The last few days of 2024 had me feeling very restful. In fact, at a point, I asked myself what I was doing with my life. It felt like my body did not understand how to not be busy. I wanted to be doing something. I had to remind myself that I was well within my rights to be resting. My office had closed for the year, I was in another city and I had done all I planned to do before the year ended. So, it was okay to rest.
While resting, I took some time to think of how 2024 went for me. I have every reason to be grateful and to anticipate greater things in 2025.
Some major things happened for me.
I took a step towards the career path I wanted, and it played out in better ways than I could have imagined. I also invested in myself to develop my skills and gain lifelong knowledge. I took a paid course, got hardcopy books and shared knowledge by training some project management beginners. Doing these things helped me overcome the imposter syndrome I felt at work. I became more confident in my abilities, and it reflected in my communication and my work.
I started publishing my writings. A couple of pieces on my page are from 2023, but I did not have the boldness to share at the time. I gained that confidence in 2024 simply by going through someone else’s writings. It motivated me to publish mine, and I am better for it. My personal self-image improved greatly.
I learnt to intentionally choose joy. I had moments where I could have chosen to give in to the darkness that is anxiety, but I consciously choose to be joyful and grateful instead. It elevated me and made me feel like I had no worries. My chest felt lighter.
I started exercising. My chest feeling lighter, as stated in earlier, could be as a result of not giving in to anxiety or from all the cardio I started doing. I love this exercising bit for me because it was all based on intrinsic motivation. I just had my mom wake me up on Saturday mornings, and we both went for cardio classes. I got better and also started going on my own on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It made me feel like I could conquer the world. I also started playing badminton, which I have always wanted to do. I’ll share more details on this later this year.
I traveled. Abuja, Benin, Jigawa, passed through Kano, Kaduna, Niger and then back to Abuja. In December, I went from Abuja to Lagos to rest, Abeokuta to tour and finally to Benin for a wedding (in January).
Professor Wole Soyinka train station, Abeokuta.
I’m content with how 2024 went. For 2025, I have my Q1 and Q2 goals written out. They look good and SMART. I still need clarity on some things, but that will come. In summary, I intend to focus more on personal development, spiritual growth, giving more and also gaining more professional development.
How about you? How was your 2024 and what’s your plan for 2025?
For 2025, my watchword is to walk in step with God. As long as I’m with Him, I’m fine.