Who Will Bell the Cat? - What I Learned in 2024

#career #python #workplace

This year was probably one of the best years of my life so far. I loved the most part of it, learnt a lot of things too and i thought it would be wise to share and document the lessons i learnt.

Always Volunteer to Bell the Cat

From the popular story, the mice in a certain kingdom's lives were threatened by a cat. They held a meeting to decide how to protect themselves. Eventually, they came up with a clever idea: to put a bell around the cat's neck, so they would be alerted whenever the cat was on the move. However, when the time came to volunteer for the mission, no one stepped forward. They were all afraid of losing their lives should the cat wake up.

This year i learnt the importance of stepping up to do the "hard" or "difficult" work. It’s through these challenges that we grow and truly learn. Everything we know today was once difficult when we first started, and by taking on tasks that seem intimidating, we open the door to new opportunities and personal development.

Consistency is growth

At the beginning of doing these "hard/difficult" things, the urge to give up is very strong because we don’t see immediate results. I often end up doubting my skills and abilities. That’s where consistency comes in. If you did the same thing for one hour every day for a month, by the 30th day, you’d be doing that thing with ease. Most of the things we consume on social media promise us easy success, but as the saying goes, "All good things take time."

Don't to fight things you don't control

One of the biggest lessons I learned this year is the importance of letting go of things beyond my control. Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way—situations, people, or outcomes that we cannot influence no matter how hard we try. Fighting these uncontrollable circumstances only leads to frustration, stress, and wasted energy.

Instead, I’ve learned to focus on what I can control: my attitude, my actions, and how I respond to adversity. Accepting that some things are simply out of my hands has brought me a sense of peace and clarity. It has also helped me channel my energy into productive efforts, rather than getting stuck in a cycle of resistance and negativity.

As the Stoics often say, “You cannot control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.” This mindset doesn’t mean giving up—it means choosing your battles wisely and finding strength in the areas where you do have power.

Summary
Each experience, whether good or challenging, has taught me something valuable. I hope you find these useful and perhaps offer some guidance or inspiration as you continue your own journey. Wishing you a happy new year