“New Year, New Plans” With Pakkee Tan

Before we say thank you and goodbye to 2023, it’s time to get quiet, turn inwards and reflect on what the last 12 months have taught us about ourselves. We look back so we can move forward — with a little more wisdom, courage and clarity on how we can live better, happier in the next 12. With this in mind, we started this series, “New Year, New Plans”, and invited three individuals — an entrepreneur, a magazine editor-in-chief and a fibre artist — to share their 2023 reflections and 2024 intentions.

Hi Pakkee, thank you for being part of our “New Year, New Plans” series. For the benefit of readers who are not yet familiar with you and your work, could you give us a short self-introduction please?

Pakkee: I’m Pakkee, and I'm the editor-in-chief of GRAZIA Singapore. It's an Italian fashion magazine, and I work with my team to produce content for our magazine across print, digital and social media for our readers.

Can you give us an example of what a day in your life is like?

Pakkee: It really varies from day to day. I would say it's a lot of meetings, approving layouts, story ideas, photo shoots, and speaking to various collaborators.

What is your way of organising your time that has proven to work well for your lifestyle / personality? For example, is it more important to see to everyday details or plan longer term with an overview of a week / month / the whole year?

Pakkee: I usually do a year-long calendar broken down by month so I get an overview of events and key moments throughout the year. Following that, my schedule is usually organised by a weekly basis for meetings and events.

How has the habit of planning and organising helped you in getting clarity, setting priorities, achieving what you set out to achieve, and in creating the life you want year by year?

Pakkee: It gives me a sense of accomplishment when I look back at all the goals I've achieved from the previous year, and to see what goals can be tweaked for the next year. Also, I think organising and planning are a necessity for me because I would forget or double book myself on the same day otherwise.

Do you have any personal tips or advice on effective planning / scheduling?

Pakkee: I'm a strong believer in organisation styles so I would highly recommend you find out what works for you, because it will make your life so much easier. I personally like to write things down and use colours to highlight/circle important events or use tabs to mark out dates of note.

Let’s talk about journalling. In recent years, it has become an essential self-care / self-discovery tool. We’d love for you to share your personal experience with our readers. What got you started? How has it been beneficial for your emotional / mental / professional well-being?

Pakkee: I would say I'm just a beginner with journalling! I try to write down two to three things that I'm grateful for that day as and when my schedule allows. I read about the benefits of journalling and have seen some of my friends try it out, so I thought I would give it a go as well. In terms of mental well-being, I think it makes me more mindful and appreciative of the goings-on throughout the day.

What is the journalling ritual / method you’ve cultivated like? For example, how often do you do it? When is your preferred to write?

Pakkee: I haven't been very consistent with it, I have to say. But I usually write down my thoughts at the end of the day, right before I head to sleep.

What is one of the biggest revelations or insights that journalling has brought you in 2023? What are you most grateful for?

Pakkee: I think it's a very good exercise in reflection, and it makes me more mindful and to focus on the positive instead of the negative. This year, I've been grateful for the kindness and support of friends, family and strangers; grateful for my health; and grateful for all the wonderful experiences and travels that I’ve had this year.

Can you share one intention, goal, or resolution with us for 2024? What are you most looking forward to in the new year?

Pakkee: One resolution for 2024 is to become healthier and stronger. I want to work on my fitness more next year and have just restarted my PT, so I am looking forward to what we are able to achieve. One thing I’m looking forward to in 2024 is to have more balance between my work and personal life and to spend more time with my family.

Finally, if you were to write a one-line note to yourself in the December 31 space in your new 2024 Planner, what would it be?

Pakkee: Look forward, not back!

Read more from Sarah Bagharib and Alicia C Kirwan.

We would like to thank Sarah, Pakkee and Alicia for sharing their 2023 reflections, and intentions for the new year. #byndartisan #2024planner #somethingsworthsharing