Daily writing prompt

What are your biggest challenges?

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Oh my, it’s been two years since I wrote what my challenges were on 2024.

I’ll start first with the challenges that remain the same, and then we’ll take a look to the (many) changes.

Challenge one: Keeping the blog active.

I’ll set two days to work on my blog so Astrid helps doesn’t fall into oblivion.

Astrid D.

My blog did fall into oblivion 🙂 There were many months my barely published anything here. So, being consistent with my blog is still a huge challenge that I have to face.

The good thing is that my focus on why I want to keep my blog active is completely different. At first, I wanted to use it as a lead-generation site. It was meant to be a place where people could find me and even hire me as an accountability partner. Now, I would be happy if my blog helped someone.

I see the blog as an opportunity to help others 🙂 and it would be nice to keep this approach for this year.

I commit to participating on the WordPress “Bloganuary” challenge and update and post at least 5 articles this month 🙂

Challenge two: Exercise.

2024 was a pretty active year… but I fall back on 2025. Between launching my new accountability partner gig and stopped cycling around Bogota (despite me loving it).

I think I need to find options and alternatives… I might be too much of a perfectionist. Therefore, I have to apply strictly the Goal setting recommendations I’m always sharing. I want to go ride a bike for at least 1 hour… but I have limited time between meetings, so this is not realistic.

My goal is then to go cycling twice per week (Sundays and Wednesdays). Besides that, I will have to start with alternative activities. For example, I can dance. I’m not a good dancer, but I still enjoy it (twice per week). I can lift some of the weights my boyfriend has (once per week). They are all dusty, but that’s not a big issue. I can also do squats and push ups (every day, even if it’s just 5). These are easy exercises with no equipment needed.

I don’t want to lose weight, just be more active.

Challenge completed! I have found self-confidence.

It only took many years of my life, but I am finally a self-confident person 😀

It was challenging. I did all kinds of things. I visited a shrink. I underwent psychotherapy and neurotherapy. I take antidepressants every day. I have more kindness and self-compassion for myself than I ever had before. I practice gratitude, meditate (sometimes), and set up time apart for playing videogames (sometimes).

Which of those were the ones that helped me? I think all of them, on their own way. I said it before, and said it again, depression is a real disease and there’s no bulletproof antidote. There’s not a one-size-fits all approach.

I tried many things. I’ll keep on trying them. I want to ensure I don’t fall back. I must not lose the self-esteem and self-confidence that took me so long to get.

I am excited for all the things that I will accomplish this year. I am excited for the naps I’ll take. I’m looking forward to the coffees I’ll drink. I can’t wait to pet (ALL) the cats and dogs. I am thrilled to see my loved ones and spend time with them. Let’s make this 2026 a wonderful year 🙂

About the Author:
I’m Astrid, a biologist who made a career shift to become a virtual assistant and an accountability partner. My journey from the world of science to customer service and freelancing has given me a unique perspective on life, and I sometimes share it here on WordPress.

Do you need a capable and reliable accountability partner? Contact me on Fiverr or LinkedIn.