4 life changing lessons I learned in 2017
This past year has been full of opportunity and growth—with my business, with my relationships, and with myself.
As this year comes to an end, I wanted to share 4 life changing lessons I learned in hopes that they can be life changing for you as well.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM IS A FRIEND
I used to get extremely defensive when I received criticism. I don’t like to be wrong (who does?), I felt like the person was belittling me, and it made me feel inadequate.
But here is the thing, constructive criticism is a wonderful growth tool. Instead of taking advice as negative feedback, rather use it as a way improve.
For example: A friend recently pointed out to me that I use the word “so” way too frequently, especially on my Instagram stories. He suggested that I decreased the usage of the word, and varied my vocabulary.
He noted an observation and confronted me to help me—not to make me feel less. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to confront you in a polite manner, as he did—some people don’t know how to communicate without being blunt, rude, or aggressive. But, we can still perceive it as a way to better ourselves, instead of getting upset about it.
Let criticism be your friend, not your enemy.
I know there might be instances in which you receive criticism that isn’t useful—because well, some people are just assholes. Don't take it personally—it has everything to do with them and absolutely nothing to do with you.
BE VULNERABLE
Being vulnerable is scary, but can be an asset to your life in so many ways.
Vulnerability has allowed me to show up authentically because it encourages me to live my truth. It has opened up more doors for opportunity because I put myself out there. It has improved my connection with people on a deeper level because I talk about uncomfortable topics. It has helped me accept uncertainty because I can go into situations without knowing the outcome. All of which has been imperative to my growth.
It’s a scary thing, that it is. But it’s a necessary thing.
SOME PEOPLE COME INTO YOUR LIFE TO TEACH YOU SOMETHING, BUT NOT TO STAY FOREVER
One of the hardest things I had to come into acceptance with this year was realizing that not everyone is meant to stay in my life forever. Sometimes a person is meant to come into my life to teach me a lesson, and that is all.
There is no denying that this is an agonizing thing to go through. It inflicts pain, heartache, and if you’re anything like me, a lot of tears. But you see, even though it is a loss, it is also a gain. I either learned something from them or I made room for another friend. This doesn’t make it hurt any less, but I did grow stronger because of it, and for that I am grateful.
HAVE A GROWTH MINDSET, NOT A FIXED MINDSET
I used to have what is referred to as a fixed mindset. In other words, if I sucked at something, I didn’t think it could be modified. This is what can cause people to stay stagnant.
One of the many things I used to avoid was writing. It was my worst subject in school, and I simply hated it for that reason. But because my job requires me to write, it wasn’t something I could get away with anymore. I decided to immerse myself in it in every way possible—reading more, writing more, and learning more. I can’t say I am a pro yet, but my writing has immensely flourished since then.
Use failures or weakness as an opportunity to grow. After all, practice makes perfect.
And that my friends are 4 life changing lessons that I learned this year. Cheers to the almost new year and many more life lessons to come!
Devon Day