2024 could be summed up in one word: awakening. Last year, I set a bunch of goals, and some of the ones I doubted the most actually happened - who knew scrolling LinkedIn could lead to design events and connecting with people in the industry? Oh, (not) surprise.
One big theme during the first quarter is that I always felt “never good enough”. Through conversations, podcasts, books and (shamefully) tarot readings, I found that the feeling stemmed from not believing in unconditional love. This belief made me feel like I had to earn affection, which fueled my toxic productivity.
I stumbled on a YouTube video by Leo Skepi asking a question along these lines:
I don’t care if you believe in unconditional love or not, but ask yourself - if you think it doesn’t exist, and it has made your life so tough, why do you still continue believing in it?
This hit me hard. From that point on, I allowed myself to dream bigger and stopped caring what others thought. I just do things that are good for me (and hopefully others), and give them my all. No more approval seeking, no more guilt-driven procrastination.
Another game-changer was “I May Be Wrong” by Björn Natthiko Lindeblad (recommended by my design senior). This book that taught me to be gentler with myself, and don’t believe in every (negative) thoughts.
— Björn Natthiko Lindeblad‘What I value most from my seventeen years of full-time spiritual training is that I no longer believe my every thought.’
More Opportunities
Ngl, financial insecurity has always driven me. The fear of not making enough money held me back from making “big moves”. Turns out, this fear was rooted in my desire for freedom – the freedom to pursue what I love, even pro bono, without worrying about money.
One things that I realized this year about manifestation is simply just be, then we’ll become. In other words, don’t overthink it, just do it
That become the key to attracting good things. Instead of chasing opportunities, I feel that opportunities come to me, some notable one:
- Exchanged conversation with some design peers I met online and design events.
- Completed a web design template, ready to sell.
- Kickstarted a design project related to mental health. Looking forward to share more.
- My articles are getting organic search traffic on Google.
- Design recruiters contacted me (but I politely declined – I love the flexibility of remote work and using my skills on impactful, global projects).
All this has brought me immense satisfaction. I feel fulfilled living a simple life, creating great design, and being recognized by people I respect and want to work with.
My 2025 Goals
In no particular order, my goals are as follows:
- Take on bespoke app design projects.
- Be open to new experiences and meet even more new people.
- Share my design knowledge through mentoring and design talks.
- Build a visible social media presence on design, e.g. post on LinkedIn twice a month.
- Film myself trying new things and attending events.
- Dress better and fitter.
If any of these goals resonate with you, let’s connect on social media.
Last updated: 12/18/2024, 12:00:00 AM