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Self-reflection has always felt like pausing at a crossroads. A moment to look back at the journey travelled and ahead at the road still unfolding. When I think about my younger self, just starting out in design, I remember the excitement, the doubts, and the drive to prove myself. Looking back now, I feel proud of the path I’ve taken and the lessons that shaped me.
Whether you’re a designer navigating your own career, a client working with creatives, or simply someone curious about the process of growth, these reflections can spark ideas about how we learn, adapt, and keep moving forward. With every new challenge, I’m reminded that there’s always more to discover. And as I was reflecting recently, a thought crossed my mind:
If I could travel back in time,
what career advice would I give my younger self?
- Never lose focus on what truly matters. Follow your passion.
- When stuck in seemingly impossible situations, don’t give up. Create your own door if you can’t see one. Overcome obstacles through persistence.
- Don’t let others’ judgments weigh you down. Stay true to yourself and your values.
Industry insights
Figuring things out on my own taught me to learn from mistakes and keep moving forward. Everyone follows their own path and discovers lessons in unique ways. Networking and sharing experiences with others has also helped me grow.
Curious about how others would answer the same question, I reached out to industry professionals on LinkedIn. Their insights offer lessons that apply to both careers and life.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- “Ask lots of questions, not just to your manager but to other people in the company/industry.” ~ Project Manager
- “Get better at communicating and listening. Take those opportunities to speak up and present.” ~ Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- “Be yourself, sounds cheesy but being vulnerable is a good sign that you are authentic and transparent and will be a good cultural fit.”
~ UX Researcher
Strategic Growth and Development:
- Think strategically and from a value proposition aspect
~ Product & UX Design Lead
- Begin with the end in mind.
~ Product & UX Design Lead
- Stay curious and find out what you enjoy doing. A little bit of knowledge in lots of areas is preferable than specialising in one ~ Head of Digital
Career Direction and Values:
- “Be confident and have self-belief”
~ Social Media Manager
- “Only focus on and aim to do what you love most and are passionate about!”
~ Creative Director
- “You can’t please everyone; it’s better to work out what matters to you.”
~ Writer
Learning, Growth and Resilience:
- “Learn fast; at the beginning of a career, it can be discouraging to face rejection and realise you lack certain skills. Turn this into new learning opportunities.”
~ UX Researcher
- “Every job is an opportunity to learn how to do things correctly and how not to do things, which will be invaluable if you become a business owner.”
~ Chief Executive Officer
Vision and Emotional Intelligence:
- “Be mindful of the bigger picture” ~ Business Psychologist
- “Don’t let emotions get the better of you; try to separate work from emotions”
~ Project Manager
Reflections to think about:
Each of these insights is a reminder that learning never really stops. Every success, setback, and challenge adds something to who we are — shaping not only our work but also the way we live and connect with others. Take a moment to think about the advice you’d give your own younger self. Chances are, those lessons continue to guide how you approach your journey today.
- Which piece of advice resonates most with you?
- How could you apply these lessons in your work, personal growth, or life in general?
In Part 2, I’ll share more reflections and advice from other inspiring professionals. Thank you for joining me on this journey of growth and self-discovery!
