At the end of last year, I found myself spiralling into a dark, depression hole. It wasn’t a big secret, but losing my dad made me lose the biggest safety net that I knew would catch me if I fell. The only safety net I had left. So I found myself self-sabotaging and not doing anything at the risk of failing at everything. Fast forward a few months, I am here giving an update on some goals I had given myself in the hopes that setting smaller goals would make life seem less overwhelming.
I have no reason to be uploading this online, except to share how someone who seemingly has their life together can struggle with basic things. So if you want follow my 2022 goal-getting journey, I will be uploading an update at the end of each month. Hopefully this inspires you to stick with your own!

Running isn’t as difficult as I thought
I set out to run a total of 300km this whole year. Realistically speaking, that would equate to 25km a month, or just 5.8km a week. Not difficult at all! Or so I thought.
With everything else going somewhat back to normal, I have found that running in itself is not the hard part. Finding the time to do it is the problem.
Last year, I spent most days working from home, so it wasn’t that difficult to hop on the treadmill when I decided to take a break. This year, however, working from home needs to be justified. So if I’m not sick, I need to be in the office, meaning that I would need to run before the sun rises.
Also not a problem. But remember, I also have other goals that require hours of effort after working hours!
Excuses aside, I was able to fit in 19.95km this month. Since today isn’t the last day of January, I’m sure I could fit in a 5km run and meet my target if I really want to. We’ll so how that goes.
My YouTube journey is progressing well
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Three weeks in, and my Youtube journey is getting more exciting by the minute. So far, I have uploaded 6 videos… Well, 3 real videos and 3 shorts, but who’s checking! We are also at 100 subscribers and have a total of 31.9 watch hours. I will also be filming my very first collaboration this weekend. Pretty decent for the first 3 weeks!

Of course, my editing skills are nowhere close to where they need to be. But if you see the changes from the first video to the last, there has definitely been some growth. I have been spending lots of time watching videos on how to edit, playing around with Final Cut Pro. I’ve also been testing out different recording locations to see how I prefer the videos to look. I have even picked out a room in our house that I will make into my recording studio… But that will only happen in late March after my bonus gets paid. If I get one, that is!
Equipment-wise, I have also ordered a mic and stolen my husband’s studio lights, so the quality can only get better from here.
If you’d like to support, you can subscribe to my channel here.
My DA hasn’t budget an inch
I know, I know, in order to improve my DA, I need to guest post more on other sites. Thing is, I have been so wrapped up in getting back to work and setting up the Youtube thing that I haven’t even had time to write for my own blog! However, there are a few things in the pipeline for February, so hopefully I can get this DA 9 to move back into double digits.
That being said, I am not too fussed about working on this right now.
My responsibilities at work just keep increasing, I’m having fun with Youtube and I’m trying to stick to some sort of a fitness routine. If I had to force myself to write for someone else, this whole journey could potentially become overwhelming. So DA, wait your turn!
My sister’s graduation seems like a go!
Of course, part of this depends on her actually passing her finals and all. But on my end, Dubai has lifted the travel ban, so swimming cross-continent won’t be necessary. We also don’t have an exact date set, but I’ve blocked leave days. That’s a start.
Conclusion: How do I feel about reaching my goals?
January has been a great month so far despite its ups and downs. From a goal perspective, I think the momentum has been great. Now, to keep at it for 11 more months!
fantastic! progress is good & I can’t wait to watch more of your videos! keep them coming!
Thanks Helen 😊 I’m so grateful for you!
I’m glad you are feeling more positive and productive. sometimes the valleys in life, lead us to the mountains
Thanks Beth, you’re absolutely right!
Running I feel like is great for your mental. Losing someone close to you is hard but I’m glad you recognized that, mourned, and took concrete steps after that to do things you’ve always wanted (starting your channel).
I like reading your stuff!
Thanks Tara, this is really sweet of you 😊 it’s not an easy journey, but I guess that’s what makes things rewarding!
Prioritizing and adjusting are normal parts of life. It seems like you’re approaching things realistically. I’ve never liked to run, but I do go to the gym or walk nearly every day. I feel better physically and sharper mentally when I do, so it’s good that you are making the time.
Look at you exercising more than the average gym rat! I’d be surprised if you didn’t feel better with that routine!
Yeah, trying my best to make things as sustainable as possible. So far so good!
Glad to hear you are making progress.. I’m still on Jan 1rst.. 🤣
OMG Cindy what lies! I’ve been seeing your workout videos~ that doesn’t look like Jan 1st to me!
hahahahahaha!!! Alrighty good then my friend.. well I’m not sitting eating bon bons but I could be tempted.. call me if you want to meet up 🤣❤️🤗
Thank you for sharing!
You’re doing great! It’s interesting that your employer isn’t more flexible about working from home. It definitely helps make time for all the other stuff in life.
Right??! Lol it’s more so about what I do than who I work for, to be honest. We’ll make it work though!
I’m enjoying your videos !!! And I’m also enjoying creating videos, editing and such. I feel like I should have started my channel sooner!!
Thanks Heidy! And don’t worry, better late than never 😉 I should’ve started sooner too, but 🤷🏾♀️
So happy to see you progressing ❤ 💙
Thanks Vani 😊 it’s so much fun!
Being able to set realistic goals and/or breaking the big goals down to smaller steps help so much, I find! Good for you for chasing your dreams! WOw, also your second video did so well (1.1k views)! 😀
Thanks hun! It’s so liberating doing things in smaller chunks and actually succeeding. We are way too hard on ourselves!
Your YouTube is doing the most. I’ve watched all videos and I must say, your are doing too well for a beginner.
Thanks so much Shazzy! You’re so supportive and I really do appreciate it!
Let’s keep that momentum going! 100 subscribers already? You’ll be monetized before you know it 🙂
Lol thanks girl. I’ve tapped out on family and friends so now is the real battle 😅