Reflecting on 2024: The Ups, Downs, and Lessons from My Journey

 

So, today is the last day of 2024—31st December. It’s a bittersweet moment as I sit back and reflect on a year that has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. What’s unique this time is that I’m wrapping up the year in my village, Khadwan. Starting the new year here feels different, especially since the last couple of years began elsewhere. Maybe it’s the little changes that bring new energy, so let’s see how 2025 unfolds.

Let’s start with the hard truths of 2024.

This year, I faced some of my toughest challenges. The first blow was that I failed to stay consistent with my studies—a regret I carry forward. Then, the passing of my nana (grandfather) left a deep void in my heart. Financially, I didn’t hit my investment goals, and even worse, I found myself trapped in debt at one point. On top of that, I wasted a lot of time, got distracted, and fell into the trap of overconfidence. To add to it, all the resolutions I made at the beginning of the year fell apart after just a few months. While I tried restarting them later, the energy and effectiveness were never quite the same.

In short, 2024 tested me in ways I hadn’t expected. But, as they say, tough times build tough people.

Now, let’s talk about the silver linings and wins.

1. Learning financial discipline: I managed to handle my expenses and climb out of debt. If nothing else, 2024 taught me invaluable lessons about money management and discipline.

2. A global experience: I had the privilege of attending the Bihar Connect 2024 Global Summit. It was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience for someone like me—a dreamer from a lower-middle-class family in a Tier-3 city. Sitting alongside top startup founders, business leaders, and investors was surreal. The aura, the conversations, and the energy of that event are unforgettable. It has fueled my dream to attend many more such events in the future.

3. Building my startup: Despite all the chaos, I stayed focused on laying the foundation of my startup, Mediokart. While my team isn’t ready yet, I’ve been learning, planning, and building the basic fundamentals. The journey has just begun, but it’s one I’m determined to see through.

4. A personal milestone: On a personal note, I celebrated a year of my relationship with the same girl, and I hope this bond lasts a lifetime.

5. A brush with IIT Patna: Another highlight was attending a two-day workshop on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at IIT Patna. It was an eye-opener and an exciting step into the world of cutting-edge tech.

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond

Despite its challenges, 2024 has been one of the most transformative years of my life. It has been a year of mistakes, learning, and growth. As I step into 2025, I’m more determined than ever to achieve my goals, stay focused, and make the most of every opportunity.

To everyone reading this, thank you for being a part of my journey. Your support, even in the smallest ways, means a lot to me. One day, I hope you’ll read my success story as the next billionaire from India. Until then, keep dreaming big and working hard toward your own goals.

And as the legendary J.R.D. Tata once said:

“Uncommon thinkers reuse what common thinkers refuse.”

Let’s make 2025 extraordinary!

If you ever want to connect, feel free to reach out at amankumarhappy1@gmail.com. Wishing you all a fantastic year ahead!

Aman Kumar Happy