Reflecting on 2023: A Bullet Journal Summary

It's 2024, and I'm back to writing again. ✌🏻, and hopefully, this will not be the last again. I want to be consistent again in writing. Like what I do, this is based on my bullet journal.

You can check out my last year's post about my 2023 bullet journal.

I plan to share this on or before my birthday, February 4, but I have something to share on that day, too, so I decided to share this as early as possible (I know it’s almost two weeks, but my mind and body are still on vacation mode. 😅).

So again, here the format in case you didn’t read my last year:

• “What did I learn” - In this week, what I learned? Did I try something new? anything that you explore, learn from hobbies, career development, or try to learn?
• “What is my top win” - Everything about your top win that week. It can be personal, work-related, or anything you think is a top win on my end. It’s work-related and financial.
• “What/Where did I failed” - Sometimes it’s okay to fail, like what I did mostly. I failed for the week, either not getting enough sleep or less exercise, and try to track to next week if you can avoid it.

Also, I got a message last time on Twitter about why I didn’t like to give context to every bulleted item. Well, as much as possible, I want to, but some items are private things, which I will try now to explain in this post.

✨ My reflections on the year 2023

Here are my 2023 reflections. Last year was not good for my mental health from personal and work; I can say it's not a good year for me, but I learned a lot. Like in my last 2022 reflection, I will do it in bullet journal format. It's easy to read; this may be my yearly reflection format.

What did I learn

• It is important to prioritize your mental health. Balancing personal and work life can be challenging and may result in mood changes.
• To maintain consistency, it is important to apply it in various aspects of life, such as goal setting, chores, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Learn to let go and focus on other things. Sometimes, it's not meant for you.
• It is always important to have emergency funds available, especially in uncertain times like the current global situation where job security may be compromised.
• Doing a side hustle can be challenging in the current global situation, especially with the increase in layoffs last year.
• Instead of rushing and going fast, it is better to take a slow and steady approach. This helps avoid numerous problems that may arise later on.
• Always plan ahead for work and personal matters to ensure a smooth experience.
• Be grateful for what you have, as not everyone is as fortunate as you are right now.
• Dating has changed, and based on my experience, it is different from before.
• When dating, it's best to be prepared for any situation.
• Being one of the breadwinners in the family can be challenging. It's a common experience, but previously, I didn't have to worry about bills and budgeting.
• Presenting and speaking in front of an audience can be intimidating. I have always been afraid of being the center of attention and having many people watching and listening to me. I have been working on overcoming this fear since starting my career.

What is my top win

• After two years, I was finally promoted, but I wasn't expecting it.
• As a team, we recently released some amazing features from our work. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of such a talented and dedicated group.
• I got some small freelance projects and am happy with the result.
• Managing multiple projects and priorities effectively and delivering high-quality work on tight deadlines.
• Consistent in daily chores task (Read 1 page from a book or 1 article a day and do meditation in the morning before work)
• Teach some Figma, Design systems, and UI Design from the University and small teams.
• Able to watch concerts and gigs and attend in the tech community. After a year, because of pandemic
• I created a short blog post for an online course about design systems.
• I posted a video tutorial on my YouTube account, converting the UI Kit to a design system.
• I learned React, NextJS, and some backend stuff like Prisma, Superbase, etc.
• I started doing a side project again, which is Work from cafe in _blank (a curated cafe/co-working shop in Philippines), GoSeeAt (A gig ticket reservation), and @thoughttroveapp (a curated daily quotes and thoughts with a twist).
• I read almost eight books, mostly on self-help and design-related books.

What/Where did I failed?

• Proper documentation and a handoff process are important in the workplace. However, the team's emphasis on quick shipping features has made creating a handoff in my design workflow time-consuming. Hopefully, I can allocate more time to this in the coming year.
• I tried to create a digital product, but now I'm uncertain how to showcase it.
• I wrote a brief blog post about design systems for an online course but haven't published it yet. I'm not sure if I'm going to share it.
• Were more side projects not pursued due to insufficient planning and execution?
• Lack of sleep and exercise makes it hard to be consistent. However, this year, I have been trying to improve by sleeping early and walking for at least 30 to 40 minutes.
• I sincerely hope to resolve my debt, which has been incurred due to some unforeseen circumstances, within the current year. It is my utmost priority to find a suitable solution and take the necessary actions to overcome this financial burden as soon as possible.
• My writing has been inconsistent because I only posted on my Substack from December to January last year. After that, I didn't continue, possibly due to events happening in my work and personal life. But thankfully, https://designerswhowrite.com has been created, and I feel confident that I will be accountable.
• I have experienced failures in dating and relationships. I am starting to believe that maybe it's not meant for me, but I hope things improve this year. I'm not rushing myself to be in a relationship, but some of my friends' advice makes me reconsider.

I have a lot to share, but I want to keep it personal once again. 😅.

💖 My final message

In conclusion, my personal journey through 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride filled with valuable lessons, significant wins, and humbling failures. I am grateful for the experiences, connections, and growth I have encountered. My 2023 has been quite a ride once again, but I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for everything that has come my way.

First and foremost, I want to say a big thank you to all the amazing people I have crossed paths with. You have become my friends and co-workers. I also want to thank my supportive family. making this year truly special. Here's to hoping for an even better year ahead! Once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything.

If there's no challenge in your life, then there's no enjoyment in your life.
– David Tian Ph.D