#83 - 24 Things I Learned In 2024
Dec 31, 2024
24 (Actually 36) Life Lessons I Learned in 2024: A Year-End Reflection
As 2024 comes to a close, I wanted to share the most important lessons I've learned this year. These aren't insights that came overnight—they're hard-won wisdom from navigating work, relationships, personal growth, and everything in between.
Initially, I planned to share 24 lessons for 2024, but as I reflected, I realized I'd learned so much more. Here are 34 lessons that shaped my year and will guide me into the next.
Personal Growth & Self-Discovery
1. It's Cool to Try
I've never looked at someone trying something new and thought "that's weird." Taking on challenges, putting yourself out there, being vulnerable—that takes courage. Trying is always cool.
2. It's Okay to Try New Things or Develop New Interests
You don't have to keep doing things just because you used to do them. If something no longer serves you or interests you, it's okay to move on and try something different.
3. You Learn More from Failing Than Succeeding
This year, my biggest growth came from failures—in work, relationships, and personal projects. Failure forces introspection and teaches you what actually works.
4. If It Doesn't Work Immediately, It Doesn't Mean You Never Will
Success rarely happens overnight. Just because something doesn't work in six months or even a year doesn't mean it never will.
8. It's Okay to Not Know What You're Doing
I've felt like an imposter countless times this year. Feeling lost or uncertain is normal, especially in your 20s.
9. It's Okay to Take a Break
Sometimes you need to pause everything and just chill. It's okay to spend nights on your couch doing absolutely nothing.
10. It's Okay to Feel Lost
Especially in our 20s, there's so much uncertainty—about careers, relationships, the future. Feeling directionless is part of the journey.
Confidence & Self-Belief
11. Believing in Yourself is the Only Way Other People Will
If you struggle with imposter syndrome (like I did this year), remember: if you don't believe in yourself, why should anyone else?
12. Standing Up Taller Will Make You Feel More Confident
This simple physical change actually makes you feel taller and more confident. Try it right now.
13. Reading Will Make You Feel Smarter
Books expand your mind and genuinely make you feel more intelligent.
14. Having a Big Imagination and Big Dreams Has Never Let Me Down
Dream big. Your imagination is a superpower, not a liability.
Relationships & Communication
15. Being Vulnerable is a Superpower
Vulnerability isn't weakness—it's strength that connects you with others.
16. Sharing Your Emotions Makes Them Feel Less Heavy
Verbalizing feelings reduces their power over you and helps others understand you better.
17. Telling Someone How You Feel is Important
Whether good or bad, sharing your feelings makes all relationships easier—with friends, partners, family, or coworkers.
18. Most Guys Are Uncomfortable with Something About Themselves
They just don't talk about it because they think everyone else has it figured out. You're not alone in your struggles.
Boundaries & Personal Standards
19. You Don't Have to Stop Doing Something Because It Makes Someone Else Feel Smaller
Don't dim your light because others feel uncomfortable with your growth. Someone else's discomfort with your progress isn't your responsibility.
20. Making Someone Else Feel Smaller Will Not Make You Feel Any Larger
Putting others down doesn't build you up. Similarly, making yourself smaller doesn't help anyone else.
21. Worrying About What Someone Else Will Think Will Not Stop Them from Thinking
Their thoughts are out of your control anyway, so why waste energy worrying about them?
Mindset & Perspective
22. Nobody is Thinking About You as Much as You Are
That embarrassing thing you did? Most people have already forgotten about it while you're still replaying it.
23. Taking a Leap Means You Will Fall, Then Hopefully Start to Climb Back Up Again
Taking risks involves falling—but that's how you eventually climb higher.
24. Working at Something Regardless of the Outcome Will Make You Feel Good
The effort itself has value, regardless of results.
25. There Is No Timeline
Everyone's in different phases—some married, some single, some finding their career, others changing direction. There's no "supposed to be" in your 20s.
26. It's Never Too Late
It's never too late to start, try, or try again. Whether it's a career change, learning something new, or ending a relationship that isn't working.
Action & Decision-Making
27. Dealing with Things as They Happen is Better Than Waiting
Handle issues immediately rather than letting anxiety build. Address problems while they're manageable.
28. "Later" Means "I Don't Prioritize That"
If you keep saying "I'll do it later," that task probably isn't important to you. Be honest about your priorities.
29. Consistency Over Intensity, Progress Over Perfection
Showing up regularly beats sporadic intense efforts. Progress trumps perfection every time.
30. Nobody is Going to Make You Do It
You have to want change enough to make it happen yourself. This applies to everything—diet, exercise, career, relationships.
Resilience & Growth
31. It Doesn't Get Easier, You Just Get Stronger
Like lifting weights, challenges don't become easier—you become more capable of handling them.
32. When You Don't Want To, Remember Why You Started
Your original motivation can reignite your drive when things get tough.
33. When You Don't Feel Like Yourself, Go Take a Walk
Movement and fresh air reset your mental state.
34. What You Do and How You Respond Are Completely Up to You
You control your actions and reactions, regardless of circumstances.
Learning & Adaptability
35. It's Okay to Change Your Mind
Changing your mind isn't weakness—it's growth and learning.
36. It's Okay to Be Wrong, But When You Are, Admit It and Move On
Acknowledge mistakes quickly and focus on moving forward.
37. You Can Find Hope in Anything
Hope exists in every situation if you look for it.
Key Themes for Personal Growth
On Trying New Things:
Whether it's starting a podcast, changing careers, or learning a skill—the world needs more people willing to try, not fewer.
On Comparison:
Stop comparing your behind-the-scenes to everyone else's highlight reel. Everyone's struggling with something.
On Timing:
There's no perfect time to start. Your 20s aren't about following a script—they're about finding your own path.
On Failure:
Failure isn't the opposite of success—it's part of the journey. Each failure teaches you something valuable.
Questions for Your Own Reflection
As you think about your own year, consider:
What challenged you the most this year?
What did your failures teach you?
What risks are you glad you took?
What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?
What timeline pressure are you putting on yourself that you could release?
Moving into the New Year
Instead of traditional resolutions, consider:
Choose 2-3 lessons from this year to carry forward
Identify one area where you've been waiting for "the right time"
Practice one form of vulnerability that makes you uncomfortable
Start something you've been saying you'll do "later"
Final Thoughts
Your 20s are uniquely challenging because there's no roadmap. Everyone's figuring it out as they go. The lessons that matter most often come from the hardest experiences.
Remember: It's never too late to start. It's never too late to try. It's never too late to try again.
These 36 lessons shaped my 2024, but they're not universal truths—they're my truth. Take what resonates, leave what doesn't, and create your own list of lessons learned.
Here's to a year of growth, resilience, and becoming more authentically ourselves.
What lessons did 2024 teach you? Share your reflections and connect with others navigating their 20s at Guyset - A Guy's Guide to What Should Be Talked About. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. Send your insights to josh@guyset.com
This year I started a new job, met some incredible people, took a few trips, read a couple books, walked a lot of steps, and learned a lot about myself. Here are 24, actually 34, things I learned this year.
Connect with Guyset:
See you guys next year, next Tuesday.
