Happy New Year

Happy Friday Friends,

2021 is almost done. Wow!

It seems like this year went as follows; January, February, March, November, December. Kinda like one of those monster nights in my 20’s. 

BIG night out with the lads. Losing count of total tequila shots.Dancing like I thought I was one of Britney's backup dancers. When I’d surface at some point the following afternoon there’d be a big chunk of the night I could not recall. 

Reminds me of this year. I remember it starting but I don’t remember much in the middle and, now suddenly we’re a couple of weeks from it ending.I wish though it was like those nights out clubbing in that I knew I’d had way too many laughs and shenanigans. I can, with confidence, say that this year was not filled with too many laughs and shenanigans of any kind. Much of it was spent locked up behind our own doors and masks. 

This will be the last newsletter for 2021 so I’m going to do a retrospective. A review of the year that was. Not because I want to dwell in the past, I know I can’t change anything. I’m doing it because if I go through my notes I can probably get back pieces of the year that seem like a black hole at the moment. Are there any key lessons I could take with me to 2022?

When product teams run retrospectives they review their tasks over a certain period of time. What was completed? What didn’t get done and what was learned? There are endless templates for retrospectives, each company has their own. For my year review, I’ll use The Four Ls method. Loved, Learned, Lacked, Longed For.

I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions, a waste of time. This for me is a much better system. I’d rather review the year that’s been and use that as a guide for the one to come.

Although I’ve thought about it before it’s my first year doing a retrospective. So why not take you all on the journey with me. I’ll list what I learned and sum it up into a potential lesson for er’body.

Loved

I loved that I stood up for my principles even if it meant walking away from a job.There is never, ever a time when your mental health or principles should be put second to a paycheque.

I loved starting this newsletter. If there is one thing you’ve been thinking about starting for years. Do it! Take the leap and find out what amazing things are waiting on the other side!

I loved having the time to walk my girls to school some mornings.Take some time every week to appreciate the small things. It is generally the things we take for granted now that we’ll look back on so fondly in the future.

I loved having time to sit on the cliffs above the ocean and meditate.Start a meditation routine. That is it. That’s the message!

I loved adding a fluffy pup to our family.There is never really a “perfect time” to add to your family. If you’re thinking about it then that’s the right time. Especially if it’s a pet! 

I love that I stayed fit and strong during Covid lockdowns.You can always find excuses not to do something, that’s easy. Committing to that challenging thing is the hard part. But, you’ll be rewarded if you do.

Learned

I learned more about myself in 4 months than I did in the past 4 years.When you’re forced into challenging situations you’re also forced to learn about yourself. You don't have to look for them, rather accept they will happen and you will grow from the experience.

I learned to identify what is really important to me. Narrowing down your values and decision principles is a useful exercise. They will help you make important decisions; who you spend time with and where you focus your energy. 

I learned to value silence and inactivity. Doing nothing should be one of the most important activities you add to your weekly routine.

I learned the importance of building a network and leveraging good conversations.“Play long-term games with long-term people.” Put effort into key relationships and spend time building your network. You’ll need them both someday.

I learned that being alone builds resilience. It’s ok to be alone sometimes. It’s not easy, especially when times are tough but easy scenarios don’t build strength and character. 

I learned to be calmer as a parent. It’s fucking hard. I’m still working on this one.Kids will be kids. Often talking calmly and shouting like a lunatic will have the exact same outcome. With one big difference, you won’t feel stressed or full of adrenaline if you’re calm. 

I learned to identify my values then diversify activities that drive those values. Diversify. Find many activities that drive your values. So if one is taken away you’re not completely lost. 

Lacked (do more of)

I could do better at managing my time.We have limited time in a day. We sleep for most of it and work for almost the rest. Get better at prioritising and organising other bits of spare time. Even 20 minutes here and there add up. Don’t waste your time.

I could do better with my meditation & stretching routinesTurning something into a routine is the hard part. It’s also important not to let it slide once you’ve put in the hard yards. Keep pushing through and let the effects compound for you.

I could start challenging myself more in the kitchen.When you’re good at something it’s easy to become complacent and stick with what you know. Remember to push your own boundaries from time to time. Strive to be a better version of yourself.

Take more risks and follow my gut with Crypto & NFT investingI won’t expand on this. Do your own research.

Longed For (What didn’t I achieve?)

I did not fully jump into a DAO.I longed for travel.I longed to take more photos.I didn’t make a big enough dent in my book list. I didn’t build a personal website. I did register jarrenpinchuck.com and jazzap.eth.I didn’t make photo albums from years of photos.I longed to spend more quality time with my wife.

The list above will go over to my To-Do list for 2022. I will put together a small game plan for each and a goal for each. There is probably a way to tackle each of them, in small pieces every month. I don’t need to finish them all in 1 month or in any particular order. I’ll start with the one/s that inspire me and run with them.

It’s been a wild year. In many ways, I hope 2022 is less chaos. But, I also hope 2022 is as productive in personal growth. Either way, I’ve learned some important lessons this year that will give me the grounding I need to take on what’s to come.

I wish you all the best for the year ahead. I hope it’s filled with copious amounts of love, a cacophony of laughs and too many fun times!

Peace, love and muscles.

Jazza

Top 3 Books Read This Year

1. Exhalation - Ted Chiang

2. Effortless - Greg McKeown

3. Nonviolent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg

Top 3 Podcasts

1. Sheila Heen: The Harvard Negotiation Project - Tim Ferriss

2. Ramit Sethi: Playing Offense with Money - Tim Ferriss

3. MMA Show #99 Francis Ngannou - Joe Rogan

Top 3 Stoic Quotes

1. “As long as you live, keep learning how to live,” - Seneca

2. “No man is free who is not a master of himself.” - Epicteus

3. “Ask yourself at every moment. Is this necessary?” Marcus Aurelius

3 Best Phone Photos from 2021