2023 - A transformational year:
2023 - A transformational year.
2023 was a year of accomplishment.
Ran a marathon in 4 months.
Wrote 2 books over a summer and became an Amazon best seller.
Got into the MENSA society.
2023 was a year of progress.
Got promoted.
Started a company.
Was selected as an emerging leader in healthcare.
2023 was a year of fun.
Attended Summit, snorkeled with sharks and had breakfast next to Richard Branson.
Saw Djokovic and Medvedev at the US Open.
Watched Adele in Vegas and Drake in Toronto.
Went to 6 weddings, 2 of which were in India.
Choreographed my first dance.
2023 was a year of reflection.
Wrote 233 blog posts.
Read 31 books.
Finished 2 journals.
As you can see, 2023 was something else.
Going into this year, my only goal was to run a marathon.
Nothing else.
But once you start one thing, good things tend to happen.
So grateful for the many memories with friends and family.
Cherish them because they disappear so quickly.
Thank you everyone for making this the best year of my life.
Here are some of my favourites from the year that was.
Top 5 books:
Creative Act - from Rick Rubin, one of the most famous music producers of the last 50 years, on the creative process. Exceptional read with lots of timeless ideas.
Build - from Tony Fadell, the man who designed the Iphone and built Nest, which eventually was sold to Google for 3.2B dollars. A book on how to build a business and all the nitty gritty in between.
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man - an eye-opening book from a man who traveled the world and saw the destruction that America caused globally all in the name of money and corporations.
How the World Works - from Noam Chomsky, one of the most famous intellectuals of the last century, this book is an earth-shattering view into how America set up the world for themselves throughout the 20th century
From Here to There - from some guy named Anish who talked about his journey from doctor to venture capitalist and the lessons he learned along the way (had to shamelessly plug this ;)
Top 5 podcasts:
Tim Ferris with Arthur Brooks - an incredible podcast on what it means to be happy
John Collison with Charlie Munger - one of the last interviews Charlie Munger (RIP) ever did. Incredible lessons from an incredible man.
The Art of Investing with David Senra - the man who created Founders, the best podcast you’ve ever heard of, on the lessons he’s learned from reading hundreds of biographies of the greatest entrepreneurs who ever lived.
World of Daas with Peter Thiel - alternative insights from a man who shaped Silicon Valley over the last 20 years. So much wisdom in this.
Invest like the best with Nick Kokonas - a podcast filled with so much insight and wisdom from a finance guy turned restauranteur that let me know I’m not even close to where I can be.
Top 5 movies:
Your name - epic animated movie. Such a great story. Well done. Confusing at times and a beautiful ending. Say something, you never know when you’ll meet someone who could change your life. Best love movie I’ve seen.
Spider Man: Across the Spiderverse - the best animated movie I’ve ever seen. Felt perfect. Script, characters, animation, story, soundtrack and flow were all 10/10. On par with ‘Parasite’ and ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once.’
Past Lives - awesome, real, raw, unique, what-ifs. Destiny vs. fate. Very good and deep.
Gran Turismo - awesome movie. Super fun. Good story. Heartfelt. Emotional. Inspiring. Loved it.
Deepest Breath - epic. Rollercoaster. Emotional. Wow. Scary. Heart-wrenching. Nerve racking. Beauty. Love. What a story and what incredible people.
Honourable mentions: Saltburn, Puss in Boots - The Last Wish, Oppenheimer
Top 5 blog posts I wrote:
This is America - a poem about the real America
Dance in the Rain - dancing in darkness, a hard upcoming decade and controlling what you can
Follow the Tao - following the Tao Te Ching, Summit and flowing on your river
Study Success - successful people, learning their stories and the road to success
Tips for Life - Short and direct tips for a good life
Top 5 restaurants/bars:
Wynona in Toronto - amazing Italian in the east end of Toronto. Still think about their pasta.
Bardot Brasserie in Las Vegas - had a duck and waffle that was epic.
Indian Accent in New Delhi - fine dining Indian food that was unbelievable. Who knew blue cheese naan could taste so good.
Civil Liberties in Toronto - one of the Top 50 bars in the world, this cocktail spot in Toronto has no menu and is awesome
Project Gigglewater in Toronto - under-the-radar cocktail spot with amazing drinks and food
Top takeaways I’ve had from 2023
Be present.
Enjoy where you are.
Enjoy experiences with those around you, especially close friends and family.
Weddings are awesome as a guest but only if 3 things are done right - food, drinks and music.
Set goals.
Small actions daily compounded over months lead to unimaginable changes.
Consistency wins.
Challenge yourself.
Don’t be so hard on yourself, you’re doing great.
You are the only one holding yourself back.
Be you, always and in all ways.
Invest in your own education.
No one is coming to save you.
Decisions you made years ago will pay off, you just don’t know when.
Be patient.
Most importantly, have fun!
2023 was a transformational year.
To everyone who I shared this year with, thank you.
Got lots planned for 2024.
Can’t wait to get started.
.svg)
