Life in 2025: What I Got Right and Wrong
Halfway through 2025. Time for an honest look at what I planned, what actually happened, and what I've stopped pretending will happen.
What Went Well
Reading. I set a modest goal of 18 books and I'm on track at 11. Turns out keeping a physical reading log (yes, pen and paper) made the habit stick in a way apps never did.
Side projects. I finished two small tools I'm actually using daily. The secret: I stopped starting projects that sounded interesting and started solving problems I personally had.
What Went Wrong
The gym streak. It ended February 17th. I know the exact date because I wrote it down with a disappointed little frown emoji. I've since accepted that my relationship with exercise is seasonal and that's okay.
Saying no. I said yes to too many things in Q1 and paid for it in March. Getting better, but slowly.
The Surprise
Cooking. I started seriously learning to cook in January — not because I thought it would be life-changing, but because takeout was getting expensive. It has been life-changing. There is something deeply satisfying about making a good meal from scratch.
Most of the best things that happened this year weren't on any list I made.
Goals for H2
Finish the reading list. Ship one more project. Call my parents more. Write at least one post a month. That's enough.