In the final days of 2024, my mind was confused, wondering if I’d receive the news I’d been waiting for. This made it difficult to reflect on the past year. But now, I’ve finally found the chance to do so. Here’s a look back at my 2024.
As the year began, I had a slightly different perspective—this was the year I’d turn 30. Realising how quickly the years were flying by, this milestone shaped my outlook on the year ahead. At times, I turned this into an opportunity for growth and made the most of it. Other times, I found myself wrestling with pessimism.
2024 was a year of challenges for me—ones I set for myself. I wanted to push my boundaries, understand my limits, and even surpass them just to see what might happen. I stepped out of my comfort zone more often, took on greater responsibilities, and tested my ability to handle stress. In these moments, I made important decisions—some of which turned out to be mistakes, while others led to unexpected and positive outcomes. I learned and discovered so much.
One big thing I figured out is that stress can actually be good sometimes. I noticed how people can grow and think of new ideas when things get tough. Of course, I also had weeks where I lived entirely spontaneously and embraced laziness.
Interestingly, I came across a video by Dr. Abraham Twerski that resonated deeply with this idea. He explains how times of stress and discomfort are often signals for growth—"The stimulus to be able to grow is to feel uncomfortable!"
How do Lobsters grow? 🦞
We each know parts of ourselves—some are great, and some not so much. This year, I tried to change the things I didn’t like about me. I focused on being a better listener and worked on not overreacting to stuff (at least I tried!).
This year also forced me to make tough, sudden decisions I didn’t want to face. I hated feeling out of control. Yet, somehow, I managed to take things a step further, adding my own brick to the wall, often making things even harder for myself in the process.
One of my biggest achievements in 2024 was reading more books than I ever have before—13 in total! This doesn’t even include the monthly tech magazines and HBR I’ve been subscribed to. 🤓
After five years of living in the same place, I made a move. Packing up all my stuff in just three days was wild, especially since I wasn’t sure where to start.
A little tip: “The stuff you hang onto “just in case” rarely gets used and always seems to be a pain when you move. So in 2025, get rid of them!”
This year, I also made a stronger effort to improve my foreign language skills. I kept a streak of over 180 days 🔥 on Duolingo, dedicating at least 10-15 minutes daily to studying (and the streak is still going strong!).
I also said goodbye to some bad habits—namely my excessive caffeine intake. I’m no longer drinking three litres of coffee a day 🎉.
Up to this point, things sound pretty good. But now, let’s talk about the plans I had at the start of the year that didn’t quite pan out.
What I Didn’t Get Done
- I couldn’t keep a steady blog going.
- I still haven’t kicked off that project idea I’ve been thinking about for a long time.
- I didn’t create a routine for eating healthy or getting enough sleep. (I’m writing this post in 2025 at 3:00 am.. 🤦♂️)
- I wasn’t able to lose any weight.
- I didn’t meet my savings goals.
- I really wanted to give a tech talk to a small group, but it just didn’t happen.
These are still on my radar for 2025, and I’m determined to give them another go!"
The Super Short Summary of the Year
I realised: "Time flies, and without courage, it’s hard to seize the moment."
I learned: "Some flowers just don’t bloom in certain soils."
I listened to repeatedly: dreams · fleetwood mac psy'aviah feat. angèlika schwarzblut · in uthenera
Books that left a mark on me: Blindness by José Saramago and Ikigai by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles.
Thank you for reading—high five!🫸 🫷
Oh, and about the news I mentioned in the first paragraph.. I’m still waiting. ⏳
Join the newsletter!
I send my best notes through emails bi-weekly. Subscribe if you're down with it.
