This is a month late; but, I’ll post it anyway…

What makes a birthday special? The cake and candles? The notes from old friends? Short answer: both.

But on serious note, each birthday brings a moment of reflection. A look back at last year’s wins and losses learnings. Highs and lows. And the stories worth telling your grandkids (… like the time …)

This reflection naturally leads to a look at the year ahead. And, a question that I like to ask myself; “who is Nick Handorf a year from now?” The answer is built on a lifetime in the making, but here are my thoughts for the coming year:

• Seek simplicity: A trendy topic, but one that is becoming ever more front of mind in life and at work. I recently saw a quote from Yvon Chouinard, one of my favorite entrepreneurs, “I’ve learned enough to know that we have to, or chose to live more simple, it won’t be an impoverished life, but one richer in all the ways that really matter.” I think I’ll chew on that one some more this year…

• Prioritize deep work: A commitment to focus on what’s important, eliminating distractions, and simply getting stuff done. A call to focus on deep work over busy work.

• Engage with other cultures: The world has been closed, sheltered in place for most of the last 18 months. Its time to be intentional about seeking, interacting, and understanding other cultures once again.

• Experiment in the uncomfortable: I know my speed. My likes, dislikes. Hell yeahs and fuck nos. This year is a quest to explore the latter.

• Schedule less; explore more: My calendar has a habit to fill up quick. Trips here, events there… all opportunities that I am fortunate to experience. But, this version I challenge myself to be more intentional about creating space in my calendar to wonder, explore, or simply, slow down.

• Read and write. Repeat. Learn through the writing of others to evolve my own point of view and ability to tell it.

I’m not sure where these will land, but I’m excited for the journey of year 27. And in the words of the great McConaughey, “… i hope to look back and enjoy the view” on year 27.

More to come. NH

///

P.S. Thanks to Brad Feld for the idea. I defintely stole this concept of posting a “version” with each birthday.