I forgot this blog existed until early this month. Oops.
Candidly, I’m not in a very introspective mood for this year’s retrospective. But it’s been an interesting year, and I’d feel guilty for missing an annual retrospective, so let’s force some thoughts.
2024 was a net positive for me. My prediction from last year’s retrospective came true—I’ve reached a new peak in my professional and personal life. It wasn’t a perfect year, but it was the first one since 2021 that I consider an overall win.
With that, below are my highlights of 2024.
The bad:
- My neuroticism persists and continues to take immense effort to manage. This battle is important to me since I don’t want to hurt anyone due to my insecurities. On the bright side, I learned this year that “neuroticism” is the name for this trait, which makes it more concrete to address. It usually helps to remind myself of the big picture, assume pure intent, and avoid acting before hearing all sides of a story.
- I’m still pretty antisocial. My hermit tendencies aren’t new, but it feels like I’ve been notably under the radar this year. Is that truly bad, though? I think it’s fine in elective social contexts, like parties (most of which I prefer to avoid). But hey, I went to nightclubs for the first time this year, so I can at least scratch those off the bucket list.
- I’m burnt out from real estate. My overall portfolio has been doing okay, but I’ve learned that I’d rather focus solely on the area I’m most knowledgeable about: startups.
- I’ve halted my international travel routine. I’m unsure when I can take a 10-14 day vacation next. My startup is moving quickly and I can’t leave my team’s side yet. That’s okay, though, since I enjoy working with my team. And I at least forced a trip to Italy in March with my brother since he was about to leave for the Marines. There’ll be time for more travel later.
The good:
- I started seeing a therapist weekly. I wasn’t planning on it, but a respected mentor offered to introduce me to his, so I accepted out of curiosity. I’ve never been great about opening up emotionally, so I often don’t know what to say during our sessions. But he’s done well at asking questions to form conversations. I still consider myself fiercely independent and capable of figuring out any personal issue on my own, but I’ll concede that having a professional sounding board can help. The external perspective can help, especially when I’m unwilling to admit the truth. As he likes to say: “The eye cannot see itself.”
- This is the most stoic I’ve ever been, which took years of practice. My team calls it my “zen state.” Problems and stress are inevitable, especially when aiming high. My role (especially in work) is to stand firm and figure out a plan when those problems arise. The leader cannot falter. So, it’s on me to stay calm and collected whenever I face difficulties in my personal and professional lives.
- I just concluded my third semester of teaching Startup Launch I at UT Dallas. My classes continue to yield interesting ideas, and some of my former students are still pursuing their startups. I’m proud of them.
- I returned to stone sculpting at the Creative Arts Center of Dallas after a 1-2 year hiatus. I see value in having at least one creative hobby beyond work because it forces you to think differently. And interestingly, I’ve found profound parallels between stone sculpting and life.
- My startup is wrapping up a strong year. We’re not ready to divulge details yet, but I’m proud of our team and accomplishments.
The interesting:
- The feeling of issuing our first payroll unexpectedly hit me just as hard in my second startup as in my first. Both times, I thought, “Holy shit, I’m responsible for putting food on people’s tables now.” I still feel the full weight of that responsibility.
- NYC has replaced Austin as my dream city to work and live in. Austin played its part during my first startup, but I’ve become increasingly enamored by the city that never sleeps over the years. The people, culture, and sophistication never cease to impress me.
- There were several times when I was tempted to return to social media. But I promised myself I wouldn’t relapse after deleting my social media accounts (besides LinkedIn) in 2021. It can be harder to maintain connections without social media, but I still vastly prefer the peace of keeping to myself.
- Not much progress on the spiritualism front this year. I still think about it routinely, but it hasn’t been a priority amidst all the chaos in my life.
- The Octopath Traveler series wins game(s) of the year for me. I listen to the soundtrack often while working.
A year ago, it felt like 2024 was easy to predict. But I can’t say the same about 2025. I think it will be another net positive, but it’s difficult to tell in what ways and to what extent. However, I can say that I’m highly optimistic about work. I see an exciting year ahead for that. But for the other aspects of my life, I think I’ll go wherever the wind takes me. After all, serendipity has never failed me.
Another year in the books. No stopping yet. Cheers to 2025.