““We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience””
As we move into the new year, it's a time for reflection and contemplation. This year, I’ve decided to add a more public component to my annual review process, and I'm excited to share my reflections with you. I look forward to it each year, and I still count it as one of the most valuable things I do after 10 years of the process.
Looking back over the year as a whole can be a daunting task. As I flip through my notes from the year, I feel a dissonance between how quickly the year passes, and how long it can feel in the moment. This will be the third year that I’ve consistently used the “one line a day” book to simplify daily reflection, with a few lines each day accumulated over 5 years.
Reflecting on 2022, I feel a sense of gratitude. The world seemed to open back up again, and we were finally able to travel, visit family and attend weddings. Those things feel extra special now, knowing how quickly they can be taken away. The passage of time this year has been particularly noticeable, watching the growth of my daughter. So much observable change happens throughout the second year of life- just this year, she went from standing to learning how to walk, and has been talking more every day. Sometimes you forget these small, everyday changes until you look back and realize how much progress has been made.
The word I chose at the beginning of the year to guide me was “flow”, that elusive state that I’m often searching for. Taking a closer look on what went well and what didn’t, I’m eager to take the lessons below into the next 12 months.
The Highlights – What Went Well
This year I celebrated turning 33, my wife and I celebrated 8 years of marriage, and our daughter turned 2. Here are some highlights that stand out from the year:
Personal
My responsibilities as an Uncle grew this year, welcoming my beautiful niece Charlie to the family.
I leaned into my love of bikes, completing both the Okanagan and Whistler Gran Fondo events. I also picked up my dream bike this year (a Pinarello).
I further explored my love of music, buying the James Hetfield signature guitar that I’ve wanted for many years. I also got back out to concerts, including Greta Van Fleet, Dave, Slipknot & White Buffalo.
I made the choice to get rid of my social media accounts indefinitely. It’s been months now, and I sometimes still feel the pull back. Overall, I just didn’t feel it was serving me any longer, and for me the negatives outweigh the benefits. I want to use these tools, not have them use me.
We took our first major trip as a family of 3, spending two weeks in Hawaii where I was able to try e-foiling and surfing.
I got a new tattoo, one I’ve been thinking about since 2016.
I went golfing again for the first time in years.
Started therapy consistently, investing in becoming better, learning to be compassionate and understanding with myself. Each time I leave, I feel like I’ve gained a super-power.
Business
I was able to make many placements happen throughout the year, also signing a significant number of new clients.
I helped lead my team through a number of changes, having to adapt to some unexpected adversity. Through this, I grew a lot as a leader.
Health
Biked 3,025 KM, including both the Penticton and Whistler Gran Fondo.
Practiced fasting for the month of April, learning more about Ramadan.
Sleep quality has been a priority
Focus on getting sunshine first thing in the morning, often skipping on the rooftop patio.
I’ve been much more consistent with the ice bath, using what I have available. I’d like to continue exploring the contrast of hot & cold, eventually having my own sauna/cold tub set up.
What Didn't Go Well This Year
My family all finally got Covid during April, which took us out for a few days.
The second half of 2022 saw a “tech-recession”, which had a major impact on my business given I deal with mainly SaaS clients. There was a lot of turbulence and turnover within my team as well.
Flipping back through my “one line” notes from the year, too many days simply read “work, evening in”...
Things I've Loved
Massage gun- This thing has been amazing, and it’s now part of my daily routine. I was skeptical about these for a while, but during the Penticton Gran Fondo they had them around at the finish line to try, and I was immediately hooked.
Airpod Pro- I upgraded to the pro version to give spatial audio a try, as well as the noise cancelling feature.
Pilot Petit1 Fountain Pen- This little inexpensive gem is my go-to, and I carry it everywhere along with my notebook. After issues with a much more expensive Kaweco, I’ve been very happy with this one.
Robert Greene - Daily Laws- One page per day of morning reminders. I went through Ryan Holiday’s “Daily Stoic” for a couple of years, and this one has been a nice change.
Casper Glow Light- I received this as a gift a while ago, and the slow lighting wakeup has been awesome in place of a typical alarm.
Strava- I use this to track all of my bike rides throughout the year.
What's Next – What I'm Looking Forward To In 2023
The word I’ve chosen to guide me through 2023 is “NOW”. Returning to the present moment.
Something I’ve been wrestling with is the balance between goals and systems. A few years back, I came across a quote that stuck with me by Dilbert creator Scott Adams: “Losers have goals. Winners have systems”. I still see a lot of value in that idea, but lately I’ve been feeling it’s missing something.
The idea is this: “Goal-oriented people exist in a state of continuous pre-success failure at best, and permanent failure at worst if things never work out. Systems people succeed every time they apply their systems, in the sense that they did what they intended to do.” I’m also aware of the Buddhist notion that “desire is the root of all suffering.” I hesitate to get caught in the trap of continuous goal chasing. But as I said, I also feel like something is missing there, a sense of accomplishment, there’s a great feeling to setting and achieving big goals.
A few of the things I’m looking forward to in 2023, in no particular order:
More live music, including Metallica, Ed Sheeran & RHCP
February trip to Kelowna for Charlie’s first birthday
Calgary trip in March to celebrate a wedding
Work trip to Toronto
Exploring Skiing
Getting out on the bike as much as possible- at least one more Gran Fondo event in 2023
Running the Vancouver Marathon in May
Potentially purchasing our first home
Designing a personal logo
Continue growing BookMark