It’s quarter packed with life-changing lessons! Before unpacking it, feel free to read my past entries here since April 2023. Here’s the quarterly planning template I use; you may adapt it however suits your season of life:
- Review your top 3 aspirations for the past 3 months. Did you achieve them? If not, why?
- What were the top 3 big wins of the past 3 months and why?
- What were the 3 biggest challenges, and what did you learn from them?
- What are the top 3 aspirations for the coming 3 months? And what’s the biggest risk they might not happen? And what are you going to do to mitigate that risk?
You don’t always have to list three things; you can change the number yourself as your life experiences differ.
To help achieve my goals, I used a 13-week year Google Sheets template (based on the 12-week year method) to set up my goals, track progress, and reflect. (I created the template, and you can purchase it here) So far, it has improved my focus and results drastically. Here’s my snapshot for this quarter.
Q4 2025 Reflections
- Vipassana every day.(✅6/10)
My target was 20 mins on weekdays and 30 mins on weekends. Not gonna lie, this goal was tough because I had to do it on the train during my work commute every weekday morning. Hopefully, I can become more consistent next quarter. Read my Vipassana experience in Malaysia here. - Complete my first marathon.(✅10/10)
YESSSS I finished my first full marathon on 5th October in 7 hours. The completion requirement is 7 hours 15 minutes. Luckily, I did it with my bestie Jess. With mutual encouragement, we managed to complete it under the scorching hot sun. - Wrote 8 articles. (✅8/10)
My new job started in mid-September, so my October and November were spent focusing on my work to stay afloat in the company. It was super result-oriented, so I had to put in more effort to get used to it and perform. One good thing is I managed to find a workflow that suits me, helping me to finish an article in 2 hours. Previously, I always dragged the work across days. - Create 6 social media posts. (❌0/10)
Due to work focus above, no energy and brain juice left for this. - Workout 3x a week in the gym, with 1x cardio each week. (✅7/10)
My workout schedule got disrupted due to work in October and November. I finally picked up the routine in December. I did not reach my target weight 48kg, still at 52kg. - [Extra] Enjoy my Japan trip in November.
It was an amazinggggg trip with my boyfriend, love the food, weather and culture! It was my first time having onsen every evening before sleep, it felt so good! Japan really made me a shopaholic with all that cute stuff and interesting beauty products.
Top Wins in Last Quarter and Why
- Completed full marathon.
The 7 hours were so torturous that I’m very proud that I pushed through to the finishing line. The commitment I had to make for the training was a lot as well. This is definitely a memorable experience because of my hard work and the fact that I will not join another full marathon again. Haha! - No longer being told I look tired at my new workplace.
I used to get asked quite often why I looked tired. Now, I make an effort to wear light makeup, take care of my hair, and dress nicely for work with accessories, and I’ve stopped receiving that feedback entirely. I believe that looking good doesn’t just help me feel better, it also builds a positive aura that attracts good people and opportunities.
Top Biggest Challenges & Lessons Learned
- Managing stress at job.
Before my Japan trip, I was carrying a lot of stress over a new product I was planning. It got stuck during implementation because of development constraints, and I kept replaying worst-case scenarios in my head. In the end, my supervisor managed to convince senior leadership to drop the project altogether due to its high effort and low ROI.
That moment reminded me of something simple but powerful: many things resolve themselves with time, especially those outside our control. I was pulling my hair over a problem that eventually solved itself without me having to push harder. Looking back, the panic was unnecessary. Worrying early didn’t make the outcome better; it only stopped me from enjoying the presence. - Everything has a trade-off; know what you want.
I chose a fast-paced, results-driven environment because I wanted to grow and accumulate experience quickly. That choice did pay off in learning and exposure, but it also came with performance pressure and constant stress.
This year taught me that every decision has a cost. Growth often asks for speed and intensity, while balance asks for patience and boundaries. Knowing what you want and what you’re willing to trade for it matters more than chasing an ideal setup that doesn’t exist. - Giving myself permission to grow.
I realised that my hesitation toward ambitious goals isn’t a lack of ability, but a form of self-protection. By keeping my expectations “realistic,” I avoid the risk of disappointment, yet I also limit what I allow myself to pursue. Lately, I’m learning that confidence sometimes has to come before proof. Maybe believing a little more boldly isn’t being delusional, but permitting myself to grow into the next version of me.
My Aspirations for Q1 2026
- Vipassana every day.
20 mins everyday - Wrote 10 articles.
I increased the goal as I want to achieve 10k views monthly this year, - Create undated planner.
My iPad usage is getting lesser now as I’m documenting mostly on Notion and Gsheets 12-week year tracker. I want to design an undated planner that encourages regular use, without the stress of empty pages. - Learn one thing every day.
Learn Japanese every day on Duolingo and gain one extra piece of knowledge every week. - Workout 3x a week in the gym, with 1x cardio each week.
The same goal as the previous quarter. - [Extra] Reduce my weight to 50kg.
Please the weight stagnancy is making me sad…
My Favorite Tool for Quarterly Planning
Inspired by 12 Week Year book, I made a 12-week goal planner Google Sheets template to help with my own time management, reflection, and motivation—and it’s been a game changer! It even comes with a 13-week version for extra flexibility. If you’re into planning and staying organized, you can check it out here or on Etsy! 😊
💌 Your Turn: Quarterly Planning
If you’re craving clarity, give this quarterly planning method a try!
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