10 Things I Learned This Year
This year has been a mix of growth, reflection, and lessons.
This year has been a mix of growth, reflection, and lessons that have shaped not just the past twelve months but my journey as a whole. Some lessons came as new realizations, others as reminders from years past that resurfaced at just the right time. Each one has added a layer of understanding to how I approach life, and sharing them feels like passing on a part of that growth.
1. Appreciate the privileges you have and don’t take them for granted
I see people complain about their work and how much they hate going to work. More than half of your life is spent at work, and I get to do something I love every single day. I wake up and choose what projects I work on and who I meet. That’s a privilege. Even having the opportunity to do something of my own without constantly worrying about failure is a privilege. I know I have people I can lean on and who believe in me, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted. This year, I’ve started recognizing these privileges daily, and it’s given me a renewed sense of gratitude and purpose.
2. Your mental peace is worth more than you think
Whenever I’m upset, I can’t focus on anything else. It feels like a wasted day, and I hate the feeling of not being better than I was yesterday. This year, I’ve realized that my mental peace has to come first. For example, I used to push through conflicts or challenging situations at the cost of my own well-being. Now, when I sense that something will bother me, I step back and ask myself how I can approach it without losing my peace. It’s not about avoiding problems—it’s about choosing to address them in ways that protect my energy. This shift has made me more present and effective for the people and projects that matter most.
3. Don’t get too attached or dive so deep that it affects you negatively
There was a time this year when I got so emotionally invested in a personal situation that it started taking over my days. I couldn’t stop replaying conversations in my head, overthinking every little detail. It wasn’t even something I could control or fix, but I let it take up so much space in my mind. Eventually, I had to step back and ask myself, “Is this worth sacrificing my peace?” Letting go didn’t happen overnight, but I learned that some things are better left unresolved. Not everything deserves your energy, and that’s okay. This experience taught me the importance of setting emotional boundaries, even in personal matters.
4. If you can’t change it, learn to accept it
When I graduated with my master’s degree in IT, it felt like the worst possible time to step into the job market. Tech layoffs were everywhere, and I was applying to jobs day and night without much hope. The constant rejection was disheartening, and there were days when I questioned everything. But instead of letting the situation defeat me, I shifted my focus. That’s when Gulabi Mango was born. What started as a small step to create something meaningful turned into a blessing. It taught me that while you can’t control the circumstances, you can always choose how you respond. Sometimes, what feels like a setback is just the start of something new.
5. Younger you would be proud of who you’ve become
When I think back to younger me, I picture a girl who was always sketching out her dreams on paper, unsure of how they would come to life. I remember being obsessed with designing my first website in high school and changing it every single week because I was never satisfied. Younger me didn’t know much about where life would take her, but she had big aspirations. Now, when I look at everything I’ve built, from pursuing my education to creating Gulabi Mango, I realize how far I’ve come. The insecurities, the late nights, and the small wins all added up to something bigger. Younger me would be proud, not just because of the achievements, but because I’ve stayed true to my creativity and curiosity along the way.
6. Say yes to things you’ve never tried and no to things that don’t align with your values
This year, I said yes to collaborating with someone on a completely new type of project, an idea that pushed me outside of my comfort zone. It wasn’t something I felt completely prepared for, but I leaned into the uncertainty, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences. Saying yes to the unknown allowed me to grow in ways I didn’t anticipate. At the same time, I’ve learned that saying no is just as powerful. I’ve turned down opportunities that didn’t align with my values or long-term goals, and while it was hard in the moment, it gave me the space to focus on what truly matters. Both choices, saying yes and saying no, have shown me that growth comes from staying true to yourself.
7. Follow your instincts (they’re usually right)
Before I officially started Gulabi Mango, I attended a networking event with no clear plan other than introducing myself and seeing what could happen. I didn’t have the perfect pitch or strategy, but something told me to just show up and trust the process. That instinct paid off, and it’s where I landed my first client. Reflecting on that experience, I’ve realized that your gut often knows what you need to do, even when the path forward isn’t perfectly clear. Following your instincts can feel uncertain, but it often leads to opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
8. Learn to adapt and be willing to try new things
This year, I faced a design challenge that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve always leaned toward a 2D style, but after countless iterations, we decided to explore more defined illustrations. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I took a day to dive into a course and learn the techniques to make it happen. The process wasn’t easy, but seeing the final result reminded me of the power of adaptability. It taught me that you don’t need to have everything figured out upfront. Being open to learning something new, even in a short amount of time, can lead to breakthroughs you didn’t think were possible.
9. Find someone you can share your ideas and thoughts with
This year, I’ve realized just how valuable it is to have someone you trust to share your ideas with. There were moments when I felt stuck, with too many thoughts swirling around in my head. Saying them out loud to someone gave me clarity I couldn’t find on my own. I remember brainstorming a design approach that felt overwhelming at first. Sharing my initial ideas with someone helped me see what was working and what wasn’t. The same goes for moments when life feels stagnant, when it feels like nothing is moving forward. Talking it out with someone you trust doesn’t magically fix everything, but it gives you perspective and reminds you that you’re not alone in figuring it out. Those conversations weren’t just about refining ideas, they reminded me of the importance of connection. Having someone to listen, question, or just nod along can transform a scattered thought into something meaningful.
10. No one owes you anything, and you don’t owe anyone anything
This year, I had to confront moments where I felt the need to overextend myself, whether it was saying yes to something out of obligation or feeling like I needed to meet unspoken expectations. One specific instance was when I found myself overcommitting to something simply because I didn’t want to let someone down. Eventually, I realized that carrying those obligations wasn’t serving me or anyone else. Letting go wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. This year taught me that setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s a way of honoring your time and energy. No one owes you anything, and you don’t owe anyone anything unless it aligns with your values and feels true to who you are.
Final Thoughts
Every lesson this year has reminded me that growth isn’t about achieving perfection, but about embracing progress and showing up for yourself. These insights have shaped how I navigate challenges, celebrate small victories, and keep moving forward. Reflecting on these lessons has been a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much there is to look forward to in the journey ahead.