As we approach the end of another year, it's natural to reflect on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout this remarkable journey. When considering my own performance and growth, I'm reminded of the importance of embracing a learning mindset—one that allows for continuous improvement and adaptation to the ever-changing landscape we navigate.

What have I done well?

I've developed systems to better measure my progress, especially in yoga, meditation, and exercise. I've realized that I need all of these to function and feel better.

I attempted to do yoga stretching daily, but on average, I do it 4-5 times per week, even on holidays. I do 15 minutes of yoga and 10 minutes of meditation each morning, which has really helped me be more focused and calm. I also try to exercise 30-40 minutes, such as walking or biking daily, to stay active.

I've also tried to manage my time more effectively and plan my days and weeks. I now use Notion regularly for this. My project management and time management have significantly improved.

What I have not done as well

While I aim for 30-40 minutes of exercise, such as walking or biking daily, I've probably achieved this only 2-4 times per week due to time commitments. It's still a lot, but not as much as I had hoped.

My weight training was not good at all. I planned to do 30 minutes three times a week, but this has eluded me. I'm lucky to do it once a week. I will need to focus on this more next year.

Letting go

Halfway through this year, I realised that teaching and working at the university no longer gave me joy. I'm not sure what was different about this year's medical students, but most of them seemed uninterested in learning. It felt like they were just showing up. Even when I told them to watch videos a day before as a prerequisite for the next day's session, less than half would do it. So, I decided to resign from the university and be involved only in research with patient recruitment.

Saying "No" and feeling like I've disappointed people is the hardest thing I've done.

Things I want to develop and work on next year

I've been developing a new business called "Menopause And Me." I'll be seeing menopause patients with and without a previous history of breast cancer. I'm looking forward to this journey next year.

As you reflect on your own journey this year, take a moment to consider the ups and downs that have shaped your experiences. How did your personal and professional life unfold over the past twelve months? What significant achievements or breakthroughs did you celebrate? Were there any unexpected triumphs that brought joy and satisfaction? On the flip side, what obstacles or setbacks did you encounter along the way? How did you navigate through these challenges, and what valuable lessons did you learn in the process? Reflecting on both the positive and challenging aspects of your year can provide valuable insights for personal growth and help set the stage for future success.