ONE life change I wish I'd made sooner in my tech career
There's a lot I accomplished professionally this year – from an amazing job change to completing 4 more terms of my MBA, learning countless new things, and exploring more of the world. While I share my professional journey on LinkedIn, this blog post is different. It's raw, even a bit vulnerable. I'm sharing this story hoping it might inspire even one person. This year taught me a profound truth: health truly is wealth. Here's my journey. Read on or if you are a video person I also recorded my thoughts.
The Wake-Up Call: Nutrition and CrossFit
It all started in February with my annual physical. The numbers were trending in the wrong direction, and I felt it too – lower energy levels and about 20 pounds heavier since the pandemic began. Yoga alone wasn't cutting it anymore, so I dove into researching workouts. When a friend recommended CrossFit, it aligned perfectly with my physician's advice to incorporate strength training.
Instead of easing in with 2-3 sessions a week, I jumped straight into 6 days a week. Why? Because I knew myself – I needed to build a habit. Within a month, I was hooked. The changes were undeniable – higher energy levels, better mood, and a newfound excitement for each day. For years, I'd told myself I was too busy for exercise. The reality? That hour I now dedicate to working out has become the happiest hour of my day, energizing everything that follows.
The Nutrition Journey
Three months into CrossFit, despite not losing weight, I felt incredible – more energetic, happier, and more connected to my body. That's when I decided to tackle nutrition. True to form, I researched extensively for a nutrition coach, wading through overwhelming and often misleading information. The breakthrough came when I found a nutritionist specializing in Asian bodies with vegetarian food habits who truly understood my needs.
Under her guidance, I learned to track macros: protein, fiber, and carbs with precision. I also learned the value of protein and fiber in the diet. For months, I weighed everything I ate, learning how my body processes different foods and what macros come from which sources. This wasn't just about following a plan – it was an education in understanding my body's needs at a deeper level. Since starting the nutrition journey in July, I am almost at my pre-pandemic weight, though weight loss was never the primary goal. The focus was on sustainable lifestyle changes and making informed choices – the weight loss was a natural byproduct.
The Power of Sequencing
Looking back, starting with CrossFit and adding nutrition later was crucial to my success. Establishing and falling in love with one habit before introducing another prevented overwhelm. By the time I tackled nutrition, CrossFit was already an integral part of my routine, allowing me to focus fully on mastering my new relationship with food.
The Truth About Change
Here's what I've learned: no one can want this for you – you have to want it for yourself. When that switch flips, everything else follows. You embrace your coach's guidance, become fluent in reading food labels, and learn to respectfully decline things that don't serve your body – a body you're now treating like a temple.
My first 10K 🥇
What I've discovered is that it's all a mental game. My husband always said, 'You're so strong mentally – when you set your mind to achieving something physically, you'll kill it!' He was right. When I ran my first 10K this year, I surprised myself by finishing it with ease, not struggling at all, thanks to all the work I did on my body through the year. That's the power of mental strength – your body will follow where your mind leads.
While I've always practiced self-love, this year revealed a deeper dimension to that relationship. I've discovered what it truly means to be in love with your body, to understand and honor its needs.
What do you want to focus on in 2025
As I reflect on this transformative year, I realize that the principles that guided my health journey apply to every aspect of life – whether you're pursuing an MBA, changing careers, learning a new skill, or working on personal growth. The key is to recognize that you are infinitely more capable than you imagine. Start with one goal, one habit, one change. Let it take root. Trust the process, even when progress feels slow. Remember that sustainable change isn't about dramatic transformations – it's about showing up for yourself consistently, day after day.
Most importantly, don't wait for the 'perfect time' – it doesn't exist. Start now, start small, but start. Whether your goal is running a marathon, launching a business, mastering a new technology, or improving your mental wellness, the journey begins with a single decision: the decision to believe in yourself and take that first step.
Your future self will thank you for beginning today. After all, a year from now, you'll wish you had started today. I know I'm grateful that I did.
Remember: Your mind is your most powerful ally. Once you truly commit mentally, you've already won half the battle. The rest is just showing up and doing the work, one day at a time. You've got this – now go make it happen.
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