Today I turned 38. 

And every year, I like to reflect on the previous year on my birthday.

This year, I framed my reflections on the intentional decision mindsets that I have adopted since my last birthday, which also changed the trajectory of my life. 

Decision #1 Investing in myself

I decided to invest in courses that were meaningful and interesting to me for the first time last year. It wasn't an easy decision running on a tight budget as a graduate student, and it was tempting to learn for free with the abundance of information on the internet. 

The mindset that helped me to shift to investing in myself is that doing it alone will take longer and with more mistakes. 

Why not learn from those who have already done it? 

I quickly learned that I wasn't just gaining the course knowledge but finding belonging in communities that value the same thing I do. The adage "came for the course, stay for the community" rings true. The people I have come in contact with through my investment are invaluable to my evolution. 

Decision #2 Trusting my gut

I wrestled with competing voices between my rational brain and my heart (or gut) all my life. It led me to a lot of time wasted and doubting myself. 

Then I decided to experiment with letting my gut lead.

Anytime I want to do something, I tune in to my gut. 

Decision-making boils down to either a yes, or a no.

Anything ambivalent is a default no. I also give myself time when making big decisions; the gut is the decider.

As a result, I learn to trust my inner authority and boost my self-confidence. 

Decision #3 Not seeking permission

I was a very compliant kid growing up. Everything I did was somehow dependent on someone's permission.

I never realized it was debilitating me way into adulthood. Everything became liberating once I decided I did not need permission in my life's decisions. 

There are no rules and no limits in life, to begin with.

Plus, there's the saying that it's easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. 

As a multi-passionate creator, this became my green light in everything I pursue. 

The results of these mindset decisions are unfolding, and I have yet to arrive wherever I want to be.

However, I could see how these decision mindsets have steered me in entirely new directions, mostly in good ways.

And I am thankful.