It’s the end of 2022 and I’ve had a year of personal + professional highs and lows…

Here are 8 lessons I learned in 2022 that I hope you can take to 2023:

1: Just press publish.

I spent 8 years angsting about posting content on Twitter and getting nowhere with my account.

I endlessly worried about what people would say or think about me. It paralyzed me.

Stop worrying about what people think and just start writing.

It’s the fastest way to improve.

Someone’s not going to like it. That’s life.

2: Nothing lasts forever.

In September, my lovely grandpa died.

He was 92.

I know it’s not a tragedy. He had a long + happy life.

He died surrounded by his family.

Sometimes when people live that long we assume they will go on forever.

Make the most of the people you have.

3: Whatever career you’re in, you have options.

I’ve grown my Twitter ghostwriting business + my presentation coaching to $20k MRR.

But I’m a doctor.

It’s been a huge learning curve + the best thing I’ve done.

As medics we have transferrable skills, we just don’t realize it.

Don’t let yourself be boxed in.

4: Lift up your colleagues

I got a Members Award from the RCPCH for my contribution to paediatrics.

Getting recognition from my peers was truly special.

I even got to bring my mum along to get lots of nachas.

So, tell your colleagues you value them.

It matters.

Me and my mum at the RCPCH Awards

5: Start a newsletter right now.

Growing an audience on social is fine, but how do you really get to know them?

Build a mailing list and connect with your readers.

You’ll learn a ton.

I’ve grown this newsletter from 0-18k subscribers this year.

And getting to know you all has been an honor. I love all the emails you send, so please keep them coming.

6: Parenting is a wild ride.

Parenting young kids is pretty simple in retrospect.

(Except for the tiredness.)

Parenting teens is a whole other world.

I’m grateful for the highs, the lows, the pain, + the triumphs.

Lucky to have these 3 wonderful humans to raise with Fergal.

7: Be honest with your friends.

This year I’ve had more honest conversations.

True friends are there to share all the gory details. Even the stuff you are ashamed to admit.

And that openness has brought more meaningful relationships.

You know who you are – thank you.

8: Sometimes the crazy thing is the right thing.

In Feb this year, I donated my kidney to a stranger.

Many people think I was crazy to do it.

But I’ve wanted to do it for years.

I assumed I never hear about my recipient, but then last week I received a letter from them.

What have been your biggest lessons from 2022?

Happy new year!