit scary. However, looking back, those were the moments when I got to try something new and level up. This next year, I want to be a bit scared, lose a bit of sleep, and have my palms sweat a little and if I make it, I know I will feel amazing. And if I don't, I know I will learn something important. Either way, I won't lose.

 Life is unpredictable. We all know that better than we did a few years ago. At this moment when we reflect, make resolutions, and set goals, I am focusing my attention on keeping what is in my control as my north star. It is unreasonable to think that because our calendar changes into a new year that now everything will be different but what is reasonable is making the intentional effort to change your mindset and create new goals for yourself and how you will pave your path to success. For me, it is about staying strong, building resilience and staying true to what matters most to me. Everything else is just noise. If I do that, I should see a happier version of myself that can meet every challenge with a positive attitude and grit to keep going. 

Wishing you a prosperous year where you too can find solace in what matters most to you.