I would claim that 2024 can be described as the year of getting back on track. In it, I spent the latter half of the year sober, minimised gaming time, focused on my health and on work; In doing so, I feel I reached the closest state to the ‘zone’ I may ever reach.

BJJ

In March 2024, I made a concerted effort to commit to training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu once again. Historically being on and off with hobbies I was skeptical, but really hopeful that this may be the time for it to stick and having found a local, supportive gym to restart that journey on, I have been spending between 2-5 days per week training consistently. I’d even argue it’s showing results.

My physique, which historically has been left lacking, has begun to fill out as I’ve learned to improve what was likely a very meagre diet lol. I’ve began the process of understanding my conflict with migraines as the increased exertion definitely coincided with a massive spike in ocurrences (8 since April 2024!). However successes are pending on this front…

I’ve even dipped my toe in recreational competition, having took part in three different competitions throughout the year! My record stands at 4-3 in the gi, with one silver and two bronze medals. The real positive of each competition being the takeaways… either the one after or the more metaphorical sort.

I’d argue, BJJ can be thanked for my improved workplace motivation, sleep pattern, eating habits and general physical activity and is honestly not an activity I can see myself ever dropping, so onwards and upwards. Osu!

Finances

I’m rather financially motivated. Most around me are capable of rapidly acknowledging how willing I am to talk about my own finances, thus I don’t mind posting a general overview of the year here.

Starting the year being most assuredly house poor, a significant goal of mine was to rapidly build up more than what was simply an emergency fund. Thankfully due to stable work progress (See here), some savvy decisions and a general thrifty mindset, I achieved my year goal of maxxing the government allowed stocks and shares ISA limit.

Being a firm believer in putting money to work, I’ve primarily focused my investment strategy on long term investing in an all world tracker fund. Though I’ll likely provide a greater breakdown of my portfolio in future.

Work

Starting the year in a verifiable state of flux with work, struggling to find a place in the project I had at the time, the Home Office, alongside other government apartments adopted the PFA system for pay awards in October, lighting a fire under me. Said fire, allowed me to finally make that step up and become a pivotal worker once again. With some necessary guidance from a friendly lead who carved out some key pieces of work for myself and some newfound routine provided by my improved lifestyle, I secured myself a solid payraise in January 2025 through the PFA being considered a ‘guru’ for a mid-level developer.

Following on from that, I took the momentum provided to push for the senior role which I had already been recommended for on a few occasions. Following a labored application process and an interview where I didn’t feel I conveyed myself and my skills sucessfully, the resultant outcome was in fact highly positive and as of the 25th of February I have once again secured the title of Senior Software Developer, this time specialising in Java.

What’s next?

Moving into the end of the 2024 fiscal year and off the back of a broadly successful year, some might decide to rest on their laurels. I however still have numerous goals in all areas. All of which I believe can be achieved through the learnings I’ve had throughout this year.

So for 2025, maintaining the following principles:

• 7-8 hours of sleep a night
• Working only during the social hours
• Moderate or intense exercise 4 days per week

Alongise taking adequate rest, inspired by Jon Gjengset and outlined in his blog, I hope to continue my newfound routine and make next year an even greater success!

References

• Jon Gjengset - About 40 hours