Personal Reflection: The 2010s Decade

Often, people asked me how to have grown so quickly at such a young age. As we are approaching the end of the 2010s, it is fitting to reflect. I'd like to share my growth journey and guiding principles during the decade because the 2010s was the decade of my personal growth. First, this reflection serves as a reminder for me to keep top of mind as we enter the next decade. Second, I hope this helps others to think about and develop their personal growth principles. My growth during the decades is discussed in three categories: Personal, Mindset and Career. 

Personal Growth

At the beginning of the decade, I married my then-girlfriend of four years. This was a big milestone for me. Marriage was never part of my plan. Furthermore, not in a million years that I thought I would marry outside of my culture. A Latina from Mexico and a black West African boy, from Liberia. We were not meant to be together according to social norms. We were from different cultures and race, it just wouldn't work. I was a college graduate who couldn't find a job, valet parked car and lived with my girlfriend. I was categorized as a thug with no future outlook. However, we stuck together through all the adversities. Just as I had preserved being a refugee in the '90s, this was a minor speed bump. This was the defining moment where I transitioned from a boy to a man. I became a husband and more importantly, a father of two beautiful children (Camila (8) and Jayce (4). I learned that if you treat others well, they will fight for you. One of my favorite Maya Angelou quotes said: " people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Through this, I learned that others’ perceptions are not your reality. It only can be if you succumb to it. I learned that being self-less builds characters, leadership skills and more importantly, builds lasting relationships. I developed my own narrative based on how I wanted it to be not according to perception.

Mindset Growth

Growing up as a young boy, my mother always preached to me and my siblings the importance of education. She would say being educated is one thing that will never be taken away from you, everything else you can lose. She not only preached it but she led by example. She started elementary school at the age of 16 in West Africa but, and she did not let this stop her. She went on to graduate college and earn a master’s degree. I watched her overcome many challenges to obtain her education. If she could do it while raising eight (8) children by herself, then there is no reason that I could not. As Maya Angelou said, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." Preparation meant continuous education both formal and informal. I prioritized educating myself staying abreast of areas of interest regardless of my expertise. I developed a curious mindset that anything can be possible if I was prepared.

Career Growth

Earlier in my career, I made the decision that my career growth is depended on not being complacent and not being risk-averse. Every single career decision I've made has been motivated by growth. I took on new roles that were completely outside of my comfort zone and packed up my family to move across the United States to a new state. Not all my decisions were successful but I learned from them. I have developed new skillset, gained new experiences and built lasting relationships that would not have happened otherwise. If one is afraid of change and risk-averse, how do you expect to grow? I strongly believe that complacency limits creativity and risk aversion restricts growth.

Conclusion

To conclude, the 2010s will be known as my decade of growth. The foundation of my growth was my willingness to being self-less, having a curious mindset, and not being risk-averse. I am a believer that the foundation of growth is rooted in these characteristics. It has helped me build lasting relationships with people who have influenced my personal and professional life. I explored new experiences outside of my comfort zone. I am confident that the next decade will be the decade of my transformation. To transform, I will have to make adjustments. As long as I am in good health, I am confident of the possibility. Happy Holidays and see you in the next decade.