1 — Gratitude is a Superpower

Throughout my life, I often took the good things for granted. The term “gratitude” was something I frequently encountered, yet it merely existed as a concept in my mind. Complaining had become my default mode. Although I attempted to maintain gratitude journals, it never evolved into a consistent practice.

This year, however, I experienced a shift. I began to genuinely appreciate life, taking moments to express thanks to my family and recognize the abundance around me. I realized that the choice to acknowledge what I have—or what I lack—lies with me. By regularly exercising my gratitude, I have discovered a tool that can uplift me even in challenging times. My goal is to cultivate such gratitude that it becomes as instinctive as breathing.

The first video offers four crucial lessons learned through hard experiences, highlighting the importance of gratitude in our lives.

2 — Transitioning from Reading to Application

Back in 2016, I read nearly 100 books, a practice that profoundly reshaped my outlook. The knowledge I gained replaced my negative perspectives with positive, proactive ones. I repeated this exercise in 2021 through Om Swami’s “Walk the Dragon” course, which combined business acumen with essential life lessons.

Over six weeks, I read 21 books as part of the course requirements, igniting my passion for reading once more. By September 2022, I had completed over 100 books. While reading has been enlightening, the next step is to actively apply these insights, forging new habits that enhance my life.

3 — The Triumph of Effort Over Talent

In my academic journey, I often prided myself on my innate abilities. Conversely, in areas where I struggled, I attributed my challenges to a lack of talent. While it's true that some individuals possess natural skills, I have learned a vital lesson: effort surpasses talent.

Geoff Colvin’s book, Talent is Overrated, reinforces this idea. The fable of the tortoise and the hare illustrates this perfectly; the hare, despite its natural speed, succumbed to complacency, while the tortoise's steady effort led to victory. This story demonstrates that anyone can achieve success through persistent effort.

4 — Embracing Flaws Without Guilt

Human nature often inclines us to hide our imperfections. Deep down, we know we have flaws, but admitting them can feel like a threat to our self-worth. Louise Hay provides two affirmations that can aid in this process: “I love myself” and “I am open to change.” These affirmations encourage self-acceptance while remaining receptive to growth.

Nevertheless, after committing to change, it’s common to revert to old habits, leading to guilt. We might question our worth, spiraling into self-doubt. To break this cycle, we must acknowledge our humanity and the inevitability of mistakes. By forgiving ourselves and practicing mindfulness, we can navigate these relapses more effectively.

The second video discusses seven life lessons learned over the past year, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and growth.