Every year, I like to reflect on the past twelve months and approach it as an observer devoid of bias. This reflection time is significant, and I treat it like a ritual. It often takes the shape of a solo trip or adventure into nature, honing two tools, a pen and a notebook.

This year, I stumbled across a theme for my reflections, and they decided to take the form of tenets or rules. It’s not usual to have this response, but it seemed suitable to start writing these principles down for my future self.

Tenets for 2024

1. I can expand my mind beyond any restrictions or rules.
   
2. Treat feedback as a gift; whether it is a criticism or a positive, there is something you can learn from it.
   
3. Only prove your love, not your worth.
   
4. Protect those who can’t, ignore those who won’t, and enable those who want.
   
5. Stay true to your values, and write your obituary to keep your actions accountable.
   
6. You can win regardless of your emotional, physical, and external setbacks. Working hard to overcome these challenges is the difference between winners and losers.
   
7. Approach each day like an athlete, show up with a winning mindset, and approach each challenge enthusiastically. Train hard, listen to experience, rest and recover.
   
8. Value your friendships, celebrate those around you who are exceptional and work hard.
   
9. Recognise the thoughtful actions of others, and be generous with your actions towards them.
   
10. The most essential thing in life is your relationships; therefore, be super selective with the people you associate with, especially the person you choose to be your life partner.

The first tenet seems counterintuitive to any rule set. But for me, it’s the most important one. Expanding your mind beyond what you already know, even if it’s a rule, is the willingness to accept what you believed before may be wrong. Listening and staying curious even when your beliefs are questioned is the most powerful thing you can do to become the best version of yourself.

Many events have challenged my beliefs this year, and I have found growth in these opportunities. Some lessons have come from the observations of mentors, friends and colleagues. Others have shown themselves as adverse reactions to my behaviours that, in hindsight, can only be discovered from deep personal reflection. At the time, these don’t immediately appear as lessons; they may manifest as deep pain or struggle.

The process of reflection can be very illuminating, and I would recommend anyone give it a go. You don’t necessarily have to create tenets from your reflective periods, but if you discover one, it may be worth recording for future reference. Understanding the values you want to uphold yourself will help keep you accountable.

Thanks for reading. If you have any comments or questions on this post, I’d like to hear them.