Rediscovering Ourselves

After screening his short film, Indonesian independent director Anggun shared a profound insight: “Oftentimes, we forget who we are and our original dreams. We can harness our creativity and imagination to develop our stories.” His words resonate deeply in a world where we often lose sight of our true selves amidst societal expectations.

This sentiment echoes the observations of Chinese author Zhang Qi in her book titled Breakthrough Thinking and Achieving Your Goals, where she humorously noted that security guards might be the most perceptive individuals. Their straightforward questions - “Who are you? Why are you here? Who do you want to visit?” - act as a poignant reminder of our identities, prompting us to reflect on how we have evolved over time and where we wish to go in the future.

In our pursuit of meeting societal and familial expectations - whether as dutiful children or diligent employees - we sometimes stray from our personal aspirations. A friend’s question at a recent event jolted me back to my own forgotten dreams ""Have you started that X dream you always talked about?” It was a stark reminder of the passions I had set aside.?

Fortunately, in 2024, I have begun to tick off items from my bucket list, particularly reigniting my passion for writing. This journey, enriched by attending diverse events and exhibitions and connecting with new people, enables me to explore the subject in greater depth while sharing my insights. I strive to ensure that my advocacy is grounded in authentic knowledge rather than mere slogans. This dedication to understanding has inspired me to explore crucial topics, such as the sustainability journeys of hoteliers—the actions they've taken, their aspirations, the relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the broader impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. These areas of focus not only enrich my writing but also play a significant role in fostering meaningful discussion about our shared future.

As 2024 comes to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on our accomplishments and challenges over the year. This introspective period often sparks conversations about Key Performance Index (KPIs) or Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) - whichever terminology you prefer. These frameworks can be invaluable tools for growth, helping us to assess our progress and set clear goals for the future. As Zhang Qi wisely notes, “Only by continuously reflecting on your past and actions can you progress towards success.” This insight invites us to revisit our experiences as a means to propel ourselves forward, much like driving a car requires regular checks in the rearview mirror to navigate safely ahead.

Zhang Qi also emphasises the importance of understanding our past to navigate the future: “If one can explain their past, they can shape their present and future. Without this understanding, they may struggle to learn from failure.”

Her words remind me of my experiences in badminton, where my coach urged me to analyze my failures to improve my game. “Eva, you must understand why you didn’t make it earlier,” he would say. To him, success was not merely about winning but learning and growing.?

This principle holds true in all facets of life: every success stems from a deep understanding of the underlying logic and the hard work that drives achievement. As we reflect on the past year and set our intentions for 2025, it’s an opportunity to learn more about ourselves. By engaging in this deeper self-reflection, we can align our future aspirations with our authentic identities.

With that in mind, I wish you a Happy New Year! May you set meaningful goals for 2025 that truly reflect your authentic self, instead of simply fulfilling the expectations of others.