"Toute personne qui n'est pas embarrassée de qui elle était l'année dernière n'apprend probablement pas assez."

Don't we all look back at our past selves and cringe a little? Maybe it’s that awkward outfit choice, a misguided opinion, or something you said that now makes you want to facepalm. The heart of this quote is that feeling of embarrassment which is a good thing—it means you're growing. If you’re not embarrassed by who you were last year, you’re probably not learning and evolving as you should be. Learning is about change, and change often means outgrowing past versions of ourselves.

Think about it—every year we pick up new skills, gain fresh perspectives, and (hopefully) become a bit wiser. This quote reminds us that if we're truly absorbing life’s lessons, we'll naturally view our past selves with some level of discomfort. It's a sign that we’re moving forward.

Imagine if you were exactly the same as last year. Same thoughts, same habits, no new experiences. That sounds pretty dull, right? This quote was likely said to shake you out of complacency, to prod you into constant self-improvement. It’s a call to action to keep learning and evolving, no matter how uncomfortable it might be.

Let's picture a real-life scenario: Jessica, a 30-something professional, looks back at her journal entries from a year ago. She sees a person who was indecisive at work, struggling with self-doubt, and stuck in a toxic relationship. Today, she’s taken on leadership roles, completed a couple of professional certifications, and finally ended that unhealthy relationship. When she reads those old entries, she feels a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. That past version of herself seems almost unrecognizable, but it's proof of her growth.

So how can you apply this bit of wisdom in your own life? First, embrace the feeling of embarrassment when it comes. Don’t shy away from it. Use it as a marker of progress. Second, keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Take on new challenges, learn new skills, and don’t be afraid to fail. Each failure is a lesson in disguise. Lastly, reflect regularly. Keeping a journal can be a fantastic way to track your growth. When you look back, you’ll have concrete evidence of how far you’ve come.

Here’s a little story to bring this home. Think about Mark, a software developer who was initially terrified of public speaking. Last year, he gave his first big presentation, and let’s just say it was a disaster. He stammered, lost his train of thought, and felt like he was sweating buckets. Fast forward to this year, Mark has joined a local Toastmasters club, practiced diligently, and successfully led a major presentation at a tech conference. When he thinks back to that first presentation, he feels a twinge of embarrassment, but also pride. That awkward experience was a stepping stone to where he is now.

You see, life’s a journey with plenty of bumps along the way. Those bumps help shape you. They make you wiser, more resilient, and more capable. So, if you’re not feeling a bit embarrassed by your past self, it might be time to ask if you’re pushing yourself hard enough. Keep learning, keep growing, and embrace the discomfort. It’s all part of becoming the best version of you.