14 Things | What I’ve Learned in 2014

This year has been a wild, yet beautiful adventure. 2014 came so quickly and flew by in a blink of an eye. Upon reviewing and reflecting over the past year, I’ve summarized 14 things I’ve learned and aim to carry with me into 2015 and years to come!

*Note, these are not listed in any specific order or of any importance.

1. Focus on your passions.  Life is way too precious and short to not do what makes you happy. If you don’t know what makes you happy – that’s okay. Learn to increase your alone time, reflect on the experiences that have made you happiest, write your passions down on paper or type them (which I prefer), and allot more time in your life for these passions. I’m continuously learning to do more of this in my own life.
2. Travel and see the world. Experience new cultures, meet new people, surround yourself with history and learn more. You don’t have to travel to another country for this, you can do this in your own city, state or neighboring state. We truly have so much at our fingertips and we fail to take advantage of it. I am very grateful that I have had the opportunity to travel a large amount this year – both domestically and internationally. If you do have a chance to travel internationally, DO IT!
3. Work-Life Balance. Work ethic is crucial. I’m all about working hard. But, you must learn to balance working hard and making time for yourself, for your loved one, for your passion(s) and for your health. Believe me, you will be a much happier, well-rounded person. NYC doesn’t offer the best work-life balance as many of us are aware, but I’m getting better and better at maintaining this each year.
4. Exercise is key. Even if it’s a long walk, a barre class or even just a quick run at my building’s gym – I feel better. Physically, mentally and emotionally. Also, it helps with alleviating stress.
5. Great friends are rare. While planning a wedding, you fortunately (and sometimes unfortunately) learn who your true friends are. After sifting through guest list after guest list, you experience first hand that great friends are rare. Of course, it doesn’t take a wedding to know this, but it does teach you a lot about who you actually want to witness a very memorable and emotional day in your life. Quality over quantity.
6. You don’t need to know every answer. I always feel the need to know every answer and be in control of every situation, and if I do not, I feel as if I failed. However, this is just unrealistic (and somewhat insane). Always continue to learn and expand your knowledge, yet also learn who to go to as a resource for specific topics and don’t be hard on yourself if you just don’t have the answer at that time. This has been a significant learning experience for me this year and I’m already feeling more confident.
7. Do your best. This will make you feel proud, confident and honestly, just more content with yourself overall. It’s unrealistic to say you will be on your A game every single day of your life, but just trying to do better and working hard, will pay off in the end.
8. Cherish your family. Family can be crazy, but cherish every moment with them. There are so many people in the world that yearn for a family, to be loved and to feel connected. Since I have not lived close to my own family for nearly 10 years (minus my sister and Allan’s family currently), I try to spend as much time as I can during holidays, random weekend trips or even a family trip each year. I miss my family often, but I know I can always count on them despite the distance.
9. Be sympathetic. I’m doing my best to get better at this day over day. We all have different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that makes us who we are. Do not judge. Listen. Be caring. Allow emotions to occur.
10. Relax with a glass of wine (or champagne). Sometimes this is an amazing solution to a tough and stressful day. Typically, I try to leave it to Thursdays (…I’m getting old) when I have had a long week, I need to relax and I’m more than ready for Friday to come! Warning: I am not recommending a glass each day.
11. Remember tomorrow is a new day. We all have bad days. We all make mistakes. We’re all human. I always remind myself that today will just be a memory and tomorrow is a fresh start.
12. Be reliable. Reliability is key and it will create a strong network around you. No one will ever refer you in business if you’re a flake. Your friendships will fail if you do not follow through on your word. It’s so critical and I personally value reliability very, very much.
13. Set short-term, attainable goals. This is key to your personal success and well being in the coming year. I would highly recommend setting 5 goals to accomplish in 2015. Maybe it’s with your career, proposing to a loved one, applying to graduate school or even conquering a new passion – but just make sure your goals are attainable and realistic. Note: Setting long terms goals and writing down larger dreams is also important.
14. Kill them with kindness. In a business setting with a colleague, an exchange with a client or even a stranger on public transportation – it’s not worth it. I’ve had my fair share of experiences with angry, rude and just downright unhappy people and it seriously hurts me inside. Mainly because I want to scream. I assure you, being kind is the best way to combat their darkness.

Cheers to a wonderful 2014 and to an even better 2015!