What a year.

I married the love of my life, traveled more than ever, pivoted my career path, and fostered many friendships. I have much to be grateful for.

As 2022 comes to a close, I reflected on the year. I had numerous wins and countless lessons learned. The wins are always to be celebrated, but the lessons generate growth. Below are 22 of my lessons learned from 2022:

1. Planning a wedding will be one of the best experiences of your life. It can also be one of the most stressful if you let it.
2. Poor sleep equals poor quality of life.
3. Know when you are out-of-your-depth… then be willing to ask for help.
4. Be very careful with goal setting. Focus on systems to achieve the goal versus the goal itself.
5. I spent time in 15 major US cities during 2022 and there is still no other place that I would rather live than Chicago.
6. There always will be value with in-person work. Especially, when it comes to building a team and maintaining a culture.
7. The best meals are those with the most simple ingredients.
8. Band of Brothers is the best show on TV, though Peaky Blinders remains a close second.
9. The location of a bachelor party doesn’t matter. The people are what matter and they will ensure it is a hell of a time where ever it may be.
10. The written word is powerful. Use it as a tool to say thank you.
11. You don’t have to read every book or watch every show that someone recommends… there isn’t enough time in the day (conversely, be mindful of someone’s time when you recommend anything).
12. I gave up caffeine for a month. It was an admirable experiment; but, I am a much better person on caffeine.
13. The Amalfi Coast is as beautiful as a postcard, though its true beauty comes from its people and cuisine.
14. Are you getting married? Divide your planned goals by half. The wedding will consume most of your free time.
15. Every place has something worth seeing… you just have to look close enough.
16. A long walk on a Saturday morning is the best way to reset a busy mind.
17. Death is never easy. But, it is important to think about death as a reminder to live…. to focus on what truly matters.
18. Don’t succumb to fomo when it comes to investing… it may just save you significant $$$s.
19. Foundational mental models and disciplined thinking translate across industries (whether banking or healthcare).
20. When in Rome, cappuccinos are to be drank in the morning (or people will look at you funny).
21. Know what must be great, what can be good, or what can be just ok… this will save you a lot of time.
22. Be willing to share your lessons learned, it may just help someone else.

✌️, 2022. Cheers.

NH.