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. Having found a local, supportive gym to restart that journey on, I trained consistently between 2–5 days per week and 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. I've begun the process of understanding my conflict with migraines — the increased exertion coincided with a spike in occurrences (8 since April 2024). Successes are pending on this front.
I've even dipped my toe in recreational competition, taking part in three different competitions throughout the year. My gi record stands at 4-3, with one silver and two bronze medals. The real positive of each competition has been the takeaways — either the immediate technical lessons or the more metaphorical ones.
BJJ can be thanked for my improved workplace motivation, sleep pattern, eating habits and general physical activity. It's not an activity I can see myself ever dropping, so onwards and upwards. Osu!
Finances
I'm rather financially motivated and don't mind posting a general overview.
Starting the year house-poor, a significant goal was to rapidly build more than a simple emergency fund. Thanks to stable work progress (see the Work section), some savvy decisions and a thrifty mindset, I achieved my year goal of maxing the government-allowed Stocks and Shares ISA limit.
Being a firm believer in putting money to work, my primary investment strategy is long-term investing in an all-world tracker fund. I'll likely provide a greater breakdown of my portfolio in a future post.
Work
I started the year in flux, struggling to find a place on my project at the time (the Home Office). In October the department adopted the PFA system for pay awards, which lit a fire under me. That momentum, plus guidance from a supportive lead who carved out key pieces of work for me and the routine from my improved lifestyle, helped me secure a solid pay raise in January 2025 by being considered a "guru" for a mid-level developer.
Riding that momentum, I pushed for a senior role I had already been recommended for on several occasions. After a laborious application process and an interview where I didn't feel I conveyed myself well, the outcome was highly positive: as of 25 February 2025 I secured the title of Senior Software Developer, specialising in Java.
What's next?
Moving into 2025 off the back of a broadly successful year, I still have numerous goals across life, work and health. I believe these are achievable through the learnings from 2024.
Principles for 2025:
- 7–8 hours of sleep per night
- Work only during the social hours
- Moderate or intense exercise 4 days per week
Alongside taking adequate rest, inspired by Jon Gjengset and outlined in his blog "About 40 hours", I hope to continue this routine and make 2025 an even greater success.
References
- Jon Gjengset — "About 40 hours": https://thesquareplanet.com/blog/about-40-hours/