As the year winds down and we find ourselves in the week before the Christmas holidays, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. Many of us might be reflecting on the year gone by, caught up in thoughts of goals we didn’t quite meet or projects that remain unfinished. But pause for a moment and ask yourself—what if you’ve already done your very best? What if the sum of your efforts this year is more than enough?
Take a trip back through your calendar, revisit your old to-do lists, and reflect on your accomplishments from 2024. Big or small, each step you’ve taken contributes to the bigger picture of growth and progress. Maybe it’s a breakthrough in your research, the collaboration that sparked new ideas, the challenges you overcame, or the support you offered to colleagues. These are all achievements worth celebrating.
We often underestimate how much we contribute, not only in terms of measurable outcomes but also through the dedication, creativity, and resilience we bring to our work. So, as you wrap up the year, take a moment to acknowledge your efforts and be proud of what you’ve achieved. You deserve it!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Magdalena R Stadin, PhD