It’s so easy to be hard on myself for not achieving things this year – but when I actually reflect, I achieved a lot of my goals! I have the tendency to hold myself up to this high standard, which is completely okay but it should be in check and ensure that I’m not being disappointed in myself without a reference point.

I finally did my big solo trip through Europe. I built confidence in myself and learned that I’m actually a really cool, lovable person.

I finally became a “software engineer”; this is a massive win because I’m self taught. Years of hard work and rejections paid off. With this, I’m able to give back to my parents in a meaningful way. Ticked off a lot of boxes with this new job to be frank.

I photographed 3 concerts! I keep telling myself it isn’t much, but it is! I barely even put any effort to get those gigs, and now for the next year – I will, and hopefully we’ll see a difference.

I also leveled up my skills as a designer. I launched my new photography website with that, which has been growing slowly.

There’s some things I did miss, such as launching a new code project (lots of unfinished ones… heck, Places to Read is like 90% done). I didn’t move to Vancouver (yet). I didn’t read as many books, but I did read a lot more to begin with. I didn’t finish my Montreal Metro project, soon.

I think overall, I just don’t push myself as hard as I used to when I was younger. Mostly because I’m succeeding in other areas. I’ve also grown a little comfortable due to the fact that I’ve got most the things I strived for. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing anymore! That’s literally success.

As always, a few sentences turned into paragraphs but it’s nice to get my thoughts out. For the following year, I want to be more mindful and journal down my concrete goals as well as the path to achieving them. Excited for FL to be the tool in supporting me for that.