New Year, New Goals: My Journey Toward Fitness, Data Science Mastery, and a Career in the Geothermal Industry (if getting a PhD is not possible yet)

As the clock strikes midnight, it signals the start of a brand-new year. This moment brings with it a sense of hope and renewal. It offers the opportunity to reflect on personal aspirations. This year, my resolutions are guided by three overarching goals. I aim at becoming fitter. I want to advance my skills as a data scientist. Lastly, I seek to forge a fulfilling career in the geothermal industry. Here’s how I plan to tackle each of these objectives with purpose and determination.

1. Becoming Fitter: A Commitment to Wellness

Physical fitness is more than just aesthetics. It’s about feeling stronger and more energetic. It is about being resilient in the face of life’s demands. I began my fitness journey last year in the same month. I noticed my weight gain from stress eating in 2023 was atrocious. I’m proud to say that I have consistently done fitness workouts at least three times a week. I have also decreased my consumption of fast food throughout the whole year. This year, I aim to:

• Set Clear Fitness Goals: Whether it’s running a 5K, mastering bodyweight exercises, or improving flexibility, set tangible targets. These targets will keep me motivated. Last year it didn’t matter to me what my initial and final weights are. This year, I have a plan. I will set up some metrics to monitor my vitals. I might use an app that connects to a smart watch.
• Build Sustainable Habits: I have avoided extreme workouts or restrictive diets. Instead, I focused on balanced and enjoyable activities like daily walks. I enjoy Zumba dance routines and cooking healthy meals at home. This year, I will continue to do these habits because I’ve enjoyed them so much. I am thinking of adding weight training in my workouts this year to improve overall body strength.
• Monitor Progress: Using apps or journals, I’ll track my progress, celebrate small victories, and adjust my approach when needed. I began rewarding myself last month. Every time I complete a 30-minute workout, I put a 20-pesos coin into my Habit Tracking Rewards Jar. This practice is an inspiration from the book, Atomic Habits.
• Prioritize Mental Well-Being: Fitness isn’t solely physical. Practices like mindfulness and adequate rest will remain integral to my routine. What worked for me last year was to avoid sweating the small stuff. This year, I will continue to choose my battles well and prioritize peace of mine, above all else.

By fostering these habits, I’m laying the groundwork for a lifestyle that supports not just fitness but holistic well-being.

2. Becoming a Better Data Scientist: A Journey of Continuous Learning

Data science is an ever-evolving field that demands curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for problem-solving. This year, I’m committed to:

• Mastering Advanced Techniques: Dive deeper into machine learning and artificial intelligence concepts. Focus on their application to geological research and geothermal systems. I’ve started exploring advanced techniques last year after I have defended my thesis by deep diving into neural networks. I completed a 5-day Gen AI intensive sponsored by Kaggle and Google. This helped me stay updated with the latest developments in AI.
• Building Real-World Projects: I create meaningful projects that showcase my skills. These projects contribute to solving real-world problems, such as analyzing geothermal datasets.
• Sharpening Programming Skills: Practicing Python and exploring new libraries or frameworks to enhance efficiency and innovation in my workflows. This I have also started after defending my thesis last year and will just continue doing so this year.
• Engaging with the Community: Join data science forums. Attend webinars. Participate in hackathons to exchange ideas and stay updated on industry trends. The only way I can contribute to science is by being consistently curious about things. I strive to find solutions to existing problems, particularly in the energy industry. I am also concerned with climate change problems. I can only do this if I am given the chance to interact with other experts and communities.

Through consistent effort, I will refine my craft. With a thirst for knowledge, I will strengthen my impact as a data scientist.

3. Building a Career in Geothermal Energy: A Passion for Sustainability

Geothermal energy represents a fusion of my academic background, professional experience, and personal commitment to sustainability. To further my career in this vital field, I plan to:

• Expand My Expertise: Deepen my understanding of geothermal reservoir engineering. I will study land subsidence processes and renewable energy technologies through self-study. I will also collaborate with experts. I’ve finished reading one book about reservoir engineering and have moved on to another book about fluid flow.
• Network Strategically: Connect with industry professionals and researchers to gain insights and uncover opportunities for partnerships or mentorship.
• Showcase My Research: Present findings from my recent work on CNNs for geothermal petrography. Share these results at conferences and in journals. This will help establish credibility in the field. I’ve already published one paper so this is 50% done. 🙂
• Advocate for Change: Promote geothermal energy as a viable, sustainable solution. Focus on addressing climate change challenges. Emphasize its benefits for flood-prone regions in Asia. I began posting snippets of what I know on my LinkedIn profile last year. I plan to continue doing this. I aim to encourage my network and others outside of it to comment and post questions. Encouraging healthy discussions is my main purpose. I hope to achieve more of that in my LinkedIn posts.

I aim to align my career with my values. Through this approach, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the global transition toward renewable energy.

A Year of Growth and Purpose

2025 holds immense potential for personal and professional growth. I am embracing the new year with intention and hope. I commit to fitness. I will hone my data science expertise. I will advance my geothermal career. These resolutions are not mere to-dos but a reflection of who I aspire to become.

With each step forward, I’ll remember that progress, not perfection, is the ultimate goal. Here’s to a year of perseverance, discovery, and success—and to making 2025 truly transformative.

Oh by the way, I made ChatGPT generate an image. It is about the idea of a female data scientist sitting on a yoga ball. She is passionate about geothermal energy. This is the output. Cool, isn’t it? You might wonder why I made my 2025 goals visible through this website. I believe in the old adage, out of sight-out of mind. I will keep going back to this blog post to monitor my progress. How about you? Care to share your goals this year?

xoxo,

Grass