Did 2019 treat you right? For some, 2019 was a very trying year – we lost some, we gained some. Regardless, 2019 is coming to an end and we’re left with a few more weeks to make things right, or risk living in regret.
We asked 8 people what they said yes to this year and got some interesting responses. Read on to find out what their biggest YES in 2019 is!
New career opportunity
What did you say YES to this year?
Louisa: I said YES to leading the Operations Team at Partipost.
Eda: Yes to a new job!
Joelle: I got a new job.
What were some of your concerns?
Louisa: I wasn't sure if I was qualified to lead a team since I had no prior experience in leadership and change is scary.
Joelle: Will my colleagues be ok? Will my pay be good?
Eda: I was afraid I couldn’t get accustomed to the workload here but all’s good so far!
How did you overcome your fear of embarking on something new?
Louisa: Since there’s no turning back, I took it as a challenge to grow and expand my knowledge. I invested time and effort, and learnt how to be a good leader by listening to leadership podcasts, as well as reading relevant books and articles. I sure hope I’m doing a good job!
Joelle: I made an effort to socialize more with my colleagues.
Eda: I told myself this: If I don’t do it now, when else will I get another opportunity?
How do you feel now that things are in place?
Louisa: I believe that God will never give you more than you can bear, and everything happens for a reason. Looking back, I realized that I was assigned this role because God has been secretly preparing me for motherhood. Why? Because leading the team from scratch is similar to nurturing a baby. I'm proud of what the team has achieved so far. Witnessing my team grow gives me a sense of satisfaction and I’m proud to see their contributions to the company. I'm both grateful and humbled by this opportunity.
Joelle: It’s good! I feel happy.
Eda: I’m relieved that I’m getting used to the job. Unlike my previous job, I’m glad that I now have more time for my loved ones, as well as myself!
3 words for people who are afraid to step out of their comfort zone?
Louisa: I have a question for you instead of 3 words – What’s the worst that could happen?
Joelle: Go for it!
Eda: Never give up!
New activity
What did you say YES to this year?
Denise: I went mountain hiking for the first time in Bali.
Initial thoughts? What were some of your concerns?
Denise: Initial thoughts: "Why am I doing this?” I was scared because everyone said trekking is tedious, especially if it's your first time. Also, I was afraid I would die halfway through and there’s no turning back.
How did you overcome your fear of embarking on something new?
Denise: Hiking with my boyfriend really motivated me and I didn't want to disappoint him.
How do you feel now that things are in place?
Denise: It was a good experience; the sunrise was picturesque. I ticked it off my bucket list, but hiking is not for me (laughs).
3 words for people who are afraid to step out of their comfort zone?
Denise: JUST DO IT.
New hobby
What did you say YES to this year?
Cheryl*: I picked up motocross as a hobby!
Renee: Picked up a new hobby of collecting succulents – I have more than 20 of them now!
Initial thoughts? What were some of your concerns?
Cheryl*: My has a group of friends he would go riding with who were all really good (‘cause they've been doing it for years). Thus, I had a fear of starting out from square one and looking like a noob.
Renee: I don’t exactly have green fingers so I’ve killed many plants before…
How did you overcome your fear of embarking on something new?
Cheryl*: Thinking of the positive outcomes helped me to rationalize things. Some of your fears may be unfounded!
Renee: I research and found out a lot more about the variety of succulents, their required growing conditions, etc. I’m still experimenting, yay!
How do you feel now that things are in place?
Cheryl*: Pretty good. It's something for me to look forward to each weekend. Riding is one aspect of it, but it's also fun to mod your bike, buy different colored gear and boots, etc.
Renee: I look at my succulents every day and seeing them grow makes me very happy. I feel very relieved taking my time to learn more about them.
3 words for people who are afraid to step out of their comfort zone?
Cheryl*: Believe in yourself.
Renee: Just do it!!!!
*Not her real name.
Commitment
What did you say YES to this year?
Hillary: I said yes to becoming a Mrs and I said yes to exercising.
Initial thoughts? What were some of your concerns?
Hillary: I don’t exactly have a habit of exercising but for the wedding, I said YES. And I guess I’ll continue on for health.
How did you overcome your fear of embarking on something new?
Hillary: Technically, you shouldn’t have a fear of exercising. As for becoming a Mrs, I think it’s about embracing the fact that two people will become one. And on other fronts, whenever you embark on something new, support from loved ones is crucial.
How do you feel now that things are in place?
Hillary: I’m happy that I started exercising again.
And I have a partner for life!
3 words for people who are afraid to step out of their comfort zone?
Hillary: (Have) Trust, (take a) leap and embrace.
Adulting
What did you say YES to this year?
Tiffany: After enjoying unemployment for a couple of months post-university, I said yes to officially adulting. I got my first full-time job and took on a whole lot of responsibilities, in a completely new environment. I wanted to be as independent as possible.
Initial thoughts? What were some of your concerns?
Tiffany: Like everyone else, I was nervous about embarking on a new journey. Furthermore, I started off as an intern. I was mostly afraid that I wouldn’t be suited for a position like this, and I’d screw up somehow.
How did you overcome your fear of embarking on something new?
Tiffany: My main source of motivation and support came from my boyfriend, Ras. He encouraged me to take on this role and try something new. Even when I was doubtful of my decision, he was there as a constant support system for me (and still is).
How do you feel now that things are in place?
Tiffany: I started to feel more confident along the way, and I love how much I get to learn in this job. Every day throws something different at me and I get to work with all kinds of people. Of course, this comes with challenges, but I have the right people (family, loved ones, close friends and colleagues) to help me along the way.
3 words for people who are afraid to step out of their comfort zone?
Tiffany: YOU’VE GOT THIS.
Now that you know what they said YES to in 2019, the ball is in your court. Whether you’ve decided to pick up a new hobby or kick bad habits, we want to know what you’re most proud of this year!
And of course, no party is complete without good food and company. Thanks to ChopeDeals, you can now celebrate your proudest moment with a good meal! Get exclusive access to over 200 restaurant deals with ChopeDeals’ Year End Sale, which will be happening on 5 Dec at 12AM! Act fast because get this: it’s a 1-DAY sale!
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As if food lobangs aren’t enough, we’re throwing another one in! Simply tell us what you said YES to this year, and give ChopeDeals’ Year End Sale a shout-out on IG to earn up to $40! HELL YASSS!
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May the fastest fingers win!
