Yesterday, I had a meaningful time writing about this conviction and resolve that I’ve recently experienced when it comes to cutting off from some parts of my old self. You can read it here. As I begin to really look forward for the very first time (no longer looking back into the past), I want to take some personal time today to write down all of the things that I see and think of myself. These aren’t just things about me now (all the positive work & results I’ve put in over the years), but also the qualities that I see myself having going forward.

Character, Integrity, Being Authentic

I am an authentic individual. I believe in having genuine intentions. When I come to someone with a request, or when I am there to offer them something, I do it exactly as I intended. No hidden agendas.

I believe in the power of having integrity. I say what I mean, and I do what I say. It is how I’ve managed to establish myself as a trustworthy individual. Someone that others can count on when it truly matters.

Moving forward, I will continue to honor this part of who I am. I might be able to compromise on other less critical stuff, but when it comes to my integrity and character, that is something I will never ever negotiate or compromise.

Leading a Minimalistic Life

I’ve chosen to live a minimalistic lifestyle. But it doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate high quality goods. In most cases, I am okay with the cheaper, budget goods. But when it comes to investing in something, I’m not afraid to pay a little more if it’s worth the long-term investment.

I’ve chosen to be a “Cash” and “NETs” person. I may occasionally appreciate the convenience of contactless payments, but I will always look for a place that can accept cash payments first. Being able to pay something in cold, hard cash means I can monitor and track my expenses better.

After a really bad history with credit cards and incurring heavy debts, I aim to become someone that is more focused on having savings than spending it. It doesn’t mean I won’t enjoy/reward myself from time-to-time. Even the Bible expects us to enjoy the fruits of our labor from time-to-time. But I believe the key thing to observe here is moderation.

In my mind, I’m thinking 60-20-20:

• 60% Savings
• 20% Basic Needs and Expenses
• 20% Enjoyment

Personally, I find those numbers sustainable in the long-term. The last thing I need is to have a plan or expectation that I can’t keep up with.

Ikigai, Professional Work, Writing/Blogging

I am someone who finds joy and meaning in my work. My work is my “ikigai”. It is my calling, my purpose. I have been following my passion for the past two decades of my life. Nothing brings me more joy where work is concerned.

Bad days aside, be it in my own work, or as a technical writer/blogger, I am the most consistent SOB you can ever find. The things I do are rarely ever revolutionary, or viral, but I will always be consistent about the results though. It’s something you can always count on.

I will continue to keep my professional- and personal-contents separate because I believe that the people on these online platforms like LinkedIn, or anywhere else, just aren’t ready to embrace total authenticity. I will continue to keep myself honest on both fronts, but I just won’t be doing any cross-sharing/posting for the foreseeable future.

Doing More, Saying/Sharing Less

The other thing I want to continue to do more of…is something I have been doing for most of my life. It’s just I would have these seasons in my life where I would try to fit in, and then suddenly, I begin to talk, and share more than I normally would. Yeah, I was clearly going out of my way during those times of my life.

The real me is more private, quiet. And yes, when nobody is around, I am perfectly okay with being by myself. I am okay when others say that I’m a loner. But as a loner, I’ve also realized that I’m less easily distracted. And when I’m working on something by myself, I am more focused and tend to deliver better results than other people.

Part of the reason why I’ve been able to surprise many people when it comes to my professional breakthroughs is because I was always working silently in the shadows. It wasn’t until someone gave me the chance and recognized what I was doing that everyone started to take notice of this guy that they have never heard of before.

That is what I would like to get back to right now. I believe what it says in Ecclesiastes. There is a season for everything under the sun. Right now, this is that season to keep my head down and do the work. Even though I might be recognized UX Engineer today, it doesn’t mean that my work is done. My ultimate career goal is still some ways away.

P.S. Being a Great Professional Conversationist

I do want to point out something that I’ve learned about myself in recent years. As it turns out, you can be a private, loner person, and still be the best at certain subject matters. Under the right settings and circumstances, you can still be a great conversationist. It doesn’t mean that you’re suddenly an outspoken, extrovert. I’ve learned that I can be an introvert and still start/carry a meaningful conversation regarding certain technical topics. It usually surprises people, and they would say, “No, you can’t be an introvert. You don’t seem like one.” But I am. So, you get my point.

Family & Relationships

If I’m being totally honest with myself, my relationship with my family hasn’t been on the best terms for many years. But I am doing my best at the moment to repair those gaps, all in the hopes of building a closer relationship with each of them.

That said, I still believe strongly that I should not have to compromise myself, and who I am just so that I can fit into this image or expectation that they might have of me. I want to be me, but also do the best I can to be the best son, the best sibling that I can be.

I truly have to consider this one for a moment. It’s not easy to do something nice and then have them thinking, “Why are you suddenly being so nice? Are you hiding something? Did you do something wrong?”

So, where would be a good place for me to begin being nicer? It is something I’ve always wondered. Where do I begin without seemingly like I’m “suddenly” trying to be nicer.

I suppose, I can’t control what they will think when I try to be nicer to them right? I mean, as long as I’m not trying to go out of my way to do it. As long as it’s authentic and genuine, they can think whatever they like about me I guess.

Other Stuff About Me

I am an audiophile, so yes, I love collecting headphones 🎧.

Yes, I am a macOS lover, so as soon as I have the opportunity (God willing), I will swap for a MacBook Pro.

I love Japanese food 🍣 the most, but I don’t enjoy it as much as I like these days.

I’m a Marvel boy, through-and-through. But I do occasionally appreciate DC Comic characters like Superman, Batman, and WonderWoman (they are the OG DC superheroes I suppose).

I prefer hitting the gym 🏋️ and swimming 🏊 as workout, but for now, I’m jogging and running 🏃 because it is free. But the weather has been getting way too hot in recent years, so soon, I might have to switch.

I love playing PC games 🎮 because they help me to unwind after a stressful day or week.

I am probably the most patient ⌚ and tolerant person you can find. But if that is abused one too many time, you will know it. It will be subtle, but you’d know it.

I hate confrontations 🤬 and prefer having reasonable conversations 💬.

I dislike it when people make assumptions about me without first trying to understand my situation.

I am one of the better listeners 👂, but I can occasionally suffer from “selective hearing” as well.

I enjoy long bus rides 🚌 during those off-peak hours because they let me listen to my music 🎧 while enjoying peaceful uninterrupted trips.

Well, I think that’s all for now. I think it’s plenty to start. I’ll come back here over the next few weeks and months to occasionally update this list. I’m choosing to do this because it also means I am learning more about myself as I work on becoming more self-aware. I said it before, I shall say it once more – just because I’ve managed to develop a greater level of self-awareness in recent years, it doesn’t mean that I know everything there is to know about myself. I believe there are still things about myself to discover/learn.