2018 flew by in the blink of an eye. It honestly feels like I woke up and it was January, blinked a couple of times, and here we are in December, right before New Years’ Eve. I’m so grateful for all that has happened in the last year. I started a fitness routine and kept up with it, I wrote three books and published two of them before the end of the year, I visited home and saw most of my family and friends, decided to move home, and now, as you are reading this, I will be preparing for my NYE celebration in Hsinchu with two of my best friends.
In light of the new year, I’ve been doing a lot of reflection on my expectations for the upcoming year, 2019. With my move home and my daily routine shifting drastically, I am both anxious and excited. There’s so much unknown about what the future holds, but that’s what makes it so great. My chapter in Taiwan is coming to an end, but I cannot wait to see what Florida holds for me, what America holds for me when I return home in March. With a fresh new attitude after living abroad for two and a half years, I am reading to hit the ground running and really get myself going after my goals.
My goals last year, for the most part, were all hit. With the exception of one being pushed back, I have a good track record of always achieving what I set out to do. But for 2019, I have very few goals in mind. I don’t really have many resolutions, either, seeing as most of the wonderful new habits I acquired I have kept up with and don’t want to stray too far from what’s working. But I do have a few simple things I want to say about 2019:
No matter what I encounter in 2019, I will go into each opportunity with an open mind and know that I will either succeed or learn something if it doesn’t work out as expected. What worked well in 2018 was accepting two things: one, I will never be a pro at something if I don’t embrace being a beginner first. And second, if I don’t go into new situations with an open mind, I will only receive the same in return from people around me. The more open you are to change and evolving, the better your life becomes. Life is a long journey full of lessons, as long as you remember to admit that you don’t know everything.
I will continue to practice dedication, not motivation, towards my goals, because it’s dedication that will lead to success in the end. This is something that I have acquired from playing sports, but it is crucial. It isn’t being motivated that gets you to the finish line, but dedication. Yeah, some mornings I really didn’t want to sit in front of my computer and write, but I did it anyway. I did it because I thought about the finished product. I thought about getting to the juicy chapter, working through some of the background information to get to the more intense stuff. This goes for everything, not just writing. If you can commit to something you want to accomplish for ninety days, you can create within yourself an unstoppable force to chase after anything you want in this world.
And last but not least, I will strive to be the kindest, strongest version of myself, and to stand tall for what I believe in, even if it means standing alone sometimes. Someone once told me that if you can choose to be anything in this world, be kind. Because there are plenty of talented, strong, wealthy, and otherwise well-known people in this world. But if you can be the kindest person in the room, you will be remembered. However, you also need to be strong enough to stand up for what you believe in. Don’t let others shrink your goals, dreams, or your vision. Stand strong with your convictions and don’t let the wrong people sway you from your path.
Here’s to 2019: 365 days full of potential, possibilities, laughter, tears, and memories to be made. I hope you all embrace a new beginning and whatever lies ahead in the future, remember to step forward confidently, knowing that no matter what happens, you will either win or learn from it. Don’t be afraid to evolve, be kind, and chase after your wildest dreams. May 2019 bring you all that you have hoped for and more!
