It’s two weeks into the new year. A new year always feels like a fresh chapter and this year, I wanted to step into it with intention and purpose. Life hasn’t been perfect lately (more on that later), but I’ve found a few ways to give myself a much-needed reset as 2025 begins. Here’s what I’ve done so far:
- Reviewed my finances
The first thing I did this year was take a long, hard look at my finances. I created a brand new budget spreadsheet and allocated more money towards my savings and investments. It felt good to sit down, get a real sense of my income and expenses and set some financial goals for the year. Small adjustments like this make a big difference in helping me feel in control.
2. Decluttered and returned to Vinted
I went through my wardrobe and decluttered a lot of stuff I no longer wear. It was so satisfying to sort through everything, donate some pieces and put the rest on Vinted. I used to sell on Vinted back in the days but for some reason I stopped a couple of years ago. Starting again feels like picking up an old hobby.
3. Started using a treadmill
One of my favourite additions this year is my treadmill. My goal is to hit 10,000 steps a day but I’m learning not to beat myself up if I don’t make it. What matters is consistency and I’m proud that I’ve been using it daily, even if it’s just for 30mins at a time. Movement feels good and it’s been helping me clear my head.
4. Fighting depression
This one is ongoing. I’m determined to battle depression this year. I’m not fully there yet, there’s still a lot I’m dealing with but I feel better than I did a few months ago. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
5. Gone fully digital
This year I’ve ditched my paper diary and gone fully digital for my planning and organisation. I wasn’t sure I’d like it but honestly it’s been amazing and so much more convenient. I use Google Calendar, which is synced with my husband’s calendar too and it helps us stay on top of all our family activities and individual commitments. Going fully digital has also made it so much easier to track tasks, set reminders and stay on top of my day-to-day life.
6. Joined LinkedIn
Urgh. I hate to say it but I finally joined LinkedIn. I’ll be honest, I hate it. It’s so performative and cringey. But it’s a good way to stay connected and see what’s happening in my field of work. I’m not overly active, in fact I avoid it as much as possible but even just being on there feels like a step in the right direction for my career.
7. Improving my public speaking skills
Public speaking and presenting are major weaknesses of mine but I’m working to overcome them. At work I often have to speak and present so I thought this year would be the year I finally tackle it dead on.
8. Listening to audiobooks
I’m reading more… or rather, listening more. Audiobooks have become my go-to. Right now, I’m “reading” Money Mentor by Anna Brading and my goal is to get through one nonfiction book a month. It’s been a great way to learn and unwind at the same time, and I usually listen to the books while I’m cleaning or commuting to work.
9. Letting go of side hustles
One big change this year is that I’ve stopped chasing side hustles. I’ve come to accept that I’m not a business person and that’s okay. Instead, I’m focusing on increasing my savings and investments as my salary grows and working on climbing the career ladder. I don’t necessarily want to get to the top, but somewhere comfortable where I wouldn’t worry about my finances or my kid’s future.
10. Baking for joy, not for money
I’ve started baking a lot more recently—homemade bagels, cakes, bread… a bit of everything. But this time, I’m keeping it as a hobby. I’m not trying to monetise it or turn it into a hustle. Baking has been therapeutic and that’s enough for me.
11. Taking a break from content creation
I’ve also stepped back from content creation and left Instagram (for now). It just wasn’t sparking joy anymore and being in a period of struggle with my mental health has also contributed to this decision. This break has been great and if I do return, it’ll be purely for personal purposes, not as a “creator.” I don’t find fulfilment in it anymore. It’s started to feel disingenuous and very performative. I’m tired of trying to get everything looking perfect for the cameras. Even when I wanted to show the less “perfect” aspects of my life, it no longer felt right. I’m also tired of consuming so much content everyday. I don’t think that as human beings, we’re supposed to see so much of other people’s lives and possessions. It becomes overwhelming and a source of comparison. It was time for me to slowly move away from it all… at least for now.
12. Planning no-spend months
Lastly, I’m planning to have “no-spend” months this year, i.e. periods where I’ll focus on only buying the essentials. It’s a great way to curb unnecessary spending and stay on track with my financial goals.
In conclusion…
Life is still far from perfect right now. I’m still isolating from a lot of things and people. I’m not in the mood to visit anyone or go out much. Even church – I’ve sort of given up on finding one. I’m still down and still dealing with some of the things I mentioned in this post.
Progress doesn’t always look like leaps and bounds… sometimes, it’s just getting through the day.
Here’s to taking small steps, giving ourselves grace and trusting that brighter days are ahead.
À LA WAIKI 