Reflecting on 2025
At the beginning of 2025, I told myself that this year would be lived to the fullest in all areas of life. As I’m winding down and doing my annual reflection, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for all the amazing friendships, experiences, and opportunities that make up what I get to call my life.
Select Highlights
Self
- finished Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, which is now one of my favorite reads of all time
- traveled to Vegas (2x), Minnesota (2x), Sonoma (2x), San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, New York, Colombia, Mexico, Japan, and Korea
- picked up some new hobbies
Health
- incorporated martial arts into my training
- cut out alcohol almost completely
Friends
- celebrated several of my closest friends’ milestone birthdays
- attended 3 bachelor parties
- had the honor of being a groomsman at one of my oldest friend’s weddings
- had the honor of being a ring
boyman at one of my closest friend’s weddings
Family
- treated my parents out to a vacation to Puerto Vallarta
Career
- started a new job that I’m truly excited for every single day, working on interesting problems with great people
Partner
- got married to my best friend :)
- went on our honeymoon to Japan + Korea (in business class!)
Few Things I Could’ve Done Better
Self
- I didn’t consistently make dedicated time for interests and passions that matter to me
Health
- I wasn’t as disciplined with my running as I wanted to be after running my first half marathon in 2024
- I could have been more intentional and consistent with my diet
- I neglected preventative health, like seeing a doctor and getting blood work done
Friends
- a few of my closest friends experienced difficult times, and I should have shown up for them even more
Family
- I should have spent more quality time with my parents, and learned to practice more patience as they continue to age
Career
- I need to take on more responsibility in my role while continuing to expand my skill set and hone my craft
Partner
- I could have helped out around the apartment more
- I could have spent more quality time with Milo and shown him more of the world
This year has been hectic, emotional, fast-paced, and everything in between. It was an intentional decision to do as much as possible this year, and I truly have no regrets. By external measures I can confidently say that this year was a smashing success, but what I’m just as proud of is the emotional growth as well. This year was a big year for introspection and getting a better understanding of who I am, being present, and letting go of comparison. This translated into showing up more authentically with the people in my life.
I’m still on this journey (and it might be a never-ending one) but for the first time in my life, I feel genuinely at peace with who I am.
Looking Towards 2026
Looking back, 2025 showed me what the highest highs feel like. It was a year of expansion in every sense.
2026 feels different. It’s less about adding more, and more about choosing what stays. What’s worth my time, energy, and attention. This next year is about sustainability, focus, and building a life that feels just as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.
Theme
Live a Simple and Minimalistic Life
Goals
Self
- declutter my physical and digital space. live a simple life
- continue exploring hobbies and interests, such as writing and martial arts
- integrate my 2nd brain into my daily habits
Health
- get into the best shape of my life
- do a muscle up
- improve sleep quality
Career
- put my best energy and effort into my new job
- continue getting comfortable with AI tools
- attend networking events
Relationship
- cherish Milo
- enjoy life as a married couple
Family
- call my mom and dad more
This year my aim is to spend less time on the things that don’t matter, and more time on the things that are most important to me. I’ve realized that it is simply impossible to do everything. And that’s okay.
One way I like to think about focus is the removal of distractions. Removing clutter, living a simple and minimalistic life, and acting with intention are the themes I want to carry with me into next year.
I hope 2026 treats me, and everyone else well. I’m looking forward to coming back and revisiting this soon.
Photo Memories From 2025
