Instead of creating resolutions, I give each year a theme. A theme is a short and actionable motto that summarizes my priorities.
2023’s theme was “Create Magic.” I focused on building new connections, exploring interests, and creating stability.
2024’s theme was “Stay Consistent.” I looked at everything that worked in 2023 and picked a few to double down on: health, recurring income, and fulfilling side projects.
Let’s see how that went.
Health
I maintained my health during 2022-2023 through rock climbing, HIIT workouts, skiing, and walking. I went through the motions but didn’t push myself much. The results showed — I wasn’t out of shape, but I wasn’t fit either. I didn’t feel confident in my body or its abilities.
I decided to make health a non-negotiable priority. I wanted to get stronger, more mobile, and learn the olympic lifts.
Inputs
I went to lifting classes to learn how to snatch and clean & jerk without breaking my neck.
I subscribed to virtual coaching to get feedback after the classes ended.
I joined a CrossFit gym.
I improved my recovery through sauna, cold plunging, and stretching.
I tracked my calories and experimented with intermittent fasting.
I cut out most processed foods from my diet.
I made time for sleep.
I quit alcohol.
Outputs
Weight: 150 -> 155-175
Body Fat: 20% -> 8-15% - ish
Snatch: 0 ->155 (96% bodyweight)
Clean & Jerk: 135 -> 225
Clean: 145 -> 235
Front Squat: 185 -> 265
Squat: 235 -> 305
Deadlift: 275 -> 345
Unbroken Kipping Muscle Ups: 5 -> 15
Box jump: 48”
Broad Jump: 8’7”
Murph, no vest: 59m 15s
Helen: 10m 11s
1000m Row: 3m 30s
Given how much I invested in this area of my life, I figured I’d get in good shape. But even I was surprised by these numbers. Part of this progress can be attributed to the “beginner gains” one enjoys when lifting weights after a long break. Consistency was nonetheless a huge factor.
I’m grateful to be able to perform competitive fitness at 31. I’m grateful to be able to throw a barbell around after having wrist surgery a few years ago, and to have the mobility and lack of injuries to keep getting better. My fitness won’t always trend upward, so I’m trying to appreciate the athleticism I have now.
Income
In my 20s, I valued novelty more than predictable income. After a failed startup, freelancing, and a long job search, I started seeing things differently. 2024 was the first year I worked for someone else full-time since 2019. I wanted to give it my best shot, so I got a six month contract with Costco as a Frontend Engineer and resolved to earn an extension.
Inputs
40-50 hours per week, locked in the whole time.
Only took 5 days of non-standard vacation days off. (Not trying to glorify this. I did it because I wanted to be heavily involved with the team at all times. I missed out on some fun, but it was effective).
Continued doing development outside of work.
Volunteered for the hardest problems and delivered.
Outputs
I went from an individual contributor frontend engineer to the team lead.
I got two contract extensions, with more on the way.
I’m confident in my ability to solve hard problems and lead others engineers.
Financial progress becomes more important as a man ages. Society views an ambitious 30-year-old with nothing to show differently than a 20-year-old with nothing to show. I felt that pressure. Instead of trying to make myself into someone who is unaffected by that that, I embraced it.
It worked. The cash flow gave me so much more peace and optionality than when I was hustling on my own thing. I had enough to save and invest. It also made me less emotionally attached.
There will be a time for risk, but I needed security in 2024. It was great to know that — no matter what else happed — my financial situation was improving.
YouTube
Inputs
Combined duration of 2024 videos: 6.2 hours
Total videos published: 60
- Shorts: 44
- Long form: 9
- Live streams: 7
Outputs
Subscribers: 593 (+29%)
Views: 101,451 (+108%)
Watch Time: 2.5K hours (same)
Most popular long form: Avoid These 3 Bullet Journal Beginner Mistakes (21.9k views)
Most popular from 2024: Developer Breaks Down GOOGLE CALENDAR (2.7k views)
Most popular short: Silly Apps No One Needs (9.7k views)
My favorite from 2024: Developer Breaks Down GOOGLE MEET (2.2k)
My YouTube channel was all over the place 2024. I spent 20 hours researching and writing the script for some videos, while I spent 10 minutes on others. My topics ranged from software development to bullet journaling, career advice, reactions, and tutorials. Some I worked with a thumbnail designer and video editor, others I hacked together myself.
That experimentation was intentional. I wanted to allow myself the opportunity to find the balance between what I enjoyed, what the audience wanted, and what I could afford. I didn’t find it.
The most success came from the “Developer Breaks Down X” format. However, those were the most expensive in terms of time and energy. I didn’t want to be the guy who breaks down other people’s apps.
I was most excited about the Live Streams, but those took much more preparation than I anticipated and often flopped if I didn’t market them or set up the first 10 seconds perfectly.
The consistency did reveal what didn’t work for me, though. For all the channel’s unpredictability, I was pleasantly surprised by how many people decided to subscribe.
Even though I didn’t find the perfect balance in 2024, I’m proud of the content and am even more optimistic that I’ll find what works soon.
Conclusion
2024 was about consistency. That consistency came with a cost, of course. I didn’t spend as much time with my family. I exited friendships and romantic relationships. Instead of buying my first home and getting a dog, I lived alone in a 1-bedroom apartment. I drove a rusty 2003 Subaru with 203,000 miles until the exhaust pipe snapped in half, and then I biked everywhere. I woke up early, which meant I had to go to bed early, which meant I skipped a lot of parties.
Although neither YouTube nor Compass generated revenue, I continued to invest in hosting, video editing, thumbnail design, and development.
Most people got uncomfortable when they learned how much I sacrificed for consistency. They thought I was too regimented, too serious. They said I needed to relax, have a cheat meal, go on a beach vacation, get a less intense 9-5, find a girl to settle down with.
I learned to lie to them and say, “Yeah, you’re probably right.”
I did pay a steep price for consistency in 2024. But for the first time in a while, I’m really proud of the man I’m becoming.
