Forget Resolutions. Review & Learn

Happy New Year Friends,

It’s the arse end of the year and that means reviews. I know it sounds cheesy. Trust me, it’s not as cheesy as new year's resolutions. Anyone doing those needs a poesklap*. But, that’s another post for another year-end.*Pronounced puss klup - Afrikaans slang phrase for a little slap around the back of your head.

I’ve written before about the high value of journaling. Reviewing your days/months/year sits right up there with writing a daily journal. And, if you are relatively diligent with your journals then you have even more reason for an annual review. Run through some of your journal posts and see what you’ve learned.

Last week’s post was a few of my lessons from a business perspective. This week I’ve put a personal spin on the annual review. Please enjoy my list of personal lessons from ‘22.

1. Nobody is coming to save you

Let’s kick off with a hard hitter! When it comes down to it and you’re in the trenches, you’re on your own. You may have a good support system in family or friends but, at the end of the day, no one can drag you out of the wet, cold mud but yourself. This applies to every aspect of life. 

Can’t get the inspiration to get off the couch and do some exercise? Well, no one is coming to help you. Can’t finish that project you’ve been “working on” for months? Well, no one is coming to do it for you.

You may have a few people who care - lucky you. But, none of them is going to save you. You’re almost always on your own when times get tough. Take ownership. Take action. Get shit done!  

1. Arguing online is a waste of time and energy

Ask anyone who knows me they’ll tell you I’m argumentative. I have pretty strong opinions on things. I like to believe as I’ve matured (a little) I hold those opinions very loosely. But, I do like a good debate.

I’ve learned though, that arguing with the faceless comments in threads on social media is a complete waste of energy. Even if your intentions are good and you are trying to educate people. The chances are, the idiot on the other end doesn’t care to be educated. Or, they think they know better and won't listen to reason.

If you want to have educational discussions and debates then create those environments. Find intelligent colleagues and friends and let them challenge your thinking. You’ll get way more out of it.

1. Don’t be a dickhead

This will be on my life advice list every year until the end of my time. It resonates so deeply with me. I can’t explain why. I believe the world would be a much better place if people defaulted to “nice” rather than to “attack and douche mode”. You can’t affect every person and you can’t change every person. But, you can change yourself. Start with you. From the barista who gets your name wrong on your coffee, to the cold-calling salesman who managed to find your mobile number. Be nice. It doesn’t take any more energy. In fact, being nice doesn’t sap energy, it gives energy. Being less of a dickhead will make you feel differently about life.

1. Everyone has the same 24 hours. It's how you use it that matters

If I had $10 for every time someone told me they didn’t find time to exercise. Or, they can’t seem to find the time to meditate. I’d have at least 2 more houses.

You will never “find time” to do something. It’s a stupid phrase and a loser mindset. This isn’t a computer game, there aren’t hidden loot boxes with extra time tokens lying around. Time is the ultimate leveller. No matter your social standing, the colour of your skin or the God you choose to believe in. You have the same 24 hours in a day that everyone does. It’s how you organise and use that time that will set you apart. You can’t find time but you can make time.

1. Journal more

Journalling is a habit that took me a long time to get into. I have been relatively consistent this past year. I haven’t always managed every day but it’s been at least 4-5 days per week. I’ve noticed a dramatic improvement in my sleep when I journal before bed. And, a big improvement in how I process information and make decisions.

When you start to journal it feels weird. Keep at it. There are no rules, no guidelines. Do whatever comes naturally to you. I cannot recommend this practice enough. Practice is the keyword here.

1. Meditate more

I wish I could say the same for meditation. During the first half of ‘22, I was meditating almost every morning. I didn’t think it was helping much when I was in it but I forced myself to make it a habit. Then, I spent more time falling off this horse than I did riding it. After a month of not doing meditation, I became aware of how it had in fact changed my mind when I was doing it.

My sleep improved. The ability to quiet my inner voice was huge. My focus and increase in hours of deep work were noticeable. Meditation should be top of your list for ‘23. It is at the top of mine for sure.

1. Assume you can learn something from everyone

I saved the best till the last. And, also to show you I am not always a negative nancy. I made a conscious decision this year to listen more. To be more specific - to actively listen when people are talking to me. When I met anyone new this past year I made an effort to be more engaged. Ask more questions and listen more. It’s been a beautiful revelation because you can learn so much from the people you choose to spend time with. People will have different life experiences than you. Harvest that knowledge and grow.

All the best for the new year ahead - catch you on the other side.

Peace, love and muscles.

JarrenThe Beginner CEO

A Few Books I Loved This Past Year

• Exhalation - Ted Chiang

• The Psychology of Money - Morgan Housel

• The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle

• Awareness - Anthony de Mello

• Catalyst - Jonah Berger

• Nonviolent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg

• A Million Miles in a Thousand Years - Donald Miller

Excerpt I’m Pondering

“I have to smile, thinking about what my former self would say. But the former self if not always right. We should preserve our first opinions as if they reflect our pure, untarnished, true nature. They’re often just the result of inexperience or a temporary phase. Old opinions shouldn’t define who we are in the future.”Hell Yeah or No - Derek Sivers

Where I Wrote This Post