When I first set my 6-month goals back in June, I wrote the whole post and then… forgot to hit publish. But even though the words sat in my drafts (Recently just posted). I’ve been quietly working on those goals in the background.
Now, three months later, I thought it’d be good to pause and check in, but…not with a “perfect update,” but with an honest one. Here’s where I’m at halfway through.
Goal 1: Be Productive
Writing little notes before bed about what I need to do the next morning has been such a game-changer. I’ve also been trying my hand at habit stacking… like for example listening to a podcast or an audio book during my commute to work and giving myself both a weekly list and a daily one. It keeps me focused without being too overwhelming.
What hasn’t worked? My own ability to stay consistent. The tools definitely help, but showing up for them every single day is still a challenge.
Goal 2: Gain Control Over PCOS
I tried seed cycling but honestly, I struggled to keep it up. Seeds just aren’t my thing, and I need to find an easier way to fit them into my day, after writing some of this blog I will try making homemade granola with the seeds and see how I get on with that.
What has made the biggest impact is broth… when I wasn’t drinking it (like when I was sick for weeks with infections), I felt terrible. As soon as I brought it back, my body felt much better.
I’ve also started using a vibration plate. I’m not sure it’s the miracle some people claim, but it definitely helps with muscle recovery and circulation. It feels relaxing, and on hot Korean summer days (even Autumn here has been hot so far) when walking outside isn’t an option, it’s been a nice way to feel like I’ve done a little “something something.” You know?
Overall, my progress has been inconsistent, but I’m still optimistic.
Goal 3: Gain Knowledge
Korean study hasn’t officially re-started yet… but I’ve got my notebook and desk ready to go this month. In the meantime, I’ve been diving into PCOS research (walking, workouts, supplements, vibration plates), learning how to use Notion more effectively for lesson planning, and exploring Canva for design. Bible study hasn’t been as regular as I’d like, so I’m glad this goal is here to remind me.
Goal 4: Have Me Time
I’ve managed to finish two books over the last three months; both intense, both made me cry. Reading for myself has been hard because I already read so much for work (hello, literature teacher life!). Still, I’m excited to dive into the five self-help books I’ve got waiting. I think I’ll treat them more like a study project than casual reading.
I also tried a few craft-like projects. I made a Lego-style flower bouquet; nothing fancy, just a little kit from Daiso… but it was surprisingly relaxing. I brewed a cup of tea, put on a calming YouTube playlist, and ended up sitting there for much longer than I expected, completely absorbed in building it. It felt good to distract myself and be creative in a small way.
On top of that, I’ve bought a couple of new projects waiting to be started: a paint-by-number canvas and a metal model kit, It’s made up of thin sheets of metal that you pop out and bend together, and I even had to buy special tools like metal cutters and pliers to work with it. It’ll definitely be interesting once I sit down to give it a try. And I some felt needling kit but I forgot to buy the needle so I’ll have to go back to Daiso.
I wish I had carved out more “just for me” time, but I’m learning to enjoy the little pockets of creativity and quiet when I do get them.
Goal 5: Connect to My World
This one’s been so fun. I had been looking into buying an electric push bike to help me explore closer to home, and I even got the chance to leave Korea for a quick weekend in Vietnam. It was incredible — the Golden Bridge was a highlight, and the hotel made us feel like VIP guests. Despite the rainy weather, I absolutely loved it.
Before that, I also spent four days in Seoul. The main reason was to attend a convention about Jesus’ early ministry and prophecy; it was powerful and left me spiritually nourished. Plus, I got to reconnect with friends from Gwangju, make new ones, and even sneak in a gym session at the hotel (while everyone else thought I was crazy). Those moments reminded me how much connection grounds me here.
And just recently, three friends visiting from England came down to my city. I hosted them in my small apartment but ended up moving to a motel since I was really sick and coughing so much. I didn’t want to risk passing anything on when they were so close to the end of their trip. (Also, I didn’t need the added stress of worrying about keeping them up all night with my coughing — especially since I had to sleep basically upright at an 85-degree angle!) In the end, I think it was the right call.
It was so lovely to spend time with them — trying new restaurants, cooking together, and doing fun little things, even while dodging the horrendous summer heat. It made me realize how much I miss those connections. I wish more of my friends could visit. Until then, I think I need to add reaching out to friends and family more often into my goals. They are still part of my world, even if they’re far away. Staying in touch is something I struggle with, but I know it matters.
6: Build Something for Future Me
This one feels slower. The app project was moving along, but it’s on pause while my friend learns a new coding language. For now, I’m continuing with designs and ideas, but it’s hard to move forward until the technical side catches up.
On the brighter side, I’m becoming more confident with Canva and can see how those skills will be useful long-term. Still, I wish I had more to show here — right now, it feels a little stagnant.
Looking Ahead
So, three months down, three to go. Some goals are thriving, some are barely hanging by a thread, a little messy if you will, some are waiting for me to pick them back up. But honestly? I’m okay with that. The whole point of this game plan was to make progress, not to have it all figured out.
Xo N
Life in Progress Diaries 
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