Finally got the time to post a review of 2021.
2021 was a strange and challenging year. Here’s what I did:
| Month | What I did |
|---|---|
| January | Busy with School (Y1S2) |
| February | Busy with School (Y1S2) |
| March | Busy with School (Y1S2) |
| April | Busy with School (Y1S2) |
| May | Started Intern with BeLive |
| June | Learning about WSL/Linux + Docker/Kubernetes |
| July | Big Dashboard Refactor |
| August | Busy with School (Y2S1) |
| September | Busy with School (Y2S1) |
| October | Busy with School (Y2S1) + applying for loads of interns |
| November | Busy with School (Y2S1) - Projects and Finals |
| December | Final Month with BeLive + Good Break |
2021 was a very hectic year. Pushed myself to my limits and achieved things that I didn’t think I would achieve. It was a year set with many setbacks and failures, but overall a good learning experience.
Things I felt I did well
I felt I juggled my studies together with my internship really well, and I did well for Y1S2 as well. This year was mostly about studying and learning new coding skills from my internship at BeLive. I learnt to let go and pushed very negative thoughts out of my head. It was a very good experience and I felt much more hardened after 2021’s experiences.
Things I didnt do well
I failed to read enough books, maintain a proper gym schedule, and achieve my goals that I had set out to achieve.
Alex Vermeer’s 12 life areas
Values and Purpose
My values and purposes are still good, nothing has changed much. However, I am now more hardened and have decided to no longer be a people pleaser. I have made enemies and that is good because if you do not have any enemies, it means that you are not enacting a great enough change, or fighting for a strong enough cause. I have become a very reserved person this year, and will not hesitate to cut friends/people out if they are not deserving. I have always been giving all my time for others, and this year has taught me the importance of going on your own path, and living your own life - without the influence of anyone.
Contribution and Impact
This year, I was glad to be able to contribute to my company in developing their dashboard and helping out with Production Applications.
Location and Tangibles
Still living in SG. I am no longer materialistic and do not have many posessions.
Money and Finances
Talking only briefly about this - I spent a lot on food.
Career and Work
Did ok in BeLive I supposed. It was a leap of faith that I took to do a part time intership as well, but it all worked out.
Health and fitness
Still quite healthy and fit, but progress has been stagnant. Hormonal acne is back and I am back on medication (might have been the stress towards the end of Y2S1)
Education and development
Did well in school, and most of the modules taught were easily to grasp. I learnt from some of them, and others, not so much.
Social Life and Relationships
This year, I focused a lot on myself. I developed closer relationships instead of many relationships. I will continue down this path thanks to SY, who helped me understand that it is ok to work on yourself. I will no longer put in time and effort to others who do not do the same. I am hoping to find great people who are not shallow. I like my friends around me, but I’ve not truly met anyone who sees things the way I see it. Everyone is obsessed over mundane things like grades and internships, and that is not who I want to have around me. I want curious people who are passionate about changing the world. I want to mix with people who care not about fame or fortune, but about creating great products and being happy.
Emotion and Well-Being
This year I experienced a very negative and bad state of mind. It was a tough period but I am very happy to have ended that phase. My mental health was in the dumpster, but you only grow stronger from the pain you experience. I am grateful for the wake-up call, and it has reignited my passion and drive in many areas.
Character and Integrity
I am still the same, just that I have become more introverted. I choose my friends wisely, and I am wary of many peering eyes. This is a good transition and I no longer very concerned with others’ perceptions of me.
Productivity and Organization
This year was very productive study-wise. The rest, not really. I spent a lot of time on studies and internships to ensure that I was giving my all for this, and it made me productive because my timetable was very packed.
Adventure and creativity
Honestly, not much adventuring and creativity this year except for a GS Hackathon that I went to. But it’s all good.
Summary and last thoughts
I think 2021 was the most challenging year in my life so far. It was a very painful year filled with many emotions that I have come to embrace. I am lazy and will start to keep my posts short. I will probably limit the thoughts section to my friends only, but I am lazy to do that so it will be done another time.
2022 will be an even more challenging year as I have decided to continue testing my boundaries and pushing myself even further. I am ready for whatever may come, and I wish everyone a blissful 2022.
