What have you achieved in 2024?

On December 30, 2024, as I reflected on wrapping up the year 2024, I found myself struck down with a fever. The timing couldn’t have been worse—my coaching certification exam was scheduled for 8AM on the next day, the last day of 2024.

The moment reminded me of a similar feeling from a year earlier. At the same time in 2023, I received the news that I hadn’t achieved the promotion I had worked so hard for. Always considering myself as a capable Wall Street Program Manager, the message drained me. I began to wonder if my life revolved solely around work—feeling elated when receiving praise and progress yet crushed when stuck or overlooked. Was this all there was to my career? What truly brought me joy? I opened my notes I compiled about enrolling in iPEC coaching program and stared at them, for which I didn’t make that decision yet due to significant financial and time commitment. Hating myself being in self-doubt and disappointment, I decided to reignite my motivation by start this new self-exploration journey.

And I did it.

Along with completing the program in my part time, firstly, I calmly accepted the fact that I hadn't been promoted. I found peace by genuinely believing that I am good enough and great enough. I had a lot of conversations to explore my sensitivity — an intriguing process for someone who identifies as a logical engineer. In many challenging moments, I consciously chose optimism, while allowing myself to be in “down time” for a short while, then say “let me cheer up”.

Guess what happened in my certification exam? Despite a sleepless fever night, I completed it. And there is a strong feeling that this is another successful milestone I achieve. More important, the wrap up of 2024 is great experience!

Life, after all, isn’t about winning or losing, success or failure. We choose to show up as who we are.