louAs the end of 2022 approaches, it's natural to reflect on the year, and all that has happened. This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions from the highs and lows, the joys and struggles, the laughter and tears.
As we take stock of all that has happened, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of it all. But as we look back on the year, we must remember that we are not alone in this journey. We have shared these experiences, and in doing so, we have forged a bond that will carry us forward into the future.
So as I approach the end of the year, I will take a moment to honour all that I have been through and all that I have achieved. Let's embrace the emotions that come with looking back on a year filled with so much. And let's look ahead to the future with hope and determination, knowing that we will face it no matter what comes our way.
I wrote an "End of the Year" review last year, and I got quite a lot of feedback regarding how some folks are being inspired, so let's do this again. You can find the 2021 review here.
Highlights
I got a new role with a UK-based company as a Backend Developer
Transitioned into Web3 full-time, securing a role as a Developer Relations Engineer
Made thousands of $$$ from technical writing
I bought a new phone Samsung S22+, and Samsung watch5 Pro.
Travelled to 3 different countries (Let's do more)
I moved to my new Home (sharing some incredible photos and video soon)
Invested in real estate
Spoke at over 50+ tech conf (In-person events, Webinars, Twitter space, podcast etc.)
Wrote over 40+ technical contents
Founded Web3 Afrika
I'll start with a list of things I expected to get done but didn't.
Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. — Henry Ford
Challenges
In this section, I will discuss some challenges I faced. Although I felt so sad about it, but we move !!!
I got over 50+ rejections, which is way lesser than last year, maybe because I stopped applying to roles at some point. Although I tailored my application to a specific position, I wasn't just applying to roles blindly.
"Hiring freeze" is what they told me after finalizing the five stages of the interview process (I wish I could mention the company name). I was so pained, but after several interactions with HR, she made me realize it was due to the economic crisis in Europe at the time.
I got rejected by three giant Web3 companies at stage 3 or 4 after a smooth interview process. I think one of the reasons I figured was because of my location (sad).
I thought I would write more since I am now in the web3 space full time, but the attention was split between speaking and writing. I failed.
Invited to speak at CMfest22 and Gdg Ikorodu but didn't make it down. 🥲
Life is full of challenges, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed or discouraged when faced with difficulties. But it's important to remember that challenges are a normal and necessary part of life and can help us grow and become stronger.
So if you're feeling weighed down by challenges, here are a few tips to help you stay motivated and keep moving forward:
Remember that challenges are temporary: No matter how difficult a challenge may seem, it will eventually end. Remember this as you work through your struggles, and remind yourself that things will improve.
Please focus on the things you can control: It's easy to get caught up in the things that are out of our control, but this only leads to frustration and stress. Instead, focus on the things you can control, like your attitude and actions.
Seek support: No one has to face challenges alone. Whether it's a friend, a family member, or a professional, reach out to someone you trust for support and guidance.
Take care of yourself: Don't forget to prioritise your physical and emotional well-being. This might mean getting enough rest, eating healthy, or relaxing and de-stressing.
Find the silver lining: It can be hard to see the bright side when you're going through a tough time but try to look for the small moments of joy and positivity. These can help lift your spirits and motivate you to keep going.
Remember, challenges are a natural part of life and can help us grow and become stronger. So don't let them weigh you down – use them as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Accomplishment
it's a good time to reflect on our actions and achievements over the past 12 months. Whether it's a significant career milestone, a personal achievement, or something small but meaningful, it's essential to take a moment to celebrate our successes and reflect on our progress.
- Built a web3 tool: Twitter bot to simplify web3 terms
- I contributed significantly in my little way to folks within my network to get gigs, full-time roles, advice, guides, writing, understanding blockchain concepts from my talks etc. Here are a few ones I can get my hands on right now.
Click here to view feedbacks
Tiny changes, remarkable result
Tiny changes, remarkable result
Tiny changes, remarkable result
Tiny changes, remarkable result
Tiny changes, remarkable result
Tiny changes, remarkable result
Tiny changes, remarkable result
Tiny changes, remarkable result
Tiny changes, remarkable result
Tiny changes, remarkable result
I know I might not be able to connect with everyone, but there is a quote that resonates with me every time, which I would like to share with everyone reading this piece.
Tiny changes, remarkable result - James Clear
- Donated a token to support those in need of laptops and also several data giveaway to support those learning in tech.
Content
Made thousands of $$$ from technical writing. Interested to know how? Check this, let's go on a ride in 2023.
My Hashnode blog crossed 220,000 views, having over 1.2 milion+ views across all platforms.
Started writing content for Cloudinary(Media Jam) - profile, Web3 Hashnode, Moralis, Alchemy, Better Programming, and LogRocket.
Travel
I travelled out of the country for the first time in my life.
Speaking Engagement
- My first-ever in-person speaking event got approved by OSCAFRICA for OscaFest.
During the Oscafest event after my talk, I got a lot of exciting feedback and started feeling like doing more what people were saying (picking a few).
- Met Nader Dabit at OSCAFEST after connecting online for several years. Thanks for all you do in the community, ser!!
- I was invited to speak at Decode Web3 Series alongside experienced speakers and community builders in the Web3 ecosystem.
- Allowing someone to speak at a web3 Twitter space is not just about giving them a platform – it's about giving them a voice and the chance to share their insights and ideas with the world. Thank you Francesco Ciulla 💙
- "The Web3 Stack" gave another exciting talk at the Web3 Lagos event, where attendees learnt about the core Web3 stack and how to build a decentralized application.
- I gave a hands-on technical session about "The Power of Circle APIs + Building & Deploying a USDC-based Smart Contract" in Lagos and Nairobi at the #Web3Dev22 Roadshow.
- Web3 has come a long way since its inception, and it's clear that it has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the internet and each other. At the I4GHACKFEST2022, I gave another talk about building a decentralized application using the appropriate stack.
- Speaking at a developer conference is not just an opportunity to share your knowledge and ideas – it's a chance to inspire and motivate others to pursue their passions and positively impact the world. Thank you, DevFest Lagos, DevFest Nairobi, DevFest Ajah and DevFest Ibadan, for the vast opportunity.
- It was an inspiring moment for me during Devfest Nairobi when I gave a talk about leveraging blockchain technology to build software applications.
- Another exciting moment at the Federal university of technology Owerri.
I wish to list all of the presentations I gave this year. Recall that I stated it's 50+? Knowing that one of my primary goals for 2022 was to speak more was fascinating.
Speaking at a tech conference is a huge accomplishment, and it's natural to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment after such an achievement. But it's important to remember that success is not about resting on your laurels – it's about pushing yourself and striving for even greater things.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about what to do next after speaking at a tech conference, here are a few tips to help you stay motivated and keep moving forward:
Remember that success is a journey, not a destination: Success is not about reaching a certain point and then stopping – it's about continuously striving to improve and grow. Keep this in mind as you look ahead to your following goals and challenges.
- Became Showwcase Community lead focusing on blogging, Javascript and Technical writing community.
- Became Freecodecamp's 2022 top contributor. I love this, and I hope to do more in 2023.
- I was invited to be a judge in a hackathon at Microsoft garage by Africa hack.
Joined the Stackshift program, Genesis cohort
Donated to SheCodeAfrica to support the excellent work they do.
Showwcase AMA
Accomplishments are a natural and essential part of life, and taking the time to celebrate and recognize them is important. But it's also important to remember that accomplishments are not just about recognition or validation – they are also an opportunity for growth and development.
Here are a few tips for embracing your accomplishments and using them to grow:
Reflect on what you have learned: Accomplishments are not just about the result but also the journey. Take the time to reflect on what you have learned and how you have grown due to your efforts.
Celebrate your successes: Taking the time to celebrate your accomplishments and acknowledge your hard work is essential. Whether with a small celebration or a simple thank you to yourself, make sure to take the time to enjoy your success.
Set new goals: Accomplishments are not the journey's end – they are just the beginning. Use your accomplishments as motivation to set new goals and continue growing and developing.
Share your success with others: Sharing your accomplishments with others can help inspire and motivate them to pursue their goals. Share your achievements with friends, family, and colleagues, and help them see what is possible with hard work and dedication.
Use your accomplishments as a stepping stone: Accomplishments can lead to even bigger and better things. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself and push yourself to new heights.
Embracing your accomplishments is an essential part of personal growth and development. So take the time to celebrate and recognize your successes, and use them as a catalyst for even greater things to come.
Reflection
As the end of the year approaches, it's natural to look back and reflect on all that has happened. This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions from the highs and lows, the joys and struggles, the laughter and tears.
As we reflect on the year, it's essential to take stock of all that we have accomplished and all that we have learned. This might include looking back on our personal and professional goals and the challenges and successes we have encountered.
But it's also essential to look beyond the year's events and consider the broader emerging themes and patterns. What have we learned about ourselves and the world around us? How have our values and priorities changed over the year?
What do we hope to achieve in the coming year? What lessons can we carry forward from this year's experiences?
By reflecting on the year, we can better understand ourselves and the world around us and use this knowledge to inform our future decisions and goals.
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have supported me throughout my journey this year. Whether you offered encouragement, helped me with practical tasks, or listened to me vent, your support has meant more to me than you will ever know.
This year has had its ups and downs, but I am grateful to have had all of you by my side every step of the way. Your love and support have been a constant source of strength and motivation for me, and I couldn't have made it without you.
Thank you for being such an integral part of my life and believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Your love and support mean the world to me, and I am forever grateful to have you all in my life.
Conclusion
It's only natural to take stock of everything that has transpired this year as we near the end of the year. But as we reflect on the year, we must remember that our difficulties have made us more resilient and robust. They have given us the ability to develop, learn, and the fortitude to handle anything life throws at us.
So as we move forward into the coming year, let's take the lessons and experiences of this year with us. Let's embrace the challenges and opportunities that come our way and continue to grow and develop as individuals.
And most importantly, let's remember to be grateful for all that we have and all that we have achieved. Gratitude allows us to find the strength and motivation to keep moving forward, no matter what the future holds.
Thank you for going through this content. We will go harder in the year 2023. ✌️
I'd love to connect with you on Twitter | LinkedIn | GitHub | Portfolio
See you in my next blog article. Take care!!!
