The dawn of the new year rings in hopes, new goals, dreams and plans. It’s like the fresh page in the new notebook you just got for listing down all your 2023 goals. Unlike that new notebook, we are a culmination of our past years and whatever happened in 2022 and the years before is a pivot to whatever direction you intend 2023 to take. It is for me anyway. 2022 for me saw a lot more opportunities to seek visibility within and without my team. And in my personal life as well. No, the opportunities did not come to me, rather I had to seek them out and for a soft-spoken introvert, I can only say that is was an utterly uncomfortable experience. And that’s putting it lightly. However, there were many learning moments last year that will move over to this year.
Take Ownership
I have made both big and small PRs in my team. PRs (pull requests) are how software engineers contribute to a larger code base. In some instances I have not felt particularly proud of my work even though it was good because it wasn’t big enough. Or the impact wasn’t huge enough. It’s an understandable feeling but also an injustice to my personal and professional growth. The level of impact of my work has will not always be the same but what remains consistent is me, the person who does it. It’s nice when other people pat you on the back for your work. Little congratulatory messages here and there, well dones, all that is good for morale and food for the ego, but it’s only temporary and I think has less of an effect than when you actually pat yourself on the back. Sounds easy, but I learnt it’s pretty hard because I am my worst critic and I think that applies to many individuals too. Of course you want to push yourself to constantly deliver impeccable work. And you’ll always find faults in the last thing you did. I know I do. But putting your all, whatever your all may be in that moment and delivering, and being proud of what you have done, I think that’s one of the kindest things someone can do for themselves. Not only does it boost your confidence, but it also positively affects how you approach the next task, and the next and the next.
Patience
Patience is a funny thing, you never really learn it do you? Beginning of 2022, my naivety made me believe I had mastered being patient with myself. Whatever 2022 threw my way, I’d handle with such poise and gentleness. I was going to be the epitome of grace. Well, throughout the year, a lot was thrown my way, thank you 2022, I’m still nursing a few bruises and on each occasion I had to come to terms with the fact that I was not the adept patient person I was so yearning to believe. I’m still not. What I did learn however, take on one obstacle at a time and accept you’re a human being who is not expected to figure everything out perfectly. Work, family, whatever it is that isn’t going as planned and just keeps getting worse day by day.
Speak Up
Oh, you owe it yourself. Gone are the days I could rely on my parents to be my spokespeople when I wanted something from someone. Gone are the days I relied on my parents to know what I wanted. If you want that promotion, make it crystal clear to your manager about your goals and ask for guidance on how to get there. If you’re not okay with a teammate, let them know, politely of course. And be ready to take on feedback yourself because it goes both ways. If you want more challenging work, less challenging work for whatever reason, when you’re not okay, when you have doubts or questions about a situation, speak up to the necessary people. Don’t let things stretch out for too long, that only increases the probability of more damage to be done.
That said, 2022 was a great year, adventures and challenges, wins and loses. Lessons, mistakes, you name it! I am definitely looking forward to what 2023 has in store.
See you next time 🙂
