2023 was a rollercoaster ride for me. It was a year of hope, disappointment, achievements, failures, recovery, breaking down, solidarity, and even resentment… everything I could think about happened in just 365 days. To be like that, or not to be like that: there was this one major aspect that — uninvitedly — affected my growth, or even de-growth, as a person.

And here’s the recap.

1. Listen. Listen without judgment. It doesn’t matter if the person is younger, less experienced, less educated­ – you can always learn a thing or two. You are not the most intelligent person on the planet.
2. Don’t cut others when they speak, even if you think you have a better argument. This will only create a totally avoidable misunderstanding.
3. The world does not revolve around you. Making everything about you dismisses someone else’s POV and bigger problems that might turn against you.
4. Even if it’s hard, try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. There is no harm in being a little sensitive towards people around you – it may help create a better atmosphere for everyone, including you, to function.
5. You are not smart. You are not stupid, either. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and don’t look down on others. If you see yourself too highly, you lose your chance to learn – and will only make a fool of yourself.
6. Come on, you can make mistakes too. Defending yourself when you think you are right is fine. It’s always okay. But being defensive without being introspective –if your image is what you care about, you miss the chance to admit your mistake and be the bigger person.
7. If you don’t understand, ask. Asking questions doesn’t make you look stupid; pretending to know stuff does.
8. Be more appreciative. No one is perfect, but hearing “thank you” and some compliments can make someone’s day – even the (constructive) criticisms that follow will be much easier to discern.
9. If you do need to criticize, criticize with substances and offer a solution. Otherwise, it will sound like baseless complaints in a fault-finding race. It doesn’t help improve the condition.
10. Be wise with your choices of words. What is important is to have the message delivered, even in a roundabout way. Thoughtless words hurt, and the feeling incurred might block the points you try to convey.