3 months ago knowing that I will turn 35 this year, I had the idea of making a list of what I consider to be my top 35 achievements over the course of the 35 years of my life. Just because it's a cool way of celebrating turning 35 and 35 also seems like a good checkpoint to take stock of my life. The idea seemed simple but when I got to no. 10, it was beginning to feel like a challenge to make it to no. 35. I didn't finish making the list in one go. The process was more difficult than I had imagined. Instead of giving me the boost in confidence I had expected, I was feeling insecure with low self esteem instead midway through the process."What?! You consider this a life achievement? It's so mediocre." - these were the thoughts that would fill my mind. I know, I am my own worst critic, all the time.
Long story short, finally, after 3 separate attempts, I finished the list.
Top 35 achievements throughout my 35 years
(Not in order of importance)
1. Completed my MBA by 30, with High Distinction
2. Scored an A for my MBA Economics assignment
(a subject I really dislike and have 0 passion for)
3. Being a mother
4. Endured a 10 hour labor without epidural
5. Made it to Everest Base Camp
6. Visited all South East Asia countries except Timor Leste
7. Published 2 papers in journals
8. Made a prefect in school
9. Scored CGPA 3.67/4 for my BSc(Hons)
10. Made it to Dean's list during undergraduate studies
11. Score straight A's for Primary School Achievement Test
12. Scored straight A's for Lower Secondary Achievement Test
13. Scored 5 A's for Upper Secondary Achievement Test
14. Got around parts of Germany on my own with 0 help from the locals
15. Did the working holiday program in New Zealand, first solo long haul flight +
backpacking experience
16. Participated in a public adventure race
(participation is an achievement in itself because it was totally out of my
comfort zone)
17. First applicant and recipient of the President's Badge for 2nd SJ Co.
18. Scored 100% for one of my Spanish tests and had the highest score overall
for the sub-modules
19. Won first place in a school coloring competition
20. Completed undergraduate studies without any financial help from parents
21. Obtained high performance ratings for 8 years consecutively
22. Directed an evangelical play in church
23. Led worship in front of 200+ people (several times)
24. Delivered a safety moment in front of 300+ people
25. Managed SAP implementation and delivered go live in 1 year (as per plan)
despite having 0 knowledge on SAP at the start of project
26. Enabled the company's ISO 14001 certification in 1 year
despite having 0 knowledge on ISO at the start of the project and
0 consultant support
27. Made the commencement of operations in Tok Bali possible in 3 months
28. Shortlisted to represent school in a writing competition.
29. Got married
30. Being able financially to support 2 mortgages
31. Awarded a scholarship for undergraduate studies
32. Conquered my fear with the helicopter underwater escape training
33. Conquered my fear of public speaking at 17
34. Completed my swimming lessons (knowing how to swim!)
35. Choral Speaking national champion team
Will need to add 5 more to the list before I turn 40. Got to try hard to make the additional 5 extraordinary!
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| Adios 34..... Hola 35! |
