Every year leaves its mark, and 2024 is no exception.
But the biggest lessons I’ve learned aren’t just about the world or the people around me—they’re about me. And, surprisingly, that makes them more profound.
This year taught me that some truths about myself that will stick with me for the long haul.
They’ve reshaped how I work, how I approach challenges, and even how I view myself. Here are the top three lessons that stood out.
1. Discipline Isn’t Necessary If I Don’t Have This
This might have been the hardest pill to swallow: discipline isn’t the foundation of my productivity—optimism is.
I used to blame procrastination for why I couldn’t tackle big projects or even small ones like heading out for a weekend morning run.
But I’ve come to realize it wasn’t the lack of discipline; it was the lack of belief.
When I start with the mindset that I probably won’t succeed anyway, why bother putting in the effort?
Optimism fuels action.
It’s the belief that I can do what I set out to do that propels me forward. Without it, I’m left asking, “Why even try?”
So, while I’m still working on my optimism, I’ve accepted that it’s the key to unlocking discipline. Because discipline without hope feels like dragging an anchor uphill.
For a deeper insight into this revelation, you can read my longer post on this topic.
2. The Fear of the Unknown Is a Real Fear
This lesson came courtesy of a hiring experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone.
I’ve always considered myself a quick decision-maker—efficient, intuitive, and confident. But when it came to hiring someone from overseas, everything slowed to a crawl.
Suddenly, every decision felt monumental.
- Which platform should I use?
- Is this job description clear enough?
- How do I pick the right person?
Instead of relying on my usual gut instinct, I stalled. I over-researched, overthought, and second-guessed every step.
I realized it wasn’t indecision holding me back—it was fear. Fear of making the wrong call. Fear of the unknown.
This process taught me that fear doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it sneaks in through hesitations, doubts, and endless “what-ifs.”
Acknowledging it helped me move forward, though not as quickly as I would’ve liked. And now I know to look for it when I’m feeling stuck.
Have you ever let fear hold you back from a decision? Read my story of resounding yes.
3. There Are No Professional Risks, Only the Fear of Losing Face
At the beginning of the year, I took what felt like a professional risk: confronting a potential client who ghosted me after I submitted a proposal. I had followed up with polite emails and left messages, but after weeks of no response, I was furious.
Anger quickly turned inward. I started second-guessing my decision to spend hours on the proposal, thinking I’d wasted time and energy.
But the longer I stewed, the more I realized that if I didn’t take action, I’d have a hard time moving on.
So, I decided to show up at the client’s office unannounced. Was I nervous? Absolutely.
My imagination ran wild with worst-case scenarios: being escorted out by security or publicly humiliated. But none of that happened.
Instead, the client apologized profusely. It turned out they hadn’t made any decisions about the proposals, including mine.
What I had interpreted as rejection was simply a delay.
Looking back, this wasn’t about professional risk. It was about my fear of what others might think of me—of losing face.
Most professional “risks” are really just awkward moments where we confront our own insecurities.
When I think of risk now, I remind myself: there’s little to lose and often much to gain.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on 2024 in its final month, I see a year full of mistakes, lessons, and self-discovery.
Recognizing these three lessons—about optimism, fear, and risk—feels like a true form of self-reflection that only comes with age (and maybe a few gray hairs).
That said, I still can’t seem to summon optimism for my morning runs. Perhaps a post-run coffee shop visit could be the perfect catalyst—no optimism or discipline required, just a perfect cup of coffee to start the day:-)
What about you? What lessons have you learned about yourself this year? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.
Life Outside of Design Studio 