Life in Progress Diaries

Gently shifting gears for the rest of the year

True story: I actually wrote this back in June as my mid-year reset… and then completely forgot to hit publish. The funny thing is, even though it’s been sitting in my drafts for three months, these goals have still been shaping my daily life.

Before I share how things have been going, I wanted to post this original version just as I wrote it — because it still reflects exactly what I was aiming for at the halfway point of the year.

Throwback to July

At the start of July, I had this realisation that I didn’t want to just coast through the rest of the year. I wanted to be a little more present. A little more intentional. Not in a “let’s overhaul everything and go full hustle mode” kind of way — but more like… soft resets. Gentle nudges. Small wins.

So I sat down (with a cup of tea, obviously) and mapped out six areas I want to focus on for the second half of 2025. Not goals in the traditional sense — more like little anchors. Reminders of what matters to me, and how I want to feel moving forward.

Here’s what I landed on:

1. Be productive
2. Gain control over PCOS
3. Gain knowledge
4. Have intentional me-time
5. Connect to my world
6. Build something for future me

It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about showing up for myself in ways that feel honest and sustainable. So let me walk you through each one — what they mean to me, and where I’m starting.

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1. Be Productive

Not the colour-coded calendar kind of productive. I’m not aiming for perfection or trying to be a girlboss (no offence to the girlbosses out there). I just want to feel like I’m actually moving forward — with work, with my routines, with the things I care about — without always feeling like I’m behind before I’ve even begun.

Lately I’ve been experimenting with what works for me:

• Weekly check-ins to set loose intentions
• Time-blocking in a flexible way (emphasis on flexible)
• Habit-stacking, like flashcards during tea time
• Grouping similar tasks to avoid feeling scattered

It’s all still trial and error. Some days are a mess. But I’m learning how to create a rhythm that supports me rather than overwhelms me. And honestly? That’s the real goal.

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2. Gain Control Over PCOS

PCOS has been part of my life for a while now, and managing it has always depended on how chaotic everything else feels. Back during lockdown in England, I took a 10-week online PCOS course and for the first time, I really understood what was going on with my body. I felt healthier, clearer, more in tune.

Then life happened — as it does — and the old habits crept back in.

Now, I want to revisit that version of me who felt empowered by the information and supported by her routines. But I’m approaching it slowly. Gently. No pressure to do everything at once.

Some things I’m exploring (or re-exploring):

• Seed cycling
• Hormone-supportive supplements
• Anti-inflammatory foods
• PCOS-friendly workouts
• Gluten-free living in Korea (which is… tricky, let’s be honest)
• Staying hydrated (bless the infused water jugs)
• Bone broth is back in rotation

This time, I’m focusing on consistency over intensity.

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3. Gain Knowledge

This one’s less defined, and I kind of like that. It’s more about leaning into curiosity than ticking off a reading list. I want to keep learning — about my health, about myself, about the things that spark my interest in the moment.

Right now that looks like:

• Getting back into studying Korean
• Doing a deep dive into PCOS again
• Reading more (if my attention span will allow it)
• Bible study and exploring scripture more intentionally
• Exploring random personal growth topics
• Trying to understand Pinterest (still confused)
• Starting to build an app (!)

There’s no syllabus here. Just whatever I feel pulled toward.

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4. Have Intentional Me-Time

One thing I’ve come to realise (again) is that I don’t give myself enough space to just be. It’s either go-go-go or complete burnout. No in-between.

So I want to be more intentional about carving out me-time — not just crashing when I’m exhausted, but creating moments that actually feel like they’re for me.

Ideas I’m leaning into:

• Slow mornings with no agenda
• Solo café dates or peaceful walks
• Journaling, reading, or even doodling just because
• Occasional tech-free evenings (or at least tech-light)
• Creating for fun, not output

I want to feel like I’m living with myself, not just dragging myself through the days.

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5. Connect to My World

I’ve been in Korea for nearly two years now, and sometimes it still feels like I’m floating. It’s easy to fall into the work–home–sleep loop and forget to actually experience where I am.

This goal is about grounding myself in my environment. Exploring more. Engaging with the people and places around me. Not just surviving the week, but noticing the moments within it.

Ways I want to connect more:

• Visiting new cafés or areas, even just nearby
• Going to events or trying something local
• Saying yes to more social things (even if it’s just one-on-one hangouts)
• Creating memories that remind me: you live here, not just work here

Small moments, big impact.

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6. Build Something for Future Me

This goal is less about ambition and more about intention. I’ve been thinking about the kind of life I want to create long-term. Not in a dramatic five-year-plan way, but in a gentle “what can I start building now?” way.

I’m starting with:

• Showing up more on this blog and seeing where it leads (I know clearly not doing too well on this one)
• Dipping into content creation again — maybe even vlogs (without the pressure)
• Actually learning how to manage my money (because adulting is real)
• Building simple systems that support me
• Working on that app idea that’s been living in my brain for way too long

I’m not trying to have it all figured out. I’m just trying. Baby steps now, for the future I want later.

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Why I’m Sharing This Now

Even though this is technically three months late, I think it’s still worth putting out there. Goals aren’t just about what’s written or posted — it’s about the work that happens in the background.

This is part one of the journey. Next up, I’ll share a proper check-in on how the last three months have actually gone.

We don’t need to have it all figured out — just a reason to keep showing up.

Until next time,

N x