5 Habits That Changed My Life Before 20

Habits

The Morning I Realized Habits Were Everything I still remember a morning back in high school when I was cramming for an exam. I had a half-eaten bánh mì on my desk, an iced coffee sweating all over my notes, and my brain running in circles. It hit me: I can’t keep living like this. […]

Finding Joy in Everyday Moments: Training, Rain, and Purpose

A gentle reminder

Life is rarely about grand milestones alone. More often, it is about the small moments – the run that tests your lungs, the drizzle that softens a heavy day, or the conversations that remind you of a bigger purpose. Today was one of those days for me. It began with a difficult training session after […]

Embrace Rejection: The Secret to Your Personal Breakthrough

Mountains

Rejection. Just the word can make your heart sink. Whether it’s a job you didn’t get, a school that turned you down, or a relationship that didn’t work out—rejection hurts. It’s uncomfortable, emotional, and sometimes it feels like the world is saying, “You’re not enough.” But here’s a truth I’ve learned the hard way:Rejection isn’t […]

Swimming in the Rain

Triathlon training

Slipping back into the water after a long break. Today was my first swimming practice in weeks. I hadn’t been in the pool for a while because I wasn’t feeling well, and I could feel my body missing it. Swimming has always had a special place in my heart. I wouldn’t call myself the fastest […]

Living the UWC Values Beyond Graduation

Peace

The Magic of UWC Connections It’s always nice to reconnect with people who have walked the same path, shared similar life-changing experiences, and carry the same set of values that shaped your own journey. This week, I had the joy of gathering with fellow alumni from the United World Colleges (UWC) movement here in Ho […]

5 Mindset Shifts That Changed My Life Forever

Keep going

Why Mindset Is Everything There’s a version of me from 10 years ago who would be stunned by where I am now. Giving TEDx talks.Training for Ironman.Mentoring students and coaching young professionals. Back then, I had dreams — but I also had fear. I doubted myself. I waited for permission. What changed? My mindset. These […]

Quieting the Inner Critic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Reclaiming Your Confidence

Journaling

That Voice Inside Your Head You know that voice. The one that whispers: “You’re not good enough.”“You’re going to mess this up.”“Who do you think you are?” That voice is known as the inner critic—and left unchecked, it can sabotage your confidence, creativity, and even your relationships. It shows up when you’re about to try […]

How to Build Unshakable Self-Belief (Even When No One Believes in You)

Sunset

Why Self-Belief Matters More Than You Think Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought: “I’m just not good enough”?Maybe someone doubted you. Or maybe worse — you doubted yourself. If that sounds familiar, I want you to know something:You’re not alone — and you’re not stuck. Self-belief isn’t something you’re born with. It’s […]

What Is the Hoffman Process? A Deep Dive Into Healing and Self-Discovery

Nature

Recently, I listened to an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Podcast featuring Charles “Raz” Ingrasci, a key figure in the Hoffman Institute, and I was immediately drawn into the conversation. Alongside Raz was actor Orlando Bloom, who shared how his experience with the Hoffman Process helped him transform not only his inner life but also […]

The Loneliness of Studying Abroad – And How I Handled It

Study abroad

More Than Just a Dream When I first received my acceptance letter to study abroad at 17, it felt like a dream come true. I was one of the few students from my hometown in Ha Tinh, Vietnam, to get a scholarship to study in Canada. Everyone around me cheered. They saw the success. But […]