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2024 has been an excellent year for learning, both personally and professionally. In both cases, it is an ongoing process, 24/7. I’ve learned from both of my sons how today’s youth view the world, live their values, and think about the future (side note: their perspective fills me with optimism). From my wife, I’ve learned how to be calmer, to dive within myself, and to live mindfully. I admit, I’m improving (the optimist in me!), but there’s undoubtedly still room for improvement. From friends and colleagues, I’ve learned about new perspectives, different paths to the same goal, and areas where they know much more than I do. Some of them are at the top of their fields in Europe (if not globally) and are an immense source of inspiration. And finally, every activity I’ve undertaken this year has offered an excellent opportunity for learning and reflection. One such activity was my 10th marathon, which was probably one of my toughest, both mentally and physically. But that’s life. That’s why I close the chapter of 2024 with immense gratitude and look forward to the new year.
2024 taught me how important it is to be surrounded by people, both in personal and professional life, who grow with you, learn together, encourage each other, trust each other, and share similar values. The past year also reminded me that sometimes we need to slow down and step back – so I’m slowly learning that weekends should be dedicated to me, that vacation is really vacation, without always thinking about work. Thanks to my colleagues who taught me this. And because I wasn’t the best student, my health also taught me this year, so I made some important decisions that I’ve been sticking to so far and hope to carry them into the new year. After 25 years, I quit smoking, which I consider my biggest personal achievement. I’ve also realized how important it is to have a reliable team behind you, ensuring everything runs smoothly, even if I’m lying somewhere in a hospital. It means a lot when you know you can always rely on someone, especially today, when the world is becoming more individualistic. Additionally, I’ve come to appreciate how grateful I am for the people around me, for every sunrise and sunset, and for everything we may take for granted: drinkable water, clean nature, safety, and peace, which is becoming an increasingly valuable commodity in the modern world.
The lessons of this year go back to the spring of 2023 when I lost someone dear to me. Her loss made me reflect, opened up a new perspective, and my life priorities were somewhat flipped upside down. Since then, and especially in this year, I’ve been actively learning – both in my personal and professional life – to set boundaries, strictly define priorities, sometimes not to “jump” right away but rather to wait and let time pass. I’ve said “no” or “not now/not immediately” more often. I’m looking for ways to increase efficiency and productivity so I can spend more time with the people and things that matter most to me. I’m learning to better manage expectations and express mine clearly. Sometimes I succeed better at this, sometimes a bit worse – as it’s said, we learn throughout our lives. That’s why I’m already looking forward to new lessons in 2025. But first, a little holiday break! 😊
In 2024, I realized that communication is a true “superpower”; honest and clear communication can sometimes be really uncomfortable, but that’s exactly why it can solve everything, while “wrong” communication can cause a lot of anger, disappointment, and negative emotions – both personally and professionally. I learned that life doesn’t always need to be taken too seriously and that the greatest happiness lies in the small things – in a hot cup of tea on a cold winter morning or a cold beer on a hot summer day, in the sun peeking through the autumn mist on the hills, and at parties you didn’t plan on attending, but in the end, turn out to be great fun. In 2024, I also learned that your late twenties is a time when you lose friends (in large numbers), but sometimes it’s necessary to close certain doors behind you, as only then can you open new ones. 2024 brought many useful lessons, happy moments, and new beginnings, and I’m very excited for everything 2025 has in store for me.
2024 has been full of valuable lessons for the NC3 team, encouraging us to grow and develop in all areas of our lives. From setting boundaries and priorities to the importance of honest communication, we have learned to appreciate the small moments of happiness and recognize how important it is to surround ourselves with people who support and inspire us in our endeavors. As we close the year, we wish that each lesson, every moment of gratitude, and every new beginning enriches your life as well. We wish you peaceful holidays and a heartfelt new year filled with health, happiness, and success!