Chapter 1: The Illusion of New Year's Resolutions

As we step into a new year, I find it vital to reflect rather than simply set resolutions. New Year's resolutions often feel like a trivial social construct; they seldom yield results (feel free to challenge this!). The first day of the year is merely another day, and the new year itself is just a continuation of our lives.

The real issue with resolutions isn't just their ineffectiveness; it's that genuine change often requires prolonged effort before any noticeable progress can be seen. While there’s no universal formula, I believe it generally takes at least two years to achieve meaningful change. The early months can feel fruitless, and the likelihood of setbacks can be daunting. However, if you persist—whether in a new hobby, career, relationship, or personal goal—after many months, you might start to notice a trend towards stability and improvement. Even then, changes can be fragile, as external circumstances may shift or enthusiasm may wane.

I've found that two years is a significant threshold based on my experiences. In my younger years, I excelled academically, and although my career began rocky, I began to shine after a couple of years. More recently, I've seen significant strides in my running and have taken great pleasure in writing. Since November 2022, I’ve been documenting my journey of abstaining from alcohol. This transformation was gradual; it didn't occur overnight, and I'm still navigating the early stages of this journey.

True growth often spans years, not months or weeks. Even once results manifest, they take time to become integral to your identity, allowing you to reshape your life, set loftier goals, inspire others, and even monetize your passions.

Section 1.1: Emigration and Its Impact

Our family's life underwent a profound transformation when we emigrated from Russia to the United States in August 2013. This pivotal moment prompts me to evaluate my successes and failures over the past decade.

While I could dwell on my failures—of which there are many and often painful—my aim is to focus on the value I've created.

Chapter 2: Personal Triumphs and Hobbies

I think about my family—my wife and I have weathered numerous storms together, and while challenges remain, we are still committed to growing our family. Our four children are thriving overall, which gives me immense pride.

My two greatest passions—running and writing—may not seem like monumental achievements compared to starting a business, but they are crucial to my identity. I take running seriously, viewing it as a means to honor the greatest gift I have—my body and mind. Writing has also become a significant part of my life, presenting numerous opportunities for personal growth and influence.

The first video, "I Have Delivered Value... But At What Cost?" explores the complexities of value creation and the sacrifices involved.

Despite my optimism and the sense of a promising future, I recognize that achieving a profound sense of accomplishment takes time.

Do I have doubts? Absolutely. I often worry about potential failures, poor choices, and finding the right balance between my character's temperament and practical considerations.

Nonetheless, I remain hopeful and dedicated to carving out my authentic path. I'm excited about the decade ahead, aiming for productivity and growth.

After a challenging interval run today, my legs felt unusually fatigued, but I persevered through the familiar mix of pain and joy that running brings.

The second video, "How To Get The Most Out Of 4 Levels Of Value," offers insights on maximizing value in personal and professional pursuits.

You can follow my journey on Substack.