10 Life Lessons I Learned in 2020
Last month I spoke about the challenges that this year brought upon (graduating) students and shared some tips to help them get by. As we enter the new year, I want to reflect on the crucial life lessons I learned in 2020.
Although most of us spend the biggest part of the year at home with a roller-coaster of emotions, uncertainties and dealing with loss, being at home also gave us more time to reflect on our lives.
I try to think of this year as a moment to slow down and think about what’s really important. With health and safety at risk, I began to realize that material items are merely short-lived luxuries. No amount of online shopping could fill the void of not seeing your friends or family and their love and embrace. Video-calls could never replace the atmosphere and feeling of meeting up close. After all, we need real-life human connections.
Halfway this year, I bought a bullet-journal and picked up on the habit of journaling. Not only did I write down my classes, homework, meetings etc. as usual, but I invested time and tons of pages on reflecting, writing down my goals and aspirations. Asking yourself the important questions: what do I really want, and what do I need to get there through short-term goals, can help to specify and visualize your goals.
But more importantly, the pages of self-reflection helped me grasp the progress I had been making. While being stuck inside, it can feel like your personal and career development is on a hold. Writing showed me that this is not true. After all, success is not measured through a single definition.
Here are some of the most crucial lessons I learned this year:
1. It’s okay not to be okay.
Health is an underestimated value in life. Without it, simple daily tasks can be difficult. But it should not be taken for granted. Not every matter is in our own hands. As the 2020 K-Drama tells us, It’s Okay Not To Be Okay, and it’s true.
2. The importance of a good support system.
Through difficult times, a good support system can comfort you and help you survive. Having close friends or family around that check up on you are essential to your mental health. Try to maintain a good relationship with your loved ones, and make sure to check up on them too. After all, the best relationships are two-sided and require effort.
3. Taking your time.
Take your time to do your work and achieve your goals. Take breaks when you need to and remember that you come first.
4. Accepting the situation.
Acknowledging that you are not in control of every situation allows you to move on.
5. Knowing you are (doing) enough.
It may feel like you are not making any progress but try to realize and remind yourself that every little step is getting you closer to your goals.
6. Productivity is not measured by quantity.
More often than not, providing qualitative work is worth much more than how much work you've delivered. Though it may depend on the work you're doing, try not to measure your productivity by how much you get done but rather by how well you've done the task and the effort you've put into it.
7. Finding comfort in the unknown.
This sounds rather vague but it basically comes down to being open towards new opportunities and adventures. Don't be afraid to try something new or take on a new challenge, but allow yourself to explore the unknown and know that it's okay if you don't know what comes after.
8. Investing in friendships and relationships that are valuable.
Try to catch up with friends and invest time and effort in your relationships (romantic or not). It's hard to stay connected with each other in lockdown but fortunately you can get in touch digitally.
9. Enjoying the small things.
This year I enjoyed things that I'd never even give a thought before. From going on daily walks and exploring new sides of my hometown or cooking a new dish. Doing these little things helped me to get along.
10. Doing nothing. Really nothing.
At the end of the day, don't forget to give yourself time to do nothing and recharge. That also means no social media or Netflix as that can make you more tired without realizing it. Instead you can do something more serene like reading, writing, or practicing yoga.
