What’s a new year without reflection and renewal? While goal-setting is a great tradition, it’s equally important to look back and ask, "What lessons have I learned that can shape my future?" Reflecting on these life lessons provides a powerful foundation for personal growth and success.

In this post, I’m sharing the transformative lessons I’ve learned through challenges, fears, and opportunities in 2020. These are the truths that shaped me, helped me step into my power, and guided my journey toward a life I love.

Let’s explore these life lessons that will inspire you to embrace growth, challenge your fears, and bet on yourself.

1. Practicing Self-Care Creates a Grounded Life

The first lesson I learned is that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Taking care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically is the key to showing up fully in every area of your life.

In 2020, I made the bold decision to move out of my parents' house to downtown Toronto. This wasn’t my first time living alone, but it was the first time I intentionally chose an environment that allowed me to thrive. Having my own space gave me the mental clarity to launch my business and focus on my goals without interruptions.

Self-care also means minding your “diet”—and I’m not just talking about food. Your diet includes everything you consume, like the conversations you engage in, the media you watch, and the energy you allow into your space. I learned to surround myself with people and experiences that uplift me, protect my energy, and fuel my growth.

Take this lesson to heart: Ask yourself if your environment supports your well-being. If not, it’s time for a change.

2. Only Do Work That Excites You

A huge takeaway for me was realizing that I no longer wanted to spend my life doing things that didn’t truly excite me.

Before becoming a wealth coach, I worked part-time as a waitress and held a full-time administrative job. While the serving job brought joy and flexibility, my 9-to-5 drained me. The work became repetitive and unfulfilling, leaving me uninspired and unchallenged.

When COVID hit, it gave me the space to reassess my goals and identify my strengths. I realized that helping women feel empowered with their finances was my calling. Starting my business wasn’t just about money—it was about waking up every day excited to serve, educate, and inspire.

If you’re stuck in a job or role that doesn’t light you up, ask yourself:

What skills or passions come naturally to me?
How can I align my work with my purpose?

Life is too short to settle. Pursue work that brings you joy.

3. Move Through Fear

Fear is often the barrier between us and our dreams. One of the most valuable lessons I learned is that growth requires moving through discomfort.

For me, fear showed up in two ways:

Doubting my abilities: I worried that people wouldn’t take me seriously because of my age or experience.
Public speaking anxiety: I feared putting myself out there and being judged.

But I knew that if I wanted my business to succeed, I needed to step out of my comfort zone. I started an Instagram account, launched a YouTube channel, and hosted my first live masterclass. Despite my fears, I focused on how many lives I could impact by showing up authentically.

Remember: Fear is just your brain’s way of trying to protect you from the unknown. Push through it, and you’ll discover that you’re capable of more than you ever imagined.

4. Bet on Yourself

Investing in yourself is one of the most empowering decisions you can make. In one year alone, I invested over $15,000 in business coaches to fast-track my success. Was I scared? Absolutely. But I trusted that the return on investment would outweigh the initial risk—and I was right.

This lesson applies to every area of life, not just business:

Want to learn a new skill? Take the class.
Have a dream you’ve been putting off? Go for it.

The biggest risk is not taking any at all. By betting on yourself, you show the world—and yourself—that you’re serious about your growth.

5. Take Calculated Risks

Growth comes from stepping into the unknown, but it doesn’t mean being reckless. Taking calculated risks requires weighing the potential losses against the potential gains and choosing to move forward when the reward is worth it.

For example, I invested $5,000 into a stock portfolio, which has grown to $30,000 over three years. It wasn’t without its risks, but I educated myself, set realistic goals, and trusted the process.

Whether it’s starting a business, moving to a new city, or pursuing a passion, ask yourself:

What do I have to gain?
What do I have to lose?
Will this decision help me grow?

If the answer is yes, take the leap.

Conclusion

The biggest life lessons come from challenges that push us beyond our comfort zones. Practicing self-care, pursuing work you love, moving through fear, betting on yourself, and taking calculated risks are all steps toward a more fulfilling and empowered life.

Reflect on the lessons you’ve learned and use them as a foundation for your growth. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every fear is a chance to prove your strength.

If these lessons resonate with you, I invite you to join me on this journey of growth and empowerment by checking out my list of resources and ways to work with me below. Let’s build a life that excites us, challenges us, and fulfills us—one lesson at a time.

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Lessons Learned: What I’m Taking With Me Into A New Year