Time to Pause: Six Questions for Year-End Reflection
My Questions to Myself
I just submitted my grades, and pending some administrative duties, my work life for this year ends after graduation at 5 pm on Saturday. I'm on vacation next week, followed by winter break. My break ends on January 6th! This will be my longest break since... well, I'm not sure. It's been that long.
A Time to Reflect
Winter break is a time of reflection for me. As I prepare to set new goals for 2025, I reflect on what has worked. I thought I would share some reflection questions I'll be asking myself over the next few weeks. You may find them useful, too:
What was an unexpected win this year?
Who or what inspired you?
In what ways did you grow this year?
What songs would be on the soundtrack of your year?
How would your loved ones describe their time with you?
What are five things you're most proud of from the past year?
What questions will you be reflecting on?
-Dr. A
Great idea for engagement!!
My number one concern this year was my most unexpected one, the small apartment building I bought in November 23. There was more capital expenses than I would have liked. Also, the insurance on it went from $80 a month to $400!!
My inspiration is the way my wife handled our portfolio news this year. At one point this summer we had about 30% of expected income while facing repairs and evictions. Had we done this 10 years ago I am not sure she would have been as graceful. I am fortunate to have her in my life.
For music, I enjoy BPM on XM radio so I think Not Only Love, Last of Us, and Never Going Home Tonight. While driving with my wife it was mostly country and 80s.
My wife and I really had a fun year, we renewed our vows in Vegas, spent some time in Tampa with some dear friends at their wedding, and celebrated my brother's 60th birthday in New England.
The five things I am proud of are moving through our investments on track, even with the setbacks (which will retire my wife 1st, and allow me to teach full time in a few years), continuing my PhD, I received a promotion at work (my W2 job, my 5th in 3 years), I taught 8 macro courses (my part-time job), Spoke about the economy at our Real Estate Investment Club. The last thing is developing friendships with a few key people.
What was an unexpected win this year?
My unexpected win was realizing i have more leverage than i use to grant myself
Who or what inspired you?
You and my mentor Samantha Eyeler Driscoll
In what ways did you grow this year?
I have dramatically increased my financial analysis and data analysis knowledge
What songs would be on the soundtrack of your year?
Sad to say this
Enemy by imagine dragons
How would your loved ones describe their time with you?
Shortened but meaningful
What are five things you're most proud of from the past year?
Competing my MBA
Continuing my MS in Applied economics
Writing for myself again