Chapter 1: The Importance of Acknowledging Success

Take a moment to appreciate all the wonderful things you accomplished this past year!

> "When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you." — African proverb.

I have a variety of unique habits and routines that I incorporate into my life. The idea of adopting yet another 'life hack' at this stage makes me chuckle, but one insightful takeaway from a gratitude course I attended long ago—"Documenting Your Wins"—has persisted with me over time.

For nearly ten years, I've set aside time each year to reflect on the past twelve months. This isn't merely to check off the boxes on my New Year's resolutions (my success rate is below average), but to remind myself, "Hey John, you achieved some remarkable things this year; be thankful." Some years I share this reflection on my Medium publication, while other years I keep it private. What truly matters is using this moment to express gratitude and joy towards myself, my friends, and family.

Certainly, I do assess my past resolutions, I do establish new ones, and I do monitor whether I've succeeded or failed. I’ve seen other influencers, such as Tim Ferriss, employ a similar method he dubs the "Year in Review."

Recently, while reviewing my reflections from 2021, I noticed that as I age, my focus has shifted away from financial gains. Don't misunderstand me; I still keep track of my net worth using spreadsheets, but my gratitude now encompasses a broader spectrum beyond mere financial metrics and into the invaluable realm of relationships. If you have twenty minutes, I encourage you to create your own version of "documenting your achievements," or whatever name resonates with you. Just keep it simple; don't overthink it or create multiple drafts. My reflections are a stream of consciousness—written in one go, spell-checked, and published. Done.

As I delve into what I'm grateful for, I can't help but recognize my personal evolution over the last three years. In 2018, I left my management consulting position to embark on a journey to discover life's meaning, which included the classic backpacking trip across countries like China, India, Nepal, and Qatar. After eight years of working 2400 hours annually just to bill 2000, I was utterly burnt out and determined to explore everything but work.

2020 became a year of financial independence and knowledge acquisition. I read around forty books, got rid of my television (which helped me reach that reading goal!), paid off my $170,000 student loan debt, published two books, started practicing jiu-jitsu, and achieved peak physical fitness.

As I reflect on the last day of 2021, I celebrate my accomplishments from the previous year:

I entered 2021 free from financial burdens, feeling mentally and physically robust. My wife and I thrived together, navigating through the challenges posed by COVID-19 with relative ease. My primary goals for 2021 included:

• Mental strength: Pursue knowledge and wisdom continually.
• Financial freedom: Expand entrepreneurial efforts to enhance cash flow.
• Physical prowess: Accomplish something extraordinary, like swimming across the San Francisco Bay, and continue pushing my jiu-jitsu training.

Upon entering 2021, I realized that these goals were largely introspective, concentrating on my individual growth. In recent years, I've experienced a sense of restlessness, yearning for community and perhaps a greater purpose. The journey throughout 2021 guided me toward reconnecting with my community rather than fixating on my finances.

Celebration 1: Reconnecting with Old Friends

Life can be unpredictable, but I was fortunate to maintain friendships with a close-knit group of men I’ve known since childhood. Over the years, I noticed that these relationships had taken a backseat. Inspired by the show "Men of a Certain Age," I proposed that we gather together one Saturday each month, and to my delight, we have kept this tradition alive for the past year. This reconnection has infused my life with joy and happiness.

It's fascinating how these friends, with whom I share over two decades of history, now lead very different lives. Our paths have diverged as we've navigated our responsibilities and aspirations. Yet, whenever we reunite, it feels as if no time has passed. Just a group of guys catching up and enjoying each other’s company.

I also formed new friendships through a cycling club, where we ride together monthly. Some of these individuals have become close companions, including one friend I’ve known since I was twenty.

I didn’t initially set out to rekindle old friendships at the start of 2021, but it turned out to be a refreshing development, filling a void in my sense of community. I am grateful for both my old and new friends.

Celebration 2: An Interview with My Mother

Inspired by a Rich Roll podcast where he discussed the value of interviewing his father, I decided to sit down with my mom. I realized that I'd never truly taken the time to understand her life story, including her journey to America and her experiences raising me.

This heartfelt conversation lasted over four hours and was recorded on video. While it may never be shared publicly, it is a treasure I will hold dear forever. Furthermore, this interview served as a turning point for our communication. After a difficult period following my father's passing a decade ago, we had little contact for about five years. Now, we speak every weekend, and I appreciate this newfound connection.

Celebration 3: Letting Go of Alcohol

I came to the realization that alcohol no longer enhances my life. The fleeting joy I once derived from drinking had faded, and it became a source of regret rather than enjoyment. I admire those who can enjoy a single drink, but I realized that I am not one of them. My mind feels clearer and my spirit uplifted without alcohol. I am thankful for this important realization.

Celebration 4: Rediscovering My Passion for Reading

Reading used to feel like a chore, likely due to its compulsory nature in school. However, about five years ago, I rekindled my love for reading—fiction, nonfiction, and biographies alike. Over the past year, I’ve read around fourteen books covering a range of topics, from political issues to personal finance. I'm genuinely grateful to have rediscovered this passion and to hold physical books in my hands.

Celebration 5: My Wife, My Greatest Supporter

My wife consistently appears on my gratitude list each year. Whenever I feel spiritually or emotionally depleted, she reminds me of my capabilities. Reflecting on our relationship, she has always been supportive: whether I wanted to quit my job to travel, start my own business, or explore various career paths, her encouragement never wavered.

This year, I even explored the possibility of becoming a special agent for the DOJ and FBI. After going through the application process and physical interview, I ultimately decided against it due to the salary disparity, but my wife's support throughout was unwavering.

Celebration 6: Financial Stability Amidst Economic Turmoil

Watching the economic climate, especially during COVID-19, has been challenging for many. However, I am grateful that my wife and I have managed to avoid financial stress. After successfully paying off our student loans and saving a significant portion of our post-tax income, I recognize that luck has played a role in our situation. This year, we both earned more than ever before.

Where Did I Fall Short?

In the spirit of continuous improvement, I also reflect on where I fell short in achieving my 2021 goals. I didn't swim across the San Francisco Bay, I stopped attending jiu-jitsu after suffering an injury, and I didn’t pursue an EMT certification as I intended.

Looking at my physical goals, I recognize a pattern of falling short as I reach my late 30s. I often grapple with the fear of aging and the challenge of embracing it gracefully. Additionally, I didn't engage in any side hustles during 2021, which felt odd for someone who has always had entrepreneurial pursuits. I realized that successful individuals often focus intently on a few key activities rather than spreading themselves too thin.

Reflections for 2022

As I consider 2022, I evaluate what I enjoyed and what I didn't in 2021. Here are some action items for the new year:

1. Limit Exposure to Clickbait News: I found myself frustrated with local politics in 2021. Moving forward, I aim to control what I consume and avoid negativity.
2. Cut Down on Zillow Browsing: I realized I was spending too much time scrolling through Zillow listings out of curiosity, which detracted from my enjoyment of living in San Francisco.
3. Maintain Financial Momentum: With economic uncertainties looming, I want to ensure that my wife and I continue living below our means and tracking our finances.
4. Explore Spirituality: This year, I seek to delve into spirituality. While I grew up in a religious household, I want to learn more about purpose and community in this context.
5. Commit to Health and Fitness: As I age, I aim to focus on balanced health through nutrition, strength training, and mental wellness.

Cheers to 2022—a year filled with harmony, peace, and prosperity.

John

San Francisco, California

December 31st, 2021

In the video "Celebrate the Wins," the importance of recognizing personal achievements and the impact they have on our lives is discussed. It's about taking time to appreciate our successes, no matter how small.

In another video titled "Celebrate Your Week: Write Down Your Wins! #celebratewins," viewers are encouraged to document their weekly accomplishments as a way to foster a mindset of gratitude and positivity.