2024 Lessons Learned
“Every minute you spend in your life is either spent bringing you closer to your goals or moving you away from your goals.”
- Bo Bennett
2024 zipped by and here we are on the last day.
When I stop and retro this past year, I ponder what went well, what went bad, what can I do better. Basically, what did I learn?
To continually seek self-improvement means to retro often; small things, big things, doesn’t matter. Do a retro and figure out what’s working, what’s not, how do you get better and how do you prevent the same mistakes from happening again.
Here is my 2024 retro wrapped up into three basic lessons:
Don’t be a dick (or jerk for those who despise the word dick). Seems like I should know by now, right? But I had so many occasions where I said something rude to my wife, assumed ill intent from someone, or didn’t help when I should have. The list goes on and on. Just being a dick (jerk). In 2025 I want to focus more on helping people and spreading kindness. I will take a few minutes and say something nice, even when I don’t want to.
Don’t be a pussy (or sissy for those who despise the word pussy). I chickened out when I had the opportunity to give a veterans day speech, I didn’t apologize to my wife or my kids enough when I’d been a dick, I embellished at times when telling stories to make myself sound more awesome, I didn’t lean into discomfort when I had a chance at a great job, I avoided facing my bad habits and addictions in favor of pleasure, I allowed others to think it was them when it was most certainly me, I didn’t avoid my triggers and quite honestly, I often sought them out. Just me being a pussy (sissy). In 2025, I want to embrace discomfort and face challenges that scare me and step into situations that make me uncomfortable. I’m signing up for a 24-hour race in Oregon, I’m starting a job as a personal trainer at VASA Fitness (despite being old), and I no longer want to protect my ego or pride by forsaking those I love.
Handle my shit (or crap, for those who despise the word shit). I grew lazy this year. I didn’t do any major challenges other than the two Spartan races, but even those weren’t major. I slipped way too deep into the wellness fad and started doing crap that didn’t help anything. I half-assed my work. I procrastinated far too often the entire year and didn’t complete many of the goals I’d set out. I spent too much time watching TV and not enough time writing or creating content. Just not handling my shit. In 2025, I will reclaim my discipline and maintain a productive schedule, versus spending too much time doing things that are not productive at all. I plan to drink less alcohol. I will complete a novel. I plan to develop into the best personal trainer in Indiana. I will consistently develop valuable content on both my website and my YouTube channel. I will handle my shit in 2025.
There you have it, my year in retro and how I plan to adjust for this upcoming year. I recommend you do the same. Look in the mirror. Be honest with yourself.
And take action!
Your effort, your choice, your life!
My ass kicked at the Spartan Super in Michigan 2024.
David Odle is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, consultant, and author. He spent seven years in the military, primarily in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is a Spartan Race competitor, an avid fitness fan, and a 5k enthusiast. David's mission is to help people transform into better versions of themselves by tapping into their dormant capability. If you want to see if David can help you please visit www.davidodle.com.