Growing at My Own Pace — A Personal Reflection

I didn’t follow the usual script of life—and that’s okay. Born in Indonesia and grown up in Malaysia, I learned independence early, built confidence in an unexpected way (through photography), and taught myself finance step by step. This is a record of slow, quiet progress, the kind that grows roots before it shows leaves.

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A Life That Didn’t Follow the Normal Script

I moved to Malaysia when I was young and spent part of my childhood in a dorm. Independence came early—so did silence. After high school, I didn’t go to university. It wasn’t a lack of ambition; it was our financial reality. That choice used to feel heavy, especially in a world that values certificates. Over time, I realized something important: life is not about how you start—it’s about how you continue.

I wrote more about that idea in Slow Progress Is Still Progress, where I remind myself that quiet steps still count.

Key realization: My path is valid even if it looks different.

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A Classroom Without Walls

I still wanted to grow, so I built my own education.

• I read reliable financial news instead of textbooks.

• I studied the stock market and investing online.

• I learned by trying, failing, correcting—and trying again.

One of the first topics I taught myself was investing, and I turned that journey into a simple map before I even touched real stocks.

Self-learning is harder: no teacher to correct you, no grades to motivate you, no certificate to prove progress. But the skills are real. They survive outside classrooms, and they help me make decisions in the real world.

Today, that self-learning slowly turned into a clearer plan. I’m not chasing quick wins; I’m following a simple investing map for the next ten years that fits my own pace and risk comfort.

Key realization: Experience can be a teacher if I keep showing up.

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Money: A Fear I Decided to Conquer

I wasn’t born into wealth. We struggled, and that shaped how I think about security. Later, when things improved a little, my family helped by depositing savings so the interest could cover basic living costs. That support gave me breathing room—but I didn’t want to depend on it forever. I used the time to learn how money works, so one day money could work for me. Slowly, fear turned into strategy.

Part of that process was learning to split my income with more intention, which I explained step by step in how I decide how much goes to savings, deposits, and investing.

What changed

• I track spending and avoid impulse decisions.

• I think in systems: risk, time horizon, goals.

• I accept small progress if it’s consistent.

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Finding Confidence Through a Camera Lens

There was a time when I didn’t like how I looked or how I carried myself. So I picked up a camera—not to impress anyone, but to understand myself. I took many photos, most of which I disliked at first. But each session taught me something: where my natural smile lives, how posture shifts energy, how small improvements change how I feel inside.

Photography became therapy. It gave me evidence that I was becoming steadier and kinder to myself.

What photography taught me

• Confidence is built, not gifted.

• Self-acceptance grows with practice.

• Honest images can heal more than curated ones.

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Choosing Truth Over Noise

I avoid social media. Not because I dislike people, but because I value a peaceful mind. There’s too much misinformation, comparison pressure, and performative success. I prefer reading credible news and learning from verified sources. My life may not look “aesthetic,” but it’s honest—and I’m proud of that.

My information rule

• Fewer distractions, more facts.

• Less performance, more reality.

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Invisible Progress Still Counts

Many victories are quiet: studying alone, saving small amounts, fixing habits, showing up again after failing. Most people won’t see these steps. One day, they might see results and think it happened “suddenly.” I’ll remember the years of quiet work.

These wins look small on paper, but mentally they’re huge. I noticed how even tiny financial steps can calm my anxiety, and I wrote about that in Money & Mind: How Small Financial Wins Calm My Anxiety.

Quiet wins I celebrate

• Choosing discipline over comfort.

• Saying no to unnecessary spending.

• Returning to learning after setbacks.

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My Pace Is Not a Problem

I’m not the fastest. I don’t post frequent life updates. But I have direction. I’m not stuck—I’m preparing. Slowly. Carefully. Authentically. Success for me is not a sprint; it’s patience, discipline, and the courage to continue.

Personal mantra

• Move with intention.

• Protect my peace.

• Keep going.

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A Note to Anyone Who Feels “Slow”

You’re not behind—you’re building differently. Your story doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Let others underestimate you if they want. One day, they’ll recognize the progress they once ignored. Until then, grow quietly, heal gently, believe stubbornly, and move at your own pace.

I know the feeling of thinking everyone else is ahead; I wrote another reflection on learning to be okay with feeling “behind” other people.

“Trust the quiet work you’re doing.
What’s growing inside you is stronger than you think.”