Five Years! Really?

A friend of mine asked me recently whether I was happy with my progress over the past five years.

For some weird reason, my mind went to Lenin and his New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921.

I don’t remember many things from my primary education, but I remember the NEP from Lenin.

If I recall correctly, the principles were based on five-year planning focusing on free market and capitalism, but still under state control.

Five years of planning.

In my case, five years of progress.

Am I happy with my progress over the past five years?

Absolutely.

Are there things I would have done differently?

Absolutely.

Did I grow both personally and professionally?

Absolutely.

As a lifelong learner, there are lessons almost every day, which adds up to a lot of learning in five years.

But the main point remains the same as the last question above.

Have I grown as a person, both personally and professionally?

And, very importantly, am I a kinder person now for myself and those around me than I was five…