It's March in 2026, way past time for a normal end of the year review, but I'm going to do one anyway. Here is what I've learned in 2025.
Trust my gut feeling more
Give more credit to my gut feeling. When something or someone feels off, it's probably off. It doesn't mean it's off objectively, for there are few things that objectively true, but it signals potential incompatibility.
To love and be loved
Love it or hate it, we are primates and social creatures. The desire to love and be loved is deeply wired in our biology.
Trading vs investing
Investing is boring, trading is exhilarating. I trade for fun and invest for return. One does not have to be become the other.
Lead quietly
I try to be a stoic leader. The most powerful and effective leaders are the ones who don't have to try. When one walks into the room, one simply arrives. Over the long term, actions always trump narratives, people are not blind.
VIEW
I learned the VIEW methodology of holding effective conversations from Joe Hudson:
- Vulnerability: to speak your truth even when it's scary
- Impartiality: to not hold an agenda when listening, and be aware of it when my agenda arises
- Empathy: to hold space for other, try to feel when others feel and stop right there
- Wonder: to have a sense of wonder and be open to possibilities
Conversation is a two way street, one doesn't have to stay in VIEW when the other party is not.
No obligations
If someone offers to buy you a coffee, and you decide to take it, your only obligation is to enjoy that coffee.
Similarly, don't offer anything for free unless you honestly expect no return.
True kindness expects nothing in return, otherwise it's called a transaction. Recognizing one from the other is half the work of being an adult.