One. Growth takes time.

Two. Perspective matters. As long as you listen your preconceived notion about something, you will always believe that. Things may not be as rough as we think after the storm blows over.

Three. Some people are in different phases of the karmic cycle, and thus can be toxic to my own self-growth. Each of these events are vital to our own growth. The world has 7 billion people...no one person's path to growth looks the same.

Four. I don't know everything about the world. Things aren't always what they seem. There are good people and there are bad people.

Five. Moderate my expectations. Be realistic, and let myself attain those goals.

Six. Academics have been my outlet for success. When times have been tough, I work a bit harder on my schoolwork in hopes that my eventual degree will find me a high-paying job where most of my financial worries will go away.

Seven. Tough situations made me a stronger person. I probably say this every year, but 2020 holds its own significance. Several consequential events that were rather traumatic and life-changing prepared me for the obstacles still to come in future years.

Eight. Sometimes, you need to change your job or career. And don't go back. Your gut instinct is normally right when you're not enjoying a job for whatever reason. I went back to a job I didn't find enjoyable anymore because of the COVID-19 situation and it blew right back up in my face.

Nine. Family can also be toxic, and shouldn't get a free pass for it. Sometimes cutting the line of communication and limiting interaction with family members who have been a hinderance to your self growth is needed.

Ten. I have to come to take for granted the privilege of traveling. I want to travel again as soon as the pandemic blows over.

Eleven. Rumors aren't always true.

Twelve. My music taste is constantly changing. I've come to realize it is also correlated to my position in life. Recently, I've been listening to more upbeat music.

Thirteen. I have grown a liking for photography, and may desire to launch a side-job associated with it.

Fourteen. Our lives are fragile and can collapse in a millisecond. My family's constant health issues, financial troubles, and/or distractions upended my world in very short order. It was an extremely mentally exhausting year.

Fifteen. Being a real leader is difficult.

Sixteen. My mental health matters. It's suffered greatly in 2020 because of the sheer amount of ridiculous distractions of other people's problems. I have done a good job at putting on a smile and pretending everything is okay when it is truly not. More work needs to be done in 2021, to build a happier me.

Seventeen. Appreciate even the small things people will do for you. Whether it's a friend, coworker, or a family member – a small act can mean everything. Someone's willingness to go out of their way or do favors for you is a testament to their character and good intentions.

Eighteen. Make my intentions clear. Erase the ability for someone to have a doubt by communicating.

Nineteen. Work hard, because no one else is going to attain my goals for me.

And lastly,

Twenty! Above all, I always have myself. That's why it's so important to take all of the lessons learned in 2020 and apply them for 2021. A blank slate is near.