YOUR 2014
1.What one event, big or small, are you going to tell your grandchildren about?
It was my 26th birthday and Aliff planned a surprise for me at our villa in Bali :) He had been planning it (with the villa staff via email) even before we flew there. It was a really sweet gesture and a lot of thought put into it. I was completely surprised and moved :)
2.If you had to describe your 2014 in 3 words, what would they be?
I keep learning.
3.What new things did you discover about yourself?
Changing your mindsets and keeping at it isn’t easy. It is easy to slip back into old ways, especially when things get overwhelming. The only way is to sticking to it and keep practicing.
4.What single achievement are you most proud of?
Hmm.. That I survived the preparation of Christmas during retail. 46 hours of overtime is no small feat.
5.What was the best news you received?
That I’m going to be an aunt.
6.What was your favourite place that you visited in 2014?
Visited Bali, Indonesia for the first time. Best beach vacation yet.
7.Which of your personal qualities turned out to be the most helpful this year?
My ability to stay sane and keep going.
8.Who was your number one go-to person that you could always rely on?
I have too many number-one persons in my life and I’m thankful for all of them.
9.Which new skills did you learn?
New job exposed me to visual merchandising.
10.What, or who, are you most thankful for?
All the opportunities that come my way. Everyone I have crossed path with, everyone whom I shared a great conversation with. All the new things I have learned. All the things that I will continue to learn.
11.If someone wrote a book about your life in 2014, what kind of genre would it be? A comedy, love story, drama, film noir or something else?
A book you might fall asleep reading.
12.What was the most important lesson you learnt in 2014?
Your passion will keep your passions alive.
13.Which mental block(s) did you overcome?
The ability to tune out and let go.
14.What 5 people did you most enjoy spending time with?
It’s too hard to limit to only 5!!!
15.What was your biggest break-through moment career-wise?
The best thing I did for my career (and sanity) was leaving my previous job.
16.How did your relationship to your family evolve?
Having a baby in the house changed the routines at home and the house seems ‘smaller’. Con: My personal space has been restricted. Pro: Feels cool to be an aunt.
17.What book or movie affected your life in a profound way?
Mindsets by Carol Dweck. Nobody is perfect, and the only way to improve yourself and to grow is to embrace all mistakes and keep working to be good.
The TV series “Face Off” also left a positive impact on me. I’m so impressed by how some contestants really put their mind and soul into their work. It’s one way you can achieve success with your passion.
18.What was your favourite compliment that you received this year?Someone said that when I listen, I really listen.
19.What little things did you most enjoy during your day-to-day life?Having a laugh with my colleagues and TV shows!
20.What cool things did you create this year?
Little people cross-stitches.
21.What was your most common mental state this year (e.g. excited, curious, stressed)?
The thin line between confused and control.
22.Was there anything you did for the very first time in your life this year?
Had a few firsts on my Bali trip — White-water rafting, fish spa, sea-walking.
23.What was your favourite moment spent with your friends?
Our annual Christmas feast.
24.What major goal did you lay the foundations for?
Having a future home with Aliff.
25.Which worries turned out to be completely unnecessary?
Annoying people who project their insecurities onto you.
26.What experience would you love to do all over again?
Sea-walking. It’s quite an experience on its own. A little scary, but also awesome to be submerged (pun intended) in another world.
27.What was the best gift you received?
Polaroid Cube. Not only the gift, but the sentiment behind it :)
28.How did your overall outlook on life evolve?
I always felt like I had to do things to be counted as achievements. But having good people around me who makes the days more fun, and creating memories I can keep with me are more important and priceless.
29.What was the biggest problem you solved?
I don’t think I really solved any…
30.What was the funniest moment of your year, one that still makes it hard not to burst out laughing when you think about it?
Spitting out my water during White House Down, when Jamie Foxx said “There are knives in the kitchen”.
31.What purchase turned out to be the best decision ever?
Not my purchase, but Polaroid Cube is MOST AWESOME.
32.What one thing would you do differently and why?
Probably not to let others’ insecurities get to me. What for, right? (Still need to work on this.)
33.What do you deserve a pat on the back for?
Tolerating some people.
34.What activities made you lose track of time?
Hate to admit to this but… work.
35.What did you think about more than anything else?
Trying to keep mindful.
36.What topics did you most enjoy learning about?
Mindfulness.
37.What new habits did you cultivate?
Sleeping early. (Hurrah! Me sleeping early is very possible!)
38.What advice would you give your early-2014 self if you could?
Nothing but the same advice as I kept reiterating to myself: Stay open to all new experiences.
39.Did any parts of your self or your life do a complete 180 this year?
Not exactly. I am more punctual now though.
40.What or who had the biggest positive impact on your life this year?
Having fantastic co-workers brought more joy into my daily life :)
YOUR 2015
41.What do you want the overarching theme for your 2015 to be?
Contentment.
42.What do you want to see, discover, explore?
More new places / Making more firsts.
43.Who do you want to spend more time with in 2015?
My friends.
44.What skills do you want to learn, improve or master?
Hmm… too many.
45.Which personal quality do you want to develop or strengthen?
I want to work on being less judgemental.
46.What do you want your everyday life to be like?
One with gratitude.
47.Which habits do you want to change, cultivate or get rid of?
Refer to 45.
48.What do you want to achieve career-wise?
Hopefully, I can be more decisive and assertive as an employee.
49.How do you want to remember the year 2015 when you look back on it 10/20/50 years from now?
We’ll see.
50.What is your number one goal for 2015?
Not too feel like I’ve wasted it.
