I hate my birthday – and to my knowledge, it's the strangest part people find about me. Even the mention of an upcoming date makes me itchy. The reasons to this day remain vague. Perhaps a childhood trauma from ripping this particular holiday away from me since I had to share my birthday with a classmate from one point on. Or from time to time, I think my dislike comes from the notion that this day is perceived as the perfect opportunity to reflect on the journey the birthday person took so far in life and the lessons learned along the way. Nothing satisfies me in this reflection. I might not be rolling in cash or have a remarkably successful career or a product behind my back, but I hope to keep going. That someday everything will work out just fine.

I know many of my peers face the same challenge: watching the world and more successful friends move ahead in life while you scrap the pieces to make something valuable out of yourself. I feel for you. I know that it sucks to be near the end of the line. Life's challenges sometimes feel unbearable, but they also shape us into who we aspire to become. At this moment, one of the things that always helps me to collect my thoughts and make a move – is to mark the guidelines:

1. Stay patient. Nothing happens overnight: it takes enormous time, effort, and a lot of persistence to achieve your goals. So always remember to celebrate small victories and keep working through setbacks.

2. Criticism sucks (but accept it gracefully). It's inevitable if you want to grow beyond your current level. Constructive criticism is precious for growth and improvement, so try to view it as a learning opportunity rather than a personal attack.

3. Keep expanding your skillset. This keeps me going: knowing how much I still don't know. Never stop learning; always be open to new techniques or tools to enhance your craft.

4. Health and well-being first. Your physical, mental, and emotional states are essential for sustained work. Prioritise self-care and seek help when needed to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

5. You need people. Get out there. Every sudden meeting can lead to valuable connections, collaborations, and opportunities. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who can help you navigate the ups and downs. And offer support to others in return: it is (for me, at least) much more rewarding and valuable.

6. Stay real. You're not evil, full of envy or greed. In a world where it's easy to get swept up in trends and popular opinion, staying true to yourself and believing in spreading the good is essential.

I may hate my birthday for years to come, but there's always a second to pause and start another year of making things worthwhile.

I hate my birthday – and to my knowledge, it's the strangest part people find about me. Even the mention of an upcoming date makes me itchy. The reasons to this day remain vague. Perhaps a childhood trauma from ripping this particular holiday away from me since I had to share my birthday with a classmate from one point on. Or from time to time, I think my dislike comes from the notion that this day is perceived as the perfect opportunity to reflect on the journey the birthday person took so far in life and the lessons learned along the way. Nothing satisfies me in this reflection. I might not be rolling in cash or have a remarkably successful career or a product behind my back, but I hope to keep going. That someday everything will work out just fine.

I know many of my peers face the same challenge: watching the world and more successful friends move ahead in life while you scrap the pieces to make something valuable out of yourself. I feel for you. I know that it sucks to be near the end of the line. Life's challenges sometimes feel unbearable, but they also shape us into who we aspire to become. At this moment, one of the things that always helps me to collect my thoughts and make a move – is to mark the guidelines:

1. Stay patient. Nothing happens overnight: it takes enormous time, effort, and a lot of persistence to achieve your goals. So always remember to celebrate small victories and keep working through setbacks.

2. Criticism sucks (but accept it gracefully). It's inevitable if you want to grow beyond your current level. Constructive criticism is precious for growth and improvement, so try to view it as a learning opportunity rather than a personal attack.

3. Keep expanding your skillset. This keeps me going: knowing how much I still don't know. Never stop learning; always be open to new techniques or tools to enhance your craft.

4. Health and well-being first. Your physical, mental, and emotional states are essential for sustained work. Prioritise self-care and seek help when needed to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

5. You need people. Get out there. Every sudden meeting can lead to valuable connections, collaborations, and opportunities. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who can help you navigate the ups and downs. And offer support to others in return: it is (for me, at least) much more rewarding and valuable.

6. Stay real. You're not evil, full of envy or greed. In a world where it's easy to get swept up in trends and popular opinion, staying true to yourself and believing in spreading the good is essential.

I may hate my birthday for years to come, but there's always a second to pause and start another year of making things worthwhile.