Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks about looking at the future: focus on the small wins, embrace the unexpected, and keep an eye on what’s working rather than what’s missing.
Sounds straightforward. Well, for someone like me—who orders the same dish at the same restaurant to avoid disappointment—it’s been a journey.
This habit of sticking to the familiar has led to its share of missed opportunities, awkward dinners, and an impressive lack of adventurous food choices.
Yet, this past year hasn’t been about playing it safe. It’s been about surprising shifts—changes I didn’t expect and lessons I didn’t ask for.
Here are the top three ways past year surprised me—and taught me a thing or two about the future.
Failure Feels…Different Now
Last year, I tackled over 13 projects.” Not buildings, but proposals, submissions, and pitches—each one representing hope and a chance to push my career forward. Naturally, some succeeded, and many didn’t.
Failure has always been a dramatic event in my life. A “NO” meant hours of stewing, doubting, and, yes, ice cream binges. But something clicked this year.
One standout moment came when I reapplied for a board position. Last year, I didn’t make it, but I got far enough that someone encouraged me to try again. So, I spent weeks crafting my application, cautiously optimistic.
The result? Another big fat NO.
But here’s the twist: I was disappointed, of course, but only for a day. The emotional tailspin that would’ve ruined my week barely scratched my mood. It wasn’t because I cared less—I cared deeply—but because I finally understood that the effort itself was valuable.
Turns out, resilience isn’t just bouncing back; it’s bouncing back quicker. And yes, there was still ice cream involved. 🙂
You Can Always Reset the Cycle
I’ve always struggled with an all-or-nothing mindset.
A bad day often snowballed into a bad week, triggered by one “what’s the point?” moment. Once I gave in to negativity, it was hard to claw my way back.
But something changed this year—thanks to an unexpected trick: naps.
One gloomy day, rather than doom-scrolling on my phone, I napped. Just 30 minutes. When I woke up, the negative emotions hadn’t disappeared, but they were manageable. I could think clearly.
That nap was a revelation.
Changing the scenery (or your consciousness) can break the cycle. Now, when I feel myself spiraling, I pause, reset, and sometimes nap. It’s a simple shift, but it’s helped me avoid sinking into endless “why bother” thoughts.
The Silver Linings of a Post-Pandemic World
A few years ago, the pandemic felt like a never-ending slog. Masks, distancing, and canceled plans made life seem perpetually “on hold.”
Since the Pandemic I noticed a subtle change in how I view those challenges. Sure, I miss the ease of spontaneous dinners with friends, but I’ve also come to appreciate slower mornings, virtual connections, and a more deliberate approach to life.
Even the small wins, like wearing a full outfit to a meeting (finally retiring those Zoom pants!), feel worth celebrating.
More importantly, I’ve learned that optimism isn’t about ignoring reality.
It’s about holding onto the hope that better days are ahead—and preparing yourself to enjoy them when they arrive.
Final Thoughts
This year has been less about resolutions and more about reflections.
It taught me that even the smallest changes can feel monumental if you embrace them.
As I am heading into the New Year, I’m ready to try a new restaurant dish—without overthinking it. Maybe 2025 will be the year of surprises, and maybe I’ll even like them.
What’s one small change that shifted your perspective this year?
Life Outside of Design Studio 