New year resolution 1: Treat my parents better. Because for the past 22 years of my time there is never a moment when I doubted that they’re the best parents in the world, and now it’s my turn to do nicer things for them. To go back to see them as much as possible. And when I do go back, instead of being taken care of like a kid like I usually would be, bring them nice things and do nice things for them. (Year around)
2. Get gym membership. (Get it by the first week of January.) Then go at least twice a week. Go to some of the classes. Practice some Chinese dance.
3. Learn to ice skate. (Latest start date is when I get my first paycheck)
4. Paint something. Via pen or watercolor or photoshop whatever. (At least once per month). Build that portfolio.
5. Eat less boba. (Once a month max) But drinking the tea is fine :)
6. Travel. Seattle. New York. For now.
7. Things I’ve been doing, and to keep it up: stay in touch with friends. Try to look beautiful and professional at work. Make new friends. Trust people. Take some nice photos.
8. In general things to keep in mind: control my temper. maintain a clean apartment. Cook better.
9. Don’t give up hope in things. Too early to say when/what but just remember, this year so many things will happen that will probably kill hope let it be love or career, but. Stay positive. Stay strong. Remember how emotionally strong of a person you are. Remember how many friends are there for you.
10. Step out of my comfort zone 20 million times to succeed in my career. By the end of year, ill be at a different stage in my career and in my mentality.
Here is to a great 2014.
01.03.2014
I stopped believing in resolutions because, life is a constant improvement, why only during the New Year? It is, however, important to be mindful, and reflect upon the past, be conscious of the present, and intentional for the future.
4 years ago, I wrote this post.
it’s 01.10.2018. How are things?
1.
Living in SF now, I commute back whenever possible even just for a few hours to spend time with parents. Dad, stepmom, mom, sister, and stepdad. I flew back to Beijing 3 times within a year to spend time with grandparents. Life is short. Spend time with people I care about the most as much as possible.
So yes. I have.
2.
Instead of gym, I picked up something that’s more me — Hiking.
Within the past 6months-a year, 2mi, to 5mi, to 8 mi Alamere falls, 10 mi Rancho Antonio, 10mi Grand Canyon, 8 mi Mt Diablo, 13 mi Mt Tam, 20 mi Big Basin.
That’s also, a yes.
3.
Finally have. Towards end of 2017. And signed up for the next class that starts next week. So proud to say that, it’s a yes.
4.
Very bad about it. Need to establish a routine. in the works.
This is a no.
5.
More conscious. yes. very minimal boba. and almost no sugar in any of my coffee/tea.
6.
Been doing really well on this front as of 2017. And it happens naturally, especially since I started appreciating solo travels.
Refer to instagram @chocokoala
7.
I still trust people. I trust people like Jon. Made new friends with coworkers, classmates. LINE/LeEco/LFL/Bee.
Lost some friends; stayed with some.
Life happens, and it’s okay.
8.
For the most part okay.
9.
I’d say I still haven’t experienced the worst of the worst. But when it does, I know I’ll be prepared.
10.
“Stepping out of my comfort zone”. I really have not. Still have not. What defines truly stepping out of the comfort zone has changed over time. I still haven’t quit all my jobs without the next one lined up. Still haven’t bought a one way ticket to Finland. Still haven’t hassled and started my own company. Knowing the way things are going, it’ll happen this year.
—
New goals:
1.
Get out of the Comfort Zone
2.
Establish personal branding
3.
Travel and learn nonstop
4.
Pick up animation, coding, other skill sets
5.
Approach with more confidence, especially when it comes to love
6.
Be a better leader, find ways to teach others
7.
Establish a routine in terms of learning/reading/designing
8.
Continue things I’ve been good at (family, hiking, etc)
9.
Work harder, do real work to contribute/prove myself, block out calendar
10.
Create something I haven’t yet thought I’m capable of
01.06.2019
It’s a new year; people talk about resolutions. and just like last year, it’s time to be mindful of what I have and haven’t done in the year of 2018.
1.
Get out of the Comfort Zone
Yes.
A year ago, I defined stepping out of the Comfort Zone as such – “What defines truly stepping out of the comfort zone has changed over time. I still haven’t quit all my jobs without the next one lined up. Still haven’t bought a one way ticket to Finland. Still haven’t hassled and started my own company. Knowing the way things are going, it’ll happen this year.”
Yes. I have quit all my jobs without only a few ideas lined up as next steps. I bought a one way ticket to Finland and wandered around in Europe for 4 months. But haven’t yet started my own company but that’s in the works.
2.
Establish personal branding
I would say, more mindfully so. It kept changing. I used to define myself as a Designer, mostly a “visual & experience designer”, but now, I’m not sure if that’s all there is. There’s also an architect in me; and the hidden business side of me is crying louder than ever before. I spent a chunk of 2018 figuring out who I am, but the branding, aka another website, a social following, have not yet done.
3.
Travel and learn nonstop
This probably defines my 2018, spending 7 months away from home. And every stop of the way, I learned.
4.
Pick up animation, coding, other skill sets
Earlier this year, I brushed up a bit of HTML/CSS; latter end of this year, I tried to learn more about how to build a business model.
5.
Approach with more confidence, especially when it comes to love
No, not even close but, at least it didn’t take me hours just to send one text. And it also hasn’t been my 2018 focus.
6.
Be a better leader, find ways to teach others
At Bee, I tried what I can to drive a design culture, and to mentor other designers however remote, but it was something.
I’ve also held a talk in Helsinki.
A friend mentioned what I did inspired her rethink her current job and decisions.
7.
Establish a routine in terms of learning/reading/designing
Learning, reading, yes. They’re a lifestyle.
A more detailed routine, not yet.
8.
Continue things I’ve been good at (family, hiking, etc)
I’ve hiked a lot before leaving the Bay. But I’m glad that I got to spend 2 months with family in Beijing.
9.
Work harder, do real work to contribute/prove myself, block out calendar
I’ve worked very hard while at Bee, but slacked off while traveling. And now that I know I need to stay stationary to work hard, I will.
10.
Create something I haven’t yet thought I’m capable of
Not yet.
—
Perhaps, certain goals take more than a year to achieve. I realize that despite the new experiences, my goals haven’t changed. I realize that, what differentiates me from many of the Digital Nomads is that, it is never my goal to travel continuously or to maintain a remote lifestyle. I left SF to learn to take risks, to quit what was comfortable, to learn from the other sides of the world to bring value.
2019 goals:
1.
Launch a business that I believe in, something in the intersection of design, tech, and architecture
2.
Learn how to and get comfortable with making a living without “having a job”
3.
Develop a healthier routine; more conscious of diet and exercise
4.
Be more focused; block out times for specific things i.e. no work or phone when with family; no random browsing when working; squeeze out more time to accomplish more things
5.
Continue to read; continue to learn; continue to meet people
6.
Maintain congruence in life; don’t focus too much on work and forget about hobbies and ways to have fun; know when to slow down
7.
Collaborate with “my kind of people” on projects
8.
Work towards the kind of lifestyle I want (sojourn with a business purpose), do work that help and inspire others, find that intersection that I am good at and the “gift” that was given to me
Insanity is doing the same things and expecting different results. I’m going to live life differently this year, as much as how I have lived last year. Still optimizing learnings and growth every step of the way, except a bit more strategic.
2020 Goals
12.31.2019
Waking up in Toronto, seeing snowfall. It’s the last day of the year. As always, my tradition of returning to tumblr upon the new year, to reflect, and to set new goals.
1.
Launch a business that I believe in, something in the intersection of design, tech, and architecture
Yes. Interestingly the day this was written, I have not built anything nor solidified the idea. Now, a year later, I can say that I have launched.
I’ve registered the business; I’ve gotten paid users; I’ve gotten monthly recurring revenue, despite very little.
And despite now following the “roadmap” of obtaining funding in fall and building out the location in Q4, I’ve stuck to my self-imposed timeline of launching a space in 2020.
So yes, it’s definitely “launched”.
2.
Learn how to and get comfortable with making a living without “having a job”
Oh. It was uncomfortable for the first couple of months, then definitely got comfortable. Too comfortable, I would say. It’s amazing how much the direction of my year is defined by what I write in this blog. I can no longer imagine “having a job”. The only possibilities of making money seem to be entrepreneurship. After a year of practice, I got more comfortable building financial projections from a business, as opposed to seeing that consistent salary.
Funny that, I’ve probably taken this line the wrong way. It’s not “comfortable living without making money”… it’s “making a living” via non-traditional means.
I would say, it’s 50% true, only because I haven’t been able to really live off of the current income.
3.
Develop a healthier routine; more conscious of diet and exercise
Not really. The weird thing is that, without that consistent income stream it was hard to prioritize eating healthy. I’ve allocated time to ice skate, but all in all, I could’ve done more.
Well, at the very end of this year, I’ve been more conscious of sleeping more ever since reading Why We Sleep.
4.
Be more focused; block out times for specific things i.e. no work or phone when with family; no random browsing when working; squeeze out more time to accomplish more things
This one is hard. But, if I fit more goals in my schedule, maybe I’ll naturally accomplish more things. The mistake is to just have a singular goal. There is more I can do with my time than just to achieve that one thing.
5.
Continue to read; continue to learn; continue to meet people
Yes, and mostly a yes, and kind of a yes.
I continued to read, let’s see… 13 books. Ever since Les Mis, it’s been slower. Talk about goal setting, the goal for the number of books to read next year will be higher.
I have learned, a bit about marketing campaigns, a bit on web design & domains, a bit on financial modeling. But none to that level of… I’m not sure. I find myself mostly learning the little needed to launch something, as opposed to really sitting down to learn. Although, I’m sure, subconsciously, I’m learning more about building a business, building relationships, in more ways than I realize. I started to understand what having a “business model” means; I understood why having a “business plan” with applicable finances is important; I learned how difficult it is to manage a team; perhaps more importantly, I’ve learned to build stronger relationships, with people I want to build a relationship with.
Meeting people wise, I’ve met many many people, probably close to a thousand this year. Yet, the meaningful relationships I’ve built, the ones whom I can actually learn from and grow with… I’m proud to say there’s a handful. Zero from Jan to Sept, but since Andres’s birthday party, things changed.
I’ve met Allison, Andres, Robin, then actively tried building friendship with Roosh, Tiffany, and Robert. These new friends whom I feel are my kind, make me happy.
6.
Maintain congruence in life; don’t focus too much on work and forget about hobbies and ways to have fun; know when to slow down
I continued with ice skating, hiking occasionally, spent some days relaxing, and Sundays to family.
I wanted to travel more; I wanted to learn more about architecture.
So this, is a no.
7.
Collaborate with “my kind of people” on projects
I’ve been focused so much on Socialhaus, and shielding myself from possibilities of any new potential projects. So I’d say, be more open to new possibilities, you never know what you’ll find.
8.
Work towards the kind of lifestyle I want (sojourn with a business purpose), do work that help and inspire others, find that intersection that I am good at and the “gift” that was given to me
This past year, I’ve heard more people say that what I do is very inspiring, than ever before. I’m not sure if I’ve found that intersection just year, of the kind of work “that I love, that fills a need, that makes money”, but it’s definitely in the right direction.
The day when I got coffee with Jonnie in HCMC, he said it takes a dip, before going back up. But when that growth happens, it’s exponential. I do believe there was a dip in learning somewhere this year, but it’s preparing for the foreseeable future.
So now, 2020.
1.
Be intentional and block out times to pursue fulfilling relationships, including friendship, romantic relationship, and professional mentorship.
“Find your tribe – look around and figure out who you want to be on your team. Figure out the people around you that you want to work with for the rest of your life. Figure out the people who are smart & awesome, who share your values, who get things done — and maybe most important, who you like to be with and who you want to help win. And treat them right, always. Look for ways to help, to work together, to learn. Because in 20 years you’ll all be in amazing places doing amazing things.”
If the theme of 2018 was getting out of the Comfort Zone, the theme of 2019 was building a business, the theme of 2020 will be building fulfilling relationships.
Romantic relationship – I know that having someone, having a family, is something that genuinely will make me very happy. And it’s crazy not to have spend any effort or time doing that. Robert said, if the possibility for happiness is infinity, then any investment put in towards that is justified. I’ve always been running away from the feeling of how much I want love. This year, it’s time to be more honest with myself.
After meeting Evan, if there is one thing I learned from him, is how someone can dedicate his entire existence towards building relationships.
And as always, spend time with family, do things I will not regret.
2.
Set clear monetary goals to give myself more freedom of thought and freedom to learn
3.
Weekly calendar planning to optimize time & iterate on a “routine” that works
Maintain congruence in different roles in life (1/3 of time in building Socialhaus towards sustainability & profitability; 1/3 of time in personal growth, learning, & fitness, and 1/3 in relationship building.)
Set no work after or before certain hour
4.
Be more strategic about Socialhaus (don’t focus on operational work and accumulate technical debt but continue to reevaluate maximum impact)
Learn & launch something new on a weekly basis and write it down
5.
Set clearer reading & learning goals (i.e. 24 books, learn something new every week)
6.
Write more about things I care about (perhaps, publish an article every month)
7.
Travel quarterly
It’s all too easy to ride the waves of work. Perhaps, it’s time to plan for fewer large trips as opposed to many small weekend trips here and there.
End of March, look to take a long weekend to travel. (perhaps China?)
End of June, take 2 weeks to travel to a new continuent (Africa, South America, or Australia)
End of September, a quick trip somewhere
End of December, holidays trip with family
8.
Stop piling up tabs, emails to go back to, photos that I never look at. Stop hoarding information and actually read & use them.
Today it is Jan 2, 2026, morning in Vegas before heading back home.
Last time it was 2020, whoa, 6 years later…
Again, I’ll reflect on the 2020.
1.
Be intentional and block out times to pursue fulfilling relationships, including friendship, romantic relationship, and professional mentorship.
This is mostly a yes, but work in progress. Friendship, I can be more intentional in spending time with friends I care about, and things like writing new year cards? it’s about making this time that I never did.
Romantic relationship wise I’ve had so much growth that I cannot document in this one post. I’ve put effort into it - as any investment in it is justified.
Mentorship.. well, I met E and Luqman, and also read a bunch of books. And I still like this quote. I have done similar - last year at my bday dinner, I specifically invited James, Marwan, Yangyang, Brian - people I want to be on my team.
“Find your tribe -- look around and figure out who you want to be on your team. Figure out the people around you that you want to work with for the rest of your life. Figure out the people who are smart & awesome, who share your values, who get things done — and maybe most important, who you like to be with and who you want to help win. And treat them right, always. Look for ways to help, to work together, to learn. Because in 20 years you’ll all be in amazing places doing amazing things.”
2.
Set clear monetary goals to give myself more freedom of thought and freedom to learn
This one, I’ve been bad at. Can’t believe it’s been so many years and I haven’t put much time to financial management. It’ll be a main goal for 2026.
3.
Weekly calendar planning to optimize time & iterate on a “routine” that works
I’ve continued with this iteration, year after year.
4.
Be more strategic about Socialhaus (don’t focus on operational work and accumulate technical debt but continue to reevaluate maximum impact)
I definitely now know not to accumulate technical debt, whatever I’m building.
5.
Set clearer reading & learning goals (i.e. 24 books, learn something new every week)
For the most part, good.
In general though, I’ve learned so much, spiritually and emotionally, the kind of growth that wasn’t even on my “new year resolutions”, the kind of learning I wouldn’t have predicted myself, and I think that’s the most important. For such, is living.
6.
Write more about things I care about (perhaps, publish an article every month)
Omg, I had this 1 article a month goal since 2020, and finally achieved it the year of 2025.
7.
Travel quarterly
It’s crazy to reflect on this point at the outset of 2020. None of this planning happened, although, I ended up in Tulum and Rio that year.
End of March, look to take a long weekend to travel. (perhaps China?)
End of June, take 2 weeks to travel to a new continuent (Africa, South America, or Australia)
End of September, a quick trip somewhere
End of December, holidays trip with family
8.
Stop piling up tabs, emails to go back to, photos that I never look at. Stop hoarding information and actually read & use them.
Not the best at it still, but will get better.
2026.
Defined by daily habits: 5am wake ups. Early low tech sleeping rituals filled with readings and slow learning. Productivity tracking. Consistency, daily tracking.
Where time is, where life is: Question if daily actions align with my priorities.
Ambition and pressure: Healthy pressure, setting ambitious tasks and deadlines. Dipa’s “I must finish 12 painting by x date” is inspiring
Money: Try to be more rational and less feelings based. To spend time building fortune, as this is not just a foundation to propels other areas of life, but often what it takes to make impact.
Not relying on external force: Treat my own time and projects with the kind of importance as I treat others’ deadline. Project plan, budget plan, and KPI plan my own work.
Career determination: 2026, I will find a specific direction I feel proud of, like Google, like Socialhaus, like Itana. Spend most time doing what would inspire others to dream the impossible.
Relationships, love, and connection: Be kind towards others, practice communication, eye contact, that energetic connection. Truly listen and offer presence, acceptance and unconditional love.
Family: I’ve always maintained a close relationship with family. But this time, try to understand them more, love them the way they want to be loved. Be proactive in caring for them
Continue where I thrive: travels around the world: This, I won’t stop. My nature will bring me to more countries, cities, and if not, it’s okay.
To feel at home: How to feel at home today? To build a strong social circle of people I love and truly identify with. I do want to surround myself with people with similar core values, since that largely determines how we spend time.
Radiance: Beauty, body. intentional about exuding that physical radiance. It’s from internal peace, spirituality, gentleness, love. Externally, it’s hair that shine, sculpted body, strength and elegance through aerial silks.
Write, write, write: For writing is my center. My foundation, the core of how I make sense of this world. I will never stop.
Live cinematically. confidently. Continue to have the kind of growth I never would’ve expected or planned.
Continue to leave the Comfort Zone. oh, where work is, is where life is. “you’re always closest to what you build.”
To spend time in China and leave new york behind is a little scary, and uncomfortable, and pushes myself to meet people I otherwise wouldn’t have met. the discomfort, is where I want to be.
I also love the “chat with strangers” wherever I go. It takes courage, and a kind of noticing the details in the energy of others. Like the Nepal experience, let things be. put maximum effort, yet not married to any result.
I have to reiterate again, how much I love writing, and how it’s helped me think with clarity. this year, to accept different countries may just be my home, and I’ll find my way back to nyc when time is right.
34, I’m learning to trust the world, and myself more.
Live boldly, doing bold things.
Love more, be kind.
