My 2023 — A Recap

To say that 2023 has been a whirlwind of excitement and change is an understatement. I like to recap my year before jumping into the next one; it gives me perspective and a good jumping-off point for my New Year’s goals.

Quick Recap:

• I moved into a townhouse
• I have an office at home
• Adopted a cat (Scout)
• I got engaged to an amazing Women
• Turned 27 years old
• My brother also got engaged
• I wrote more and more (which was a massive goal of mine)
• Started doing Freelance Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Management
• I started outlining and producing my next project (details coming soon)

I started the year on a sober note & a high note, speaking at my Papa’s funeral service but also going on the first date with the woman I will be marrying in 2024. I was overwhelmed with emotion, as anyone would be.

With the highs and the lows, it is essential to remember the day-to-day stroll of things. I had to remember my goals and why I made them in the first place.

These goals were as follows:

1. Write and then write more
2. Get my own place and become more independent
3. Understand what I’m good at
4. Learn more

Let’s recap how this turned out

Write and then write more

I wrote and published 55 articles/blog posts in 2023. I filled out a Fields Note notebook, typed over 50 drafts, and finally decided on my ‘niche.’ While this might not scream achievement to the masses, it met my goal. This year was just about writing again. Yet, I published more, and the ideas started to flow.

I took a writing hiatus for years because I felt my skills had dissipated, and it was beginning to feel more and more like constant competition. Well, I realized that it’s not a competition.

My top-viewed article was “The Role of UX Design in Product Development: How to Make Your Product Stand Out,” with 222 views. It was not my best work, and I was not particularly proud. I wasn’t excited about it, and I should be! I took a step back and thought about what interests me and what I want to learn about. From there, I indeed progressed.

For 2024, my goal is simple: Keep writing.

A Midjourney Generated Image By Kendall LaVaque

Get my own place and become more independent

I moved into a townhouse with my Fiancee in early April of 2023. We both wanted a place to call our own. It has two bedrooms; one is my office, and the other is our ‘palace of peace.’

We both worked two jobs and wanted a space where we could both succeed with the move. We had to learn our daily schedules since they were more complex than working 9–5 and coming home. It was also vital that we still strive for our independence.

I can proudly say we both succeeded in this venture. Coming together to plan our upcoming week and create time where we can spend separately.

For 2024, our goal is a little different. We are getting married! While we have both nailed down the schedule, we will now focus on building to better together.

Understand what I’m good at

Understanding what I’m good at and why has always been a struggle. No matter how hard we try, we can only be good at some things we do. People have told me what I’m good at, but I’ve had a hard time believing them.

So this year, I took it upon myself to write down what I’m told I’m good at and aim to understand why.

For example, my friend told me I’m great at photography. I’ve done it for many years as a hobby, taken photos for friends and family, and done some landscape photography. I didn’t need to be great, but I wanted to understand why he thought I was. This might look like I’m overanalyzing this well because I am!

I’ve spent years learning how to use my camera, how to edit using multiple platforms and studying angles and color correction. I should be decent. I never felt the drive to be the best simply because it was a hobby.

I did this whenever somebody pointed out that I’ was good at something, and it helped me hone my skill set.

My goal for 2024 is the same.

A Midjourney Generated Image By Kendall LaVaque

Learn more

I took the goal to understand what I’m good at a step further. I want to expand that knowledge base. A personal lifetime goal of mine is to be well-read, knowledgeable, and well-spoken. To achieve this, I have to be a lifetime learner.

I created a ‘study time’ block every day. I take an hour or two and block it out. I’ve used my lunch hour, an hour before bed, and even 20-minute spurts. I pick a topic and research. I have no clear-cut goal other than to learn.

I often take notes throughout my day, some of which include questions I have. So, I took that question and researched it. It’s simple, but it has opened my mind!

My goal for 2024 is to do this more frequently.

Reflecting on the many changes, experiences, and personal growth that marked my journey through 2023, it’s clear that this year was a blend of profound moments and incremental steps toward self-discovery and accomplishment.