"The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude." - Oprah Winfrey

This year's been pretty relaxed, a real chance to look inwards. For once, I actually put myself first—a big decision that took some serious courage and a fair bit of risk to follow through. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be putting all my stuff into storage at the last minute, leaving my flat, and heading overseas with just a suitcase to live abroad for a whole year.

I pulled back a bit this year, put some distance between myself and others. Was it the right move? Still not 100% sure, to be honest. But this whole journey's taught me that life's surprisingly simple:

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Whether you think you're right or wrong, you're probably right—because we tend to find the evidence to back up what we already believe. If I'd decided my choice was a winner, I could've easily focused on all the good bits to prove myself right. But the truth is, every decision has its pros and cons, its risks and rewards.

At the end of the day, life's not about keeping everyone happy—it's about being true to yourself. Make your decisions carefully, weigh up the risks, and be ready to own them, warts and all. The more content and at peace you are with yourself, the more you've got to give back to others.

Personal Growth Highlights: Levelling Up in 2024

This year's been a wild ride of big, bold decisions. Here's the lowdown:

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January: Took a massive leap of faith, packing up my life into the garage just a week before jetting off to Indonesia. Convinced myself that my businesses would be fine without me being in Australia and celebrated my birthday in Indonesia and Bali. Made a promise to myself to embrace exploring this year—and so the adventure began!
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Africa: Kicked things off in southern Africa, exploring Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Went solo for most of it, only joining tours in Namibia and Botswana. From Africa, I found myself in Korea and Taiwan, trying to figure out where to settle down. A quick trip to Fukuoka, Japan sealed the deal—I'd always dreamt of living in Japan, and I'm stoked I made it happen. Explored Fukuoka and Beppu while I was there, setting the scene for an epic new chapter.
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Public Speaking: Gave my first-ever public talk. Talk about nerve-wracking! Felt totally unprepared, but I pushed through. Learned heaps from that experience.
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Japan Life: Decided to really focus on personal growth, knuckling down to study Japanese, tea ceremony, photography, and videography. While living in Japan, I did a fair bit of travelling—Hokkaido, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara.
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Beyond Japan: My wanderlust took me to Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, both of which totally blew me away. Fell head over heels for Uzbekistan, even considered staying there, just like I did with Japan.
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Unexpected Detours: In addition to my other travels, I visited Hong Kong and Macau to further connect with someone I had met previously. And, I travelled to Thailand, where I met with an old friend and some fellow Indonesians.

Through all these adventures, I've realised how much I've grown. I feel more grounded, calmer, more at peace. I've started noticing the little things, steering clear of overly oily food (haha), and embracing a sense of harmony that I now reckon is thanks to my time in Japan.

One thing I've really come to love is combining running with my travels—it's become something I genuinely enjoy. I've also started taking time for a hot bath—something I used to think was a waste of time but now look forward to the most before bed.

This year's been a journey of growth, discovery, and embracing the unknown, and I'm grateful for every single moment.

Professional Milestones: Business Lessons

I took a step back this year to get a bigger picture of things, slowing down and really analysing what I was doing.

Started to separate out active income from passive income, and had a good think about how to grow the business and tap into bigger markets. Started figuring out what it actually takes to make it all happen.

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For active income, I'm talking about my businesses and work, like working as a migration agent, education consultant, and photographer. On the passive side, it's income from accommodation, investments, and social media marketing.

Lately, I've been intentionally slowing down. I've realised how important it is to rest and how it helps me make better, more thoughtful decisions. Decisions don't have to be rushed—they just need to be timely and smart. If something needs more time, I give it that space. I've also learnt that some problems, especially the ones you can't control or that involve other people (maybe they're not quite mature enough yet, or whatever), often sort themselves out without you having to do anything.

I've learnt that starting a business can often be relatively easy (and it's awesome if you make it happen!), but keeping it going and having a clear vision for the long haul? That's the real challenge. At first, you're just trying to figure out how to make some money, but sustaining a business is about way more than just that. The business might be killing it, but what about the people involved—your team, and most importantly, yourself?

Running a business can feel like a whirlwind, especially when you're spending so much energy managing resources instead of driving sales. Having the right systems in place is crucial, but building the right team can make an even bigger difference. Over time, I've learnt to trust the process and embrace the challenges that come with being your own boss. As someone who tends to make bold decisions—a trait that can sometimes bite me in the backside—I've realised that the need for constant control is just an illusion. Focus on what truly matters and make sure you have the right resources.

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Things are often not as bad as they seem.

One more important thing—communication is key. Be thoughtful and learn how to engage with others effectively. Meaningful discussions can often provide surprising solutions you may have never considered possible.

Every day's a chance to grow—whether it's solving problems, working with your team or clients, getting funding, finding partners, or even changing your whole strategy. These aren't failures or reasons to get discouraged; they're valuable lessons that shape the journey. For me, this path offers growth and learning that I could never get in a regular 9-to-5.

Academic Insights: Hitting the Books and Learning New Tricks

Many people study to get ahead in their careers, but have you ever thought about studying just for the fun of it, or to explore a second or third career?

This year, I've been learning Japanese. Haven't fully committed myself to it, but learning something new gives me a real sense of satisfaction. I've also done some online courses in video editing and been brushing up on my Chinese. Do I absolutely need these skills? Probably not, but I reckon investing in yourself is the best investment you can make. I hold onto this belief—not because I think I'm lacking, but because learning new things pushes me to grow. It reminds me of my school days, always challenging myself to learn and memorise stuff.

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People say that learning gets harder as you get older, but that hasn't been my experience at all. I feel the same enthusiasm and ability to learn as I did back in school.

While in Japan, I also took tea ceremony lessons for three or four months. I’m really proud of this, as it not only deepened my understanding of Japanese culture but also taught me the discipline and attention to detail needed to follow its strict rules. Learning, for me, is often about questioning and challenging myself in new ways.

And the best part? Asking yourself, "What else would I be doing if not this?" What have you really lost by choosing to learn? For me, the answer is nothing—only growth and self-discovery.

Community and Global Impact: Giving Back and Making a Difference

This year, I joined a couple of communities that have really changed my perspective. One's a community for Asian women, and the other's a volunteer group in Japan that helps homeless kids, provides elderly care, and supports kids with disabilities.

Through the Asian women's community, I've learnt how sticking at it leads to growth and how a supportive environment can make a huge difference. People often look for communities where they feel like they belong, and that connection can be incredibly empowering.

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I’ve realised how important it is to choose the right community, as it can significantly shape a person’s life and mindset. Being intentional about these choices is key.

Overall, I’ve come to understand the transformative power of communities. They can inspire, uplift, and create meaningful change. One day, I hope to start my own community focused on supporting international students and promoting global citizenship—maybe a dream sparked by my volunteer experiences in Japan.

I volunteer two or three times a month (I've been on a break since October), and every visit leaves me deeply moved. It's amazing to see people from such different backgrounds come together, not just to survive but to thrive. For some, especially young kids, they might not fully understand their situation, but creating a safe, supportive environment can have a really positive impact on their lives.

Once, I sat with a young girl as she wrote a letter to her pen pal. As we chatted, I noticed subtle signs of self-harm, and my heart ached for her. But there was something so moving in the way she poured herself into that letter, reaching out to connect with someone on the other side of the world (It was for someone from India). Her warmth and kindness shone through every sentence as she shared her favourite hobbies and anime with genuine enthusiasm.

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It was a bittersweet moment—a mix of sadness and hope—that stayed with me long after. There are so many others in similar situations, and while I don't have all the solutions, I know even small acts of kindness can make a difference. By listening, learning, and being present, I hope to bring some positivity into their lives.

One of my favourite things about volunteering is cooking for kids with disabilities and the elderly. I was really impressed by Japan's education system, where all students, regardless of their disabilities, show incredible respect, follow the rules, and genuinely enjoy hanging out with us. Some kids were super chatty, while others were cheeky, but the moment their teacher asked them to sit down, they did it without hesitation.

The same warmth extended to the elderly. We cooked together, shared a meal, and even studied English as a group. It was heartwarming to see their enthusiasm for learning, no matter their age. In that moment, I thought, "I hope I have this same zest for life when I’m older haha." They shared stories about their hometowns—some live alone, while others are surrounded by family—but what stood out most was their happiness and the joy they found in being present and sharing time together.

Looking Ahead: Setting Sights on 2025

A sign that says happy new year hanging on a wall

2024 hasn't just been about travelling

It's been a process of becoming a person I never thought I could be, and it is still an ongoing process.

Living overseas, immersing myself in a new culture like Japan, meeting new people, and stepping outside my comfort zone have all been crucial parts of this experience. This year, I've intentionally distanced myself from the familiar, including friends back home, to see myself from a fresh perspective. It's been a chance to unlearn beliefs that no longer serve me and grow into the person I truly want to be.

Being away has also allowed me to let go of labels and expectations that don't align with who I am. I'm fully in "test trial" mode—experimenting, redefining, and figuring out who I want to be, whether in moments of solitude or in new environments. If I discover something I love, I’ll embrace it, challenging preconceived notions of my past self and shaping a version of me that feels authentic and free.

I see 2025 as a massive year for both personal growth and business expansion.

I've intentionally set my sights on this year as a milestone, aiming to level up before hitting 30. Looking back on 2024, I reckon it's been a year of preparation—laying the groundwork for what's to come. While growth is a constant journey and one year is never enough, I'm determined to make 2025 a year of action.

My focus will be on diving deeper into entrepreneurship and expanding my global reach, especially in Australia, Indonesia, and the USA. I also plan to grow IStudentPlus by entering new markets like Malaysia and Japan in the near future. For 2025, my priorities are clear: dedicate Q1 and Q2 to launching new businesses and reserve Q3 and Q4 for scaling iStudentPlus. This year will be about taking bold steps and turning dreams into reality.

Conclusion: Give it a Go, You Might Surprise Yourself

My advice? Don't travel just because it's the "in" thing. Focus on what really matters to you and follow your gut. For me, the choice to travel comes from curiosity, not just the enjoyment of travelling itself.

Practical Takeaway:

Thinking about a big life change, like travelling or living abroad? Here's my two cents:

  • Take time to reflect on what you truly want.
  • Make your decision thoughtfully, weighing up the risks and rewards.
  • Embrace the unknown—that's where the biggest growth happens.
Cheers to a great 2025! Let's make it a good one!! @CINDYAIR

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