I’m writing this at the end of March 2025, looking back at my so-called “winter arc” from 2024. And I can honestly say—I am a completely different person. Or maybe not different, but just… more. More of myself. More aligned. More capable. More trusting in my ability to figure things out.
What I Set Out to Do:
- Run a half marathon as the ultimate goal
- Journal (almost) every day
- Silence my negative voice
- Surround myself with positive people
What Actually Happened:
- I ran my first half marathon (and in total, tracked 250km in 2024)
- I journaled consistently, if not daily
- I became a more positive and present person
- I met more people in a few months than I had in the last three years combined
And then something unexpected happened: momentum.
The kind that doesn’t just carry you forward but reshapes your entire life in ways you don’t even realize in the moment.
The Long-Term Impact:
- This year alone (and we’re only in March), I’ve already run 334km
- I’ve run two more half-marathons since my first one
- I feel more aligned with both my business and personal goals
- I’ve built more discipline—not in a restrictive way, but in an “I trust myself” way
- I’ve shifted my focus from perfection to progress and input—and it’s been life-changing
The biggest revelation?
I had been doubting myself in ways I didn’t even recognize.
I wondered if I had “peaked” in university because I no longer had grades or structured feedback telling me how well I was doing.
But here’s the thing: I wasn’t “naturally good” at school.
I was skilled at school.
I was good at studying, breaking down concepts, and applying systems that made learning easier.
My good grades weren’t some sign of inherent intelligence—they were a result of habits, routines, and effort.
And realizing that changed everything. Because if I could apply that same mindset to anything else, what couldn’t I figure out?
What I Want to Keep Doing Beyond Winter:
- Journaling: Writing helps me process everything I’m going through instead of letting it live rent-free in my head.
- Breaking my year into quarters: I miss the structure of university semesters. Having clear, defined periods to “check in” and reset makes everything feel more manageable.
- Doing things I think I don’t want to do (but actually do): I’ve started pushing myself to say yes to things outside my comfort zone, and—surprise—it’s actually so rewarding. I’ve joined so many run clubs across Asia and been to a bunch of meet ups this year. It’s funny how I used to call myself a “homebody.”
I share more of these little life check-ins (and unfiltered thoughts) over on Instagram, so if you’re into that kind of thing, come hang out with me there.
This is just the beginning.
