Week In Review - Jan 5, 2025
One of the friction points for generating writing inertia is choosing a subject. As such, I’ll be experimenting more with content this year, exploring various topics and forms to restart the publishing flywheel.
I’ll begin with weekly summary posts like this, sharing personal reflections, media recommendations, project updates, product reviews, and anything else I find interesting or feel like sharing that week.
This week’s post covers personal reflections on the new year, music selections from recent runs, initial product reactions, and what to expect in 2025.
A rock circle on a run in the Hollywood hills under the afternoon light.
Personal
I’m back in Los Angeles after a week and a half of holiday travel. I got back Wednesday night, and my energy has been low all week.
I had a couple of good workouts while on the trip, but my exercise levels dropped while traveling, no biggie. After resuming my normal routine, I’ve needed extended time each day to lie in bed, letting my muscles twitch as I rotate along the recovery rotisserie. This isn’t uncommon for me, especially after strenuous workouts, but the rest sessions have been extra twitchy since returning home.
During this time, I can’t do much. Even my comprehension drops when listening to content like audiobooks, as my blood is diverted from my brain, making me a big dumb boy while lying there.
My inner anxiety monster wants me to punish myself for not being productive when this happens. Phooey. Resting can be some of the most important work of the day. We are not perpetual motion machines. We must stop and stitch ourselves back together to become stronger.
Overcoming this is trickier when motivation is high at the beginning of the year, but fresh starts aren’t meant to be perfect. Best to ease up on the expectations. Anyway, working out the kinks is part of the fun.
Music
Some standout shuffle songs while running this week:
These aren’t all ideal running songs, but they were worth screenshotting at the time. Check them out and see if they fit with your upbeat wheelhouse.
Videos
Two videos this week, one on the importance of focus and another on Logic Pro configuration tips.
How to Focus On The Right Problems
In this video, the hosts share their perspectives on focus and how it shapes businesses. It’s suiting stuff for this time of year, when the calendar is full of projects to prioritize.
Logic Pro Tips
This video includes several useful tips for configuring Logic Pro, Apple’s professional music production software. These settings are helpful for anyone working with a fresh installation or looking to advance their workflows.
Products
With the beginning of the year comes the annual replacements.
My previous PUR water dispenser broke before leaving for the trip, giving it a lifespan of about five years. I liked that dispenser, but I’m happier with the replacement.
Per usual, I went to the Wirecutter for initial recommendations. I chose the Brita Ultramax Dispenser because it meets the same needs as my previous solution, and the filters are supposedly super effective.
While there aren’t many differences between the new and old dispensers, the Brita one is a bit smaller and thus easier to carry when full. I’d say this is preferable to a larger volume, as the PUR dispenser could get pretty heavy and tricky to balance when full. The nozzle on the Brita dispenser also operates smoother, making for a more pleasant pour.
If you’re seeking a reliable way to filter and store water, I’d recommend the Brita dispenser. It’s a great solution for keeping chilled water around while avoiding plastic waste.
Looking Forward
If I think about what I achieved in 2024, it unfortunately wasn’t much. I improved my skills, finished some projects, started new ones, and had enriching experiences, but I can’t say it was a major year of accomplishments.
Instead, it was a significant year for acceptance. Many things didn’t go well, especially those beyond my control. Still, I became optimistic about what is possible and within reach.
I noticed I’ve been too precious about my actions, holding myself back because I’m not meeting my own expectations. Well, when standards are set too high, they only exist as limitations.
My initial motto for 2025 will be, “Just make the damn thing.”
Expecting the exceptional negates the point. One way to never reach a goal is by convincing yourself you can’t. Excuses are never effective. Gotta apply yourself to grow. Happy new year, everyone.
