This is going to be one those cheesy posts about growing up and how I go about it.
Over the past year, I've focused on being better. I'm reminded by this at work with a post-it note that simply states "Be Better" in my barely legible handwriting (trying to instill my inner doctor). While I'm often driven by regret, being better day-after-day tends to be more applicable on a daily basis than regret.
It's easy to define goals to be better at in terms of a career or hobby. For me, I try to be the best Product Manager and photographer I can be; those can be measured in various ways (e.g. financially, feedback, end product). But there are other aspects of being that I've been working on which are much more tricky to measure and often have no direct benefit from doing. These things include being more empathetic, more compassionate, more appreciative, and being a better friend.
One of the things you'll notice about "What do successful people do?" articles is that they tend to have habits. One of my better habits that allows me to stop and reflect is certainly watching the sunrise/sunset at least once a week (if not multiple times). On the other hand, I push myself to do things that I'm uncomfortable doing, which makes doing anything easier. It's a breeze to tell others of positive, but it can be difficult to admit the poor habits. For me, eating fast food frequently has been a habit I've had for a very long time. Habits are difficult to break and can be even more difficult to start (for better or worse). For changing habits, it is best to ask oneself about "Why?"
It is critical to be intentional to improve (asking why helps). In photography, I've discussed with other photographers about why they don't think they're improving; many times, they don't critique their own work and think about how to take better pictures in the future.
In addition to being a better product manager and photographer, I want to help others and create powerful moments for those around me. One example is taking photos of people who may not get an opportunity to work with a photographer (if you can call me one...) when I have free time; it brings so much joy to them while it only takes me minutes (including editing).
Everyday, be better.