The Switch That Changed Everything
2025 marked my switch from graphic designer to UX designer. The switch was necessary because our world has gone digital. I see a lot of potential as a UX designer. It’s a gateway to industries like gaming, virtual reality, websites and apps, wayfindings or tech. Anything involving human interaction and interfaces relates back to UX.
While my background gave me a strong foundation in visual hierarchy and aesthetics, I found that the technical transition was more about expanding my mindset than just learning new tools.
Applying UX research methods in context was my biggest hurdle. As a graphic designer, I was used to research for target audience and target market. But UX was different. I constantly questioned if I was doing it right. I moved through my course modules with uncertainty. By the time I graduated, the imposter syndrome was so strong that I actually considered ditching it.
Theory Meets Reality
I’m glad I didn’t. I took a few UX projects as a freelancer. These projects helped me to put the theories I learned into context. The analogy is like I not only know what it is, I know how to use it, where to use it and do it well.
The UX projects have introduced me to leadership role. In the past, I thought leadership is something that must be assigned. But actually it’s something that I must step up when opportunities arise.
In the past, I thought a leader is a nature that is innate in a person. When someone walks in to a room, that person exudes charisma. Everyone knows that this person will be the leader of the group. But throughout my projects, a leader is someone that shows up and supports the group with their resources, time and experience.
Building Connections
In 2025, I made a real point of putting myself out there to meet new people. I’ve been staying active by attending social gatherings and networking events and I’ve stayed in touch with classmates and people from my previous workplaces. It’s been a good experience so far. I’ve met many interesting people across these different circles. It’s definitely a shift from my usual routine, but I’m glad I took the initiative to start building a foundation here.
That being said, I’ve noticed these new connections haven’t quite reached the level of the tight-knit friendships I had back in Singapore. There’s a certain depth and history missing. But it’s okay. I’ve realized that you can’t rush the process of truly knowing someone. I’m happy to just let things develop organically and see where they go.
Ten Years of Showing Up
2025 also marked 10 year anniversary of me exercising consistently. I’m physically more fit than a decade ago. I had done exercises during my teenage years but I couldn’t put the efforts to make it part of my lifestyle. Now, fitness is woven into who I am.
Fitness wise, I’d like to build more muscle definitions. Apart from aesthetics, it will keep my exercise focused and regimented. Which will shape other aspects of my life too. Random exercise gets me random results. But focused exercise will get the body I want and train my mind to be diligent too.
2026 Is The Year to Start Small to Build Big
So in 2026, my new year’s resolutions are incorporating more cardio to my exercise and start my day from 6 AM. Getting up early is easier said than done. When a freelance project is on, I’m in headspace where I have to be on my toes all the time. But the motivation fades when a project has been concluded. Getting up early also will be my way to fight brain rot. I don’t want to do doomscrolling all day. I get bored and isolated.
I could have said I want 2026 to be productive by doing XYZ for certain amount of time a day. But I have done it in the past. The motivation fades away after two weeks. Because I got overwhelmed. So by setting my new year’s resolution as practical as possible, I set my expectations low while building momentum through small steps.
What It All Means
Looking back, I see the same pattern everywhere. That ten years of consistent exercise taught me that showing up matters more than perfection. Freelance UX projects taught me that doing the work beats endless theorizing. Leadership taught me that stepping up with what you have beats waiting to be anointed. The lesson applies whether I’m building muscle, building interfaces or building friendship. Start small, stay consistent, let momentum build. That’s how I’ll approach 2026.
