Top — 10 Personal Takeaways from 2024.

Sergey Leshchenko
6 min readFeb 1, 2025

--

I have learned a lot about myself in the past year, and this list is my attempt to set a reminder for the entire 2025 when I have doubts and ambiguity about things. In the sequence below I map out what, how and why I believe the takeaway is important. Without further ado, let’s hit it off.

1. I want to learn to be able to share.

This tremendous discovery occurred during my sessions with Pavel, my incredible therapist. In totality, all therapy work revolves around helping individuals to reflect on their own lives and, without giving direct advice, making sure the person handles their life in alignment with their real values, the ones that are authentic and unique to themselves.

I have realized that learning for action is very rewarding, since pure knowledge that isn’t practically implemented doesn’t make sense — right?

Wrong. For me — not only. I discovered that knowing something and practically utilizing it without sharing it with others is a tough bargain. Furthermore, I am often even driven to learn new things to be able to share them. It’s like I am comprehending the knowledge deeper after sharing it and it becomes mine, a part of my practical wisdom, in a way.

2. Saying “No” is necessary to acquire new people, create space for these new people to come in.

I let go of a some people that were pulling me down this year. Was it easy? — No. Was it worth it ?— It appears so.

You know, sometimes in order to spot weak spots in your environment you have to simply run a test. For me — I realize that the most desired people I want to associate myself with are creators of their own life, not voiceless spectators. I consider myself someone who is not afraid to tap into unknown and bear with the cost associated with the risk of falling.

Remember: FALLING is not FAILING.

You fall — and you get up. Then you fall again, and get up again. And than 30 more times you fall — and you get up again 30 times. My podcast is my called “Be Yourself” and through it I deeply crave to connect with more “creators” who leave the mark in this world. This is highly intoxicating and I am loving every bit of it.

3. To Avoid Hazardous Escapism — we must give ourselves small gifts to release stress.

Escapism is what we do when we’ve burnt out. It can be the result of overworking or overthinking, but always boils down to us collapsing mentally under the pressure.

This year I realized that I am no superhuman. When I try to do too much for too long — I find myself in a bad place, beating myself up for missteps that do not align with my “superhuman” production levels.

A healthy psyche is, in fact, one without extreme highs and lows, so in 2025 I’ll try to give myself a conscious break every time I feel I’m too “high” in order to avoid falling too low.

4. Dwelling on the stories from the past slows you down.

Jim Carrey once said, “You can decide how boring people’s lives are by the depth they have to dig into the past to find the moment of Glory.” This hit me hard this year. Living in the past is like dragging an anchor behind you when you’re trying to sail forward. The more you dig into those old “glory days,” the less energy you have to create new ones. Sure, nostalgia can feel comforting, but staying there keeps you stagnant.

Reflect on the past only if it helps you move forward; otherwise, let it go.

Life is happening now, and glory is something you build, not something you cling to.

5. Surprise gets attention.
Dopamine hits harder when something happens unexpectedly, and this isn’t just science — it’s life. Whether it’s surprising someone with an unexpected compliment, pulling off a bold move in your business, or breaking the monotony of your routine, the element of surprise has an unmatched power.

In the same vein, consider doing videos on YouTube. If you don’t think about possible rewards it is an extremely liberating experience. I, for one, am giving to the world in a good faith, and I’m already experiencing these unexpected hits of dopamine when I see people commenting, inviting me to speak on their pods or send me inquiries for our video production services.

I believe that even though planning and intentionality are critical, leaving space for improvization is still necessary. Gifts of faith, or, how Nassib Taleb calles them — White Swangs — are the best. Trust me on this one.

6. Sometimes not doing a stupid thing is already a victory.

There’s a saying I love: “If you’re wise — you won’t do this.” I think it comes from bible, or at least it’s a common thread of wisdom there — that not doing something stupid is half a battle.

Sometimes, success isn’t about making groundbreaking moves; it’s about avoiding disasters. And believe me — I am a no stranger to self-inflicted disasters. Whether it’s holding your tongue when tempted to lash out or resisting a tempting but unwise investment, the absence of mistakes is progress. Perhaps my favorite episode of Modern Wisdom is the one where a modern-day cowboy Dewayne discusses precisely that — how just being at peace with what you have and love is often what we all need.

7. Every genius thing is born from the state of calmness.

A song, a poem, a business strategy — all of these require a mind that isn’t cluttered with chaos.

Just recently I chatted with a remarkable poet from Odessa — Edgar Vinnitskiy. To me — he’s the most genius person I’ve ever talked to, and what he said about his creative process is noteworthy. It turns out he never has got plans or objectives to write poems. His lyrics are born in calmness, which he carefully develops through meditation. Yes, if you didn’t see this, I side with you: I’ve never thought that you can cultivate calmness and the ability to be present through practicing, as if it’s a muscle you train in the gym.

But in reality — this is exactly how it’s done. And if you have this heeden potential to create — you will only uncover it when you are at peace, not trying and not chasing anything.

Wonders never cease. 100%.

8. Your growth is hidden in a place you are afraid of going to.

I won’t sugarcoat this: the areas of life we avoid the most are usually where the real work begins. It could be having that tough conversation, launching that ambitious project, or simply admitting something to yourself. But growth is a package deal — it comes with discomfort, fear, and doubt. Lean into it. The things you’re scared of today might just be the breakthroughs you’ll thank yourself for tomorrow.

9. The real magic of giving back only works when it’s uneasy to do.
Tony Robbins often says that giving when it’s hard has the most transformative power. When you’re flush with cash or free time, giving is easy — it doesn’t cost you anything emotionally. But when you’re stretched thin and still choose to give, that’s where the magic happens. It’s a test of character, and it transforms both the giver and the receiver. This year, I’ve challenged myself to give back, even when it wasn’t convenient or comfortable — and the rewards have been beyond anything I could have expected.

10. Faster alone, further — together.

There’s truth in the old adage: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. This year, I’ve leaned into community more than ever — whether through collaborations, friendships, or simply being part of a bigger mission.

Belonging to something greater than yourself doesn’t just add support; it adds meaning. The world feels less heavy when it’s shared, and success tastes sweeter when celebrated together. Don’t underestimate the power of your tribe — they’re your fuel for the long haul.

--

--

Sergey Leshchenko
Sergey Leshchenko

Written by Sergey Leshchenko

I’m a Proud Ukrainian. I write in 2 languages. Mostly about business and personal development. I have co-founded DexDigital. Now I develop Beverly Productions.

No responses yet