Happy New Year
Wow, we’re almost at the end of January, and this is the first article I’m writing. Talk about a slow start to the year.
I’m sure most people have gotten off to a strong start, but the start doesn’t matter; it’s the finish that matters, and there is a long way to go!
As with previous years, I always like to start by reflecting on last year’s successes (and failures - more importantly) before setting out the goals and objectives for the year ahead.
Reflection is important because it is a powerful way to acknowledge how far you’ve come and where you have been. Pretty quickly, you realise that you’re nowhere near finished, and that’s a great place to be, in progress.
When doing any kind of performance review, I always use some variation of the following four questions:
What went well?
What didn’t go well?
What did I finish?
What do I wish I did more of?
So, how did 2024 go, and what is the plan for 2025?
What went well?
I married an incredible woman who always loves and supports me in everything I do.
Since its creation, I published the most blog articles on my website (14).
I went viral on LinkedIn (lol).
I made my first sale from a digital product I created. (ASS3T)
I took an overseas holiday.
I gave up alcohol for 91 days.
Successfully passed two technical Microsoft security exams.
I found out my partner and I are pregnant with our first child!
What didn’t go well?
I only read one book for the year.
I didn’t spend enough time with my parents.
I wasted too much time on my phone.
I struggled to balance my personal and professional life.
What did I finish?
I launched my first digital product.
I published 12 articles on various Cybersecurity-related topics.
Built a web app from scratch (with some help from AI).
Completed two technical certification exams.
I did the #dryjuly challenge.
What do I wish I did more of?
Hiking with friends.
Reading.
Deep, focused, creative work.
Catch-ups with past work colleagues and friends in the industry.
Mixing music, learning to DJ.
Spend quality time with parents and family.
Looking ahead
As with every other year, this year will undoubtedly have its challenges, but I’m starting to learn that no matter what happens, I’ll be ready for it.
For now, I will enjoy getting a full 8 hours of sleep as much as I can. That’s one area of my life that will experience some disruption once the new bub arrives on the scene.
I am working on a couple of interesting projects behind the scenes. I’m excited to share more details in the coming weeks and months!
Until then, no big grandiose New Year’s resolutions, just more of the same:
Growth
Connection
Adventure
Here’s to a big 2025. Let’s go and get it!
