Crazy how time flies. It has been a crazy and wonderful 2018.
The year began with some crazy snowstorm in New York City. E and I were in a nice cosy Renwick Hotel, falling asleep as people shouted from Times Square. We were on Level 15, streaming Netflix on the TV and snuggling in the warm thick sheets. As it became midnight, we kissed and opened the balcony window to bask in the celebrations outside. I enjoyed the moment. I’ve grown so much since.
About 2018
2018 is about finding out my next steps and what I want to do. It took a whole year, but I am now surer than ever. I’ve grown to be more mature, more at peace with myself and more certain of who I am and where I stand. The numerous books I’ve read, people I’ve met and things I’ve experienced have only helped me to grow as the ideal Lisa of the future. I am grateful, I truly am.
Growth
I feel like the biggest growth is to see myself without the shiny lights (e.g. entrepreneur, a minority in a place, the whole idea of “she’s so unique”), and begin to really see myself for who I am. That is the most important thing. I am able to be me, without any external things. Past Lisa will argue that I am already like that, but that’s not true. I was an arrogant and “I am so unique” person. I finally had the opportunity to strip myself off the shiny pedestal and come down to reality. That’s not to say that I am small and insignificant, rather, that I am significant that I can be me without other material things or validation from others, in one form or another.
Thank you, E
Elliott really helped me to grow. So much.
- Become more focused on the specialized skillset I want to master
- The importance of small details. Time and time again, he showed me how important it is to care about the little things. It is the little things that is the last 20% to make something succeed.
- Persevere. So what if people around me are not the same? Find people that are. So what if people don’t believe in things I do? Find communities that are. Keep doing what you are doing. And keep going despite the difficulties
- Validate. Don’t trust. Use empirical data & evidence to prove your points. “I feel that” is bullshit. Everyone can feel shit.
- No one is an expert. Really taught me humility!
- Value value value. Focus on adding value, all the time.
- Time vs quality vs money. How to stretch money by taking some time to research on quality. Always cross reference quality and price. It is not always good!
- Spend money on things that can improve your life. Make sure value > cost you paid. E.g. Elliott’s iPhone X to make it easier to film. iPad for meetings and note taking. Gadgets to make life easier and more efficient.
- If something is not a FUCK YES, it is a no.
- It is okay to say NO. And say NO often.
- And so many things regarding work, dealing with “time-wasters”, etc. Make sure to validate people before giving them the chance to speak to me. Too many people out there are bullshit!
A Year in London
Living in London for a year has been wonderful. The lifestyle, the opportunities, the network, the people. I’ve also had the time and space to figure myself out. I read a lot (thanks to all the awesome tech Elliott has), learnt a lot and finally took the leap of faith to jump into something I really enjoy. I feel stronger and better. More at peace with myself and full of life from within. I’m afraid to think of how my life would be, have I not had met Elliott. He has so much faith in me, I’m incredibly lucky to have him.
Sure, some days are shit, but hey, all sun and no rain makes a desert. I’m always thankful, always.
Love,
L