My DICT Ascend Seminar Experience: Mindset is Everything

My DICT Ascend Experience: A Day of Learning, Connection, and Mindset

On August 12, 2025, I attended the DICT Ascend seminar at SM Butuan, and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had in my freelancing journey. I almost didn’t make it to the event because, on that same day, I was supposed to be in General Santos. But life has its way of presenting choices, and I’m glad I followed my instinct to be part of Ascend. Looking back, I know I made the right decision.

Why I Chose Ascend Over General Santos

Decisions like these are never easy. Travel plans, commitments, and personal priorities all play a role. But what made me decide to stay and attend Ascend was the inner voice reminding me of my goals. I wanted to be in a place where I could learn, grow, and connect with like-minded freelancers. Opportunities like this don’t come every day, especially in our local area, so I grabbed the chance to show up.

A Little Bump During the Day

Of course, no story is complete without challenges. While I was attending the seminar, an issue came up with my boss’s website. At first, it felt stressful — imagine being in a seminar, trying to learn and absorb wisdom from the speakers, while at the back of your mind, you know something urgent needs your attention. But instead of panicking, I reminded myself to stay calm. With just my phone and the teamwork of my husband back at home, I was able to fix the website issue.

That moment taught me two things:

1. Resourcefulness is key. You don’t always need the perfect setup to solve a problem — sometimes, quick thinking and teamwork are enough.

2. Support systems matter. Having my husband’s help reminded me that freelancing may be a solo career in some aspects, but it doesn’t mean we walk the journey completely alone.

When the website was fixed, I felt more relaxed and was able to focus on the event fully.

Meeting New Faces in the Freelance Community

One of the highlights of the seminar was meeting new freelancer faces. There’s something refreshing about being in a room filled with people who share the same passion and struggles. Many of us work from home, often in isolation, so having the chance to meet others who understand the freelance lifestyle is energizing. We exchanged ideas, shared stories, and reminded each other that we are not alone in this journey.

Freelancing can sometimes feel like you’re walking a path that only you can understand, but seminars like Ascend remind us that there’s a whole community out there. Everyone has their own niche, their own challenges, and their own wins — but at the end of the day, we’re all moving towards the same goal of building meaningful, independent careers.

Lessons From the Speakers: Mindset Is Everything

If I could summarize the entire DICT Ascend seminar in one phrase, it would be this: mindset is everything.

The speakers shared their stories, struggles, and strategies, but what struck me most was how much emphasis they placed on mindset. Technical skills are important, of course—we all need to constantly upgrade what we know. But without the right mindset, those skills may never reach their full potential.

Hearing their experiences reminded me of my own plans and goals. Sometimes life gets so busy that we forget to pause and realign with what we truly want. But Ascend reminded me that success doesn’t happen by accident — it begins with clarity of purpose, a resilient mindset, and consistent action.

My Current Freelancing Journey

I’m not new to freelancing. I’ve been part of this industry long enough to know its ups and downs. Currently, I manage three service marketplaces, each with its own demands and responsibilities. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also rewarding to see growth and opportunities coming my way.

Still, lately, I’ve been curious about something bigger—the idea of starting an agency. Could it be my next big step? I don’t know the full answer yet, but the idea excites me. Hearing the speakers at Ascend talk about growth, scaling, and leadership made me feel like it’s a possibility worth exploring.

Running an agency won’t be easy. It means moving from being a solo freelancer to building and managing a team. It means more responsibility, more challenges, and a bigger vision. But it also means creating opportunities not just for myself but for others who want to build a career in freelancing.

Gratitude for the Experience

When I think about the DICT Ascend seminar, I don’t just think about the lessons. I think about the energy in the room, the conversations, the connections, and the reminder that we are capable of so much more than we often give ourselves credit for.

I’m grateful I chose to attend. I’m grateful for the new friends I met, the lessons I learned, and the inspiration I brought home. Most of all, I’m grateful for the reminder that mindset truly shapes the direction of our lives.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, life presents us with crossroads — like choosing between General Santos or Ascend. We don’t always know the full impact of our decisions at the moment, but looking back, I know Ascend was worth it. It gave me clarity, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose.

For anyone who feels stuck or uncertain in their freelancing journey, I’ll share the biggest takeaway from that day: Your mindset is your greatest tool. With the right mindset, you can handle challenges, grab opportunities, and build the future you want—whether that’s managing your own marketplace, starting an agency, or simply creating the freedom to live life on your terms.

August 12, 2025, will always be a memorable day for me. A day I almost missed, but one that turned into a turning point in how I see my freelancing journey. And as I move forward, I carry with me not just the knowledge I gained, but also the connections, the experiences, and the renewed belief that the best is yet to come.

– Dee Mayang