MY 2023: YEAR IN REVIEW

As the final days of 2023 unfold, I find myself actively engaged in profound reflections. A deep gaze into the series of experiences, lessons, and emotions that have defined the past twelve months.

My 2023 Year in Review is more than a mere recounting of days and events; it is a canvas painted with the hues of personal triumphs and struggles, resilience in the face of challenges, and the subtle evolution that time orchestrates.

“Adventurous” and “Overwhelming” are the two words that best describe my year. One of the key aspects I highlighted in my last piece My journey Beyond Comfort Zone was the significant growth I experienced this year, and I must say, it was an all-around growth for me.

Just a few days ago, my sister said to me, “Hassy, you know 2023 was truly your year,” and I felt it. This year began with uncertainties and mental struggles, which led to increased anxiety. Despite these challenges, I still had my detailed 2023 goals that I was aiming for and it always made sense to me that I would and could still show up.

In the last few days of this month, I dedicated time to self-reflection, and it was surprising to see how many goals I had ticked off my 2023 goals list. One of my most critical goals this year was to embark further on a journey of self-discovery and self-love. Beyond career goals, I wanted to explore and grow in other aspects of my life.

Highlights of the Year:

This year has been filled with numerous highlights, and I’ll be sharing some major highlights with you;

Developing Solutions for Enterprise company: One of my biggest and most challenging products I have ever worked on and led the development team was an HR solution I worked on this year, and is currently being adopted by one of the Banks in Nigeria.

Product Management Coach: This year, I facilitated two Product management Classes, one was for a private Ed-tech company and the other was for an NGO Tech community. I also superheaded a Product Management Mentorship Program for the same community.

Joined the leading Ed-tech Startup: Towards the Q4 of the year, I joined one of the leading Software engineering Institutes in Nigeria as a Product Manager.

Promotions and Financial growth: I got promoted this year, and I also grew my finances to a times 6 of what I started with at the beginning of this year.

Mentorship: This year, I mentored over 30+ mentees into product management and also helped more people transition into product management.

Published articles: As mentioned in my previous articles, I never liked writing until this year, and part of my goals this year was to publish up to 10 articles. Completing my 8th article this year feels like a significant achievement.

Beyond professional successes, I went back to mental therapy and practiced more self-care, including solo-dates, solo-vacations, Quality time with friends and loved ones, exploring new restaurants, and more.

Struggles Faced:

Despite the highlights, this year brought its share of challenges. Achieving my goals often came with anxiety and imposter syndrome, leading to occasional breakdowns. I’d always feel grateful to my friends, sister, and some random people for standing by me during those tough times. Reflecting on the journey from the beginning of the year to now, I am grateful to be in a better mental state.

Lessons Learned:

Dream Big and Aim High: Setting ambitious goals is crucial; never settle for the bare minimum.

Take Action: Starting is key; even when unsure of the path, taking action is the first step toward success.

Prioritize Mental Health: In the tech world, or any field, a healthy mental state is essential for overall well-being.

Build Meaningful Connections: Networking is vital; your biggest opportunities may come from unexpected sources.

Build in Public: Sharing your journey with others can be a powerful motivator and catalyst for growth.

Teach to Learn: The act of teaching enhances personal growth and understanding.

Looking ahead: A Glimpse into 2024

As I reflect on the journey of the past year, with its triumphs, challenges, and lessons, I can’t help but cast my gaze forward to what lies ahead. I look forward to exploring goals such as; tackling and building even more complex solutions that will help solve users’ needs, Learning more about AI Models and how to leverage AI in Healthcare. I look forward to furthering my impact at one of the largest Ed-tech startups in Nigeria. Facilitating more extensive Product Management cohorts and nurturing the tech community through mentorship and Tech awareness.

As I glance toward the future, I’m reminded of the struggles that accompanied this year’s triumphs. Imposter syndrome and anxiety may linger, but they will not define my path. Each challenge is an opportunity for my growth, and I’ll navigate them with resilience and grace.

So here’s to 2024 — an unwritten chapter waiting to unfold. As I jot down my rough OKRs and transfer them to my vision board, I eagerly anticipate the adventures, growth, and surprises that await.

May this new year bring us all closer to our aspirations, and as you embark on your own journey, remember to dream boldly, act decisively, and, most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Happy New year everyone, and cheers to greater heights💙🥂