Life in Progress Diaries

Take moving to Korea, for example. When I decided to apply for my first job here, I was nervous about the language barrier, cultural differences, and the idea of leaving home for the first time. On top of that, managing a serious health condition in a completely different country seemed overwhelming. For a moment, it felt impossible. But then I reminded myself of the skills and determination I had and believed—just for a second—that I could do it. That belief gave me the courage to take the leap, apply for the job, and move across the world.

And yet, belief doesn’t stop once you take the first step. Right now, as I recover from health setbacks, I’ve been struggling to stay motivated. This quote reminds me that believing in my ability to heal and rebuild my strength is already a huge step forward. Some days, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up for myself.

How I Stay Grounded in Belief

Sustaining belief in yourself isn’t always easy, especially on tough days. One small thing I’ve tried to do is write down three daily wins, no matter how small. Whether it’s drinking enough water or getting outside for a short walk, acknowledging those wins keeps me focused on progress and reinforces that I’m capable of more. It’s a habit I’m working on building consistently, but even when I fall off, I remind myself that I’m still moving forward.

A Reminder for Anyone Struggling to Believe

If you’re struggling to believe in yourself, start small. You don’t have to tackle the big picture all at once. Focus on one small step to get the ball rolling—because momentum builds confidence. And remember, it’s a journey. There will be setbacks and downfalls, and that’s okay. Those moments teach you something if you let them.

How Belief Shapes My Goals

When I set my Winter Arc goals, I doubted whether I could stay consistent. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, and I knew there’d be days I wouldn’t feel motivated. But belief wasn’t about perfection—it was about showing up. That mindset helped me stick to (or at least attempt to stick to) habits like staying hydrated and focusing on wellness, even on the days I struggled. It’s helped me see the bigger picture and remember that small wins matter.

The Role of Belief in New Beginnings

Starting my blog was another leap of faith. I didn’t know—and still don’t know—if anyone would read it or if I could keep up with it. But I believed that sharing my journey could help someone out there. That belief gave me the courage to hit publish, and every time I share something, I feel a little braver about putting myself out there.

And when I look back, I see how belief has carried me halfway through challenges I never thought I could handle. Like when I completed my first year in Gwangju. Packing up to move to Busan and start a new chapter was always the main goal, but Gwangju served as a stepping stone that shaped me. I’m grateful for the lessons, even the hard ones, because they helped me reach this moment—ready to start my next chapter with a new job in March.

January Quotes: A Month of Motivation

Life got busy, and between traveling and unexpected turns, I fell out of rhythm with my original posting schedule. But instead of seeing that as a setback, I’m choosing to pick up where I left off—because progress isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up again.

Here are the quotes I originally planned to share in January, each with a small reflection on what they mean to me:

⬜ “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain ✨ Thoughts: This one speaks to me because I can be a chronic overthinker. Sometimes, the hardest part of any journey is just starting—whether it’s a new project, a fitness goal, or even just writing this blog post. But once you start, momentum builds.

⬜ “Dream it. Wish it. Do it.” – Disney ✨ Thoughts: Dreaming is easy, but turning those dreams into action? That’s where the magic happens. This reminds me to take steps toward the life I envision, instead of just thinking about it. Even small actions add up.

⬜ “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe ✨ Thoughts: It’s easy to feel like we need to have everything perfectly in place before we begin. But we don’t. We can start exactly where we are, with whatever resources we have, and grow from there. This has been a big mindset shift for me.

⬜ “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt ✨ Thoughts: And finally, the one that inspired this post. Belief is often the missing piece between staying stuck and moving forward. Every goal I’ve ever achieved started with a little bit of self-belief, even when it felt shaky.

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I may have missed posting these in January on here and instagram, but the truth is, motivation isn’t tied to a month. It’s something we can reconnect with any time. So if you’re like me and felt a little off track lately, let this be a reminder that it’s never too late to start again. 💛

What’s a quote that’s resonating with you lately? I’d love to hear it! ⬇️