Embracing the Momentum: A Year of Shifts, Strategies, and Serendipitous Starts
As my birthday approaches this week, I'm taking a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect on the past year—a year of vibrant growth and unexpected momentum despite its challenges. It’s a chance to appreciate the progress made and to intentionally chart a course for the journey ahead.
"Aha!" Moments: From Inspiration to Action
One of the most significant shifts this past year happened last week while I was multitasking, as I often do! I stumbled upon Ali Abdaal's videos. His video about the "Trident Method" for time management immediately caught my attention. Then, his video "How to Build a Website in 2025" popped up.
Hearing the stories, particularly about his friend's success, and seeing the clear, step-by-step options and instructions were the nudge I needed. They helped me push past my mental roadblocks about insufficient technical know-how, my humility, and pesky impostor syndrome.
A laundry-flipping moment became a live harryong.com with my first blog post within a couple of hours! Who would’ve thought?
This personal breakthrough quickly connected to another profound realization: my experiences and knowledge truly do have value for others. I’ve always seen myself as a lifelong learner, but I've fully embraced the mentor role this year. Beyond my work on the clarinet and as a colleague, I’ve had the immense joy of sharing my "Mindset Matters" presentations with hundreds of high schoolers and educators nationwide for my organization’s “Music in the High Schools” program every February and participating in a pen pal program with middle schoolers.
This commitment extends to our homeschooling journey with our children and even into the care of my wife's mother, who has lived with us for the past year and a half. These opportunities to share, support, and ELEVATE have been incredibly fulfilling.
Furthermore, my Les Mills training has continued to be fantastic physically. Integrating the Shapes and Core workouts from their Strength Intensive framework has taken my training and fitness to a whole new level. It also helped me shoot a record 68 during a round last October!
While my wife and I subscribe, you can access a fantastic range of their workouts via this free YouTube Les Mills workout playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCzr8bZECkgBwg-dBjyPZryuLvhISuLew&si=WrT1nl-CHN1xjJGx
The Art of Balance: Shifting Perspectives and Practical Tools
Keeping a healthy balance amidst all these dynamic roles has been challenging. Seeking out and committing to therapy has been an extremely helpful anchor, providing vital perspective and tools.
A crucial mindset shift that has helped me maintain focus amidst life’s unpredictable nature is moving from constantly being "on alert" to being objectively observant. Continually being on alert for threats that aren’t there is an energy drain and not sustainable.
Instead, observing situations, taking stock objectively, and taking appropriate action when an actionable situation arises has proven to be a healthier and more effective approach.
Beyond this mental adjustment, I've been more intentional about prioritizing and time-blocking tasks in Todoist. This practical discipline, combined with the shift in perspective, has helped me develop a tremendous, almost surprising amount of positive momentum.
Influential Inputs: Fueling Growth and Innovation
My learning inputs haven't just been theoretical; they've led to direct action. On the financial front, the Outlier Trading channel resonated deeply with its content on the covered strangle options strategy. It inspired me to implement this strategy on several of our family's portfolio positions. I'd previously viewed covered call income as "gravy" (I mean, who doesn't love gravy?) and had used cash-secured puts for income or to acquire stocks at desired prices. Combining these into a unified strategy for core holdings and new positions was compelling.
The "Forever Notes" system for Apple Notes and Jeff Su’s Google Keep tips were invaluable organizational tools. They've been instrumental in reducing clutter, improving organization, and, most powerfully, helping me see the connections between my various notes and ideas.
The Enduring Lesson: Intentional Patience
If there's one lesson from this past year that I am committed to carrying forward, especially when feeling "off" or "stuck," it's the practice of being intently patient and open. Trust that frustration is not a sign to stop but a signal to persist and adjust.
Last Questions and Thoughts
What lessons are you carrying forward this year?
What “Aha!” moments have you had and how have they affected you, your life, and those around you?
What routines and tools help you be on top of your game?
Also, what ideas and lessons do you want to know more about? Please share your thoughts, questions, and feedback in the comments.
This journey of growth, learning, and sharing is ongoing. Thank you for joining me on it and be well until next time!
Links to What I’m Listening To:
Mahler Symphony No. 7, Movement 5 (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) - a reminder of their incredible trumpet and horn sections!
luther - Kendrick Lamar and SZA - hidden meanings and a poignant ending with Luther Vandross’ excerpt from If This World Were Mine
Goodreads links to What I’m Reading:
Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
Show Your Work by Austin Kleon
The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla
