What I Learned Last Year 2018

Here we go again, bidding farewell to the once new year 2018. Like every other year, I try to remember the highlights of the past 365 days. It is good to reminisce what has transpired and to appreciate what I have achieved. There’s a few major things that I learned/ realized from last year and on this post, I’m here to share it with you. Here’s the 10 things I learned in 2018:

1. Anxiety will hit you. At some point in your life, there will be an episode or even episodes of uncertainty, unexplainable sadness and sudden loss of interest. An example of which is always being unsure of what I want to do with my life. Should I focus on my career? Should I just travel for a while more and then focus on my career? Should I go to school again and commit to a 4-yr design program? Should I move to London and do a working holiday visa? I DON’T KNOW. And thinking of these things make me sad and confused. You have to be stronger than your anxiety, or else, you’ll get defeated.

2. Adulting with friends means you won’t always have time for each other. It is a truth that shouldn’t be frowned upon because of the ideal that friends should always make time. Adulting implies that people become busy with other things such as work. Not being able to message and see each other for a long while is okay.

3. Saving is addicting. Two years ago I started the savings challenge called the 52-week money challenge. It will be the 3rd consecutive year that I will be doing it again. And I think by now, it’s gonna be a yearly tradition that I will try to complete.

You, reading this should try it too. When you succeed, it will be very fulfilling. Don’t be afraid to talk about your savings/ money and to understand your financial situation. Everyone else’s money situation is different.  Educate yourself on how you can save and monitor how you spend. Start a savings plan, and no matter what, STICK WITH IT!

4. Writing goals work. Picture your year and list the things you want to do. The most important part is to create an action plan.  Once in a while look back to your notes to keep yourself on track. I write down a lot of things, like how much I want to save, the place I want to travel to next and things I want to learn. It works as long as you focus and don’t get distracted. And make sure they are attainable goals with a reasonable timeframe.

5. Give credit to yourself for reaching a milestone. Congratulate yourself and give yourself time to appreciate it. And as much as like writing my goals on a notebook, I write my achievements too. By doing this, I can look back and be energized to complete more of my goals. It also takes the pressure off when I feel like I’m not getting anything done. It taught me not to be too hard on myself.

6.  Peace of mind is very important. Let go of things, thoughts and even people that stress you out. Letting go is probably one of the most difficult things to do, however, if that “thing” does not spark joy in your life anymore, then you probably have to reconsider. Do what gives you peace. Your sanity is more important than what other people think.

7. Appearance is important. How you present yourself to others matter. Stop the mentality that people should look on the inside not on the outside. I think everyone should look on both inside and outside. Why? Because what’s on the outside is the reflection of what’s inside too. And by the word “appearance,” I am focusing on how neat and presentable you are. Dress nicely as you can and groom yourself. Give extra effort on how you look. It makes a big difference on your day and gives you more confidence.

8. What matters more is to be accepted than liked. Everyone wants to be liked. When you get older, you’ll subconsciously strive to be accepted as the person you actually are, and not the exaggerated version that you want others to see and get used to. With acceptance comes respect. And respect matters more than admiration.

9. Everyone has a different timeline. Right now, I am 24. Some of my friends who are on the same age cohort are starting a family, some are already in the career they prepared and studied for, while here I am still unsure of what I want to do. Do not compare your success with other because you and the people around you have different goals. Just focus on doing your best to achieve your goals and take your action plan seriously. Look back on your notes to remind you of the bigger picture ahead.

10. Getting over the “post-travel sadness” takes time and effort. It is a thing, the “post-travel sadness,” at least that’s what I call it. For three years now, I have been travelling for at least one month each year. Of course during my vacay, I’m having the time of my life. When I get back home, I feel empty. Too much vacation maybe? Whatever it is, it takes a lot of energy to push through.  It is an unexplainable feeling of being lost and not knowing what to do next. I am yet to learn what is the most effective way to overcome the “PTS”. For now, realizing that it’s there, and that it could happen to me after my travels, will help me prepare myself more.

Thank you for reading my blog post. I hope I have shared some good food for thought and that have helped you in some way.