Friends, Rest, Endings and Beginnings
The holiday spirit gives way to the quiet weeks at the end of the year
I’m trying to huff as much of the Holiday Spirit as I can this year. I want the hits of optimism and hope that abound in December and January. In with all the glad tidings and tinsel, there are enough reminders of life’s cruelty around us.
Let’s focus on whatever joy and hope we can find.
And, to the friends and family who are suffering or in pain, let’s give them the love and kindness and support they need in keeping with the spirit of the season.
If that doesn’t work, double the bourbon in the egg nog.
It’s Oh So Quiet
The last couple weeks of the year are awesome because work (mostly) quiets down and we can read and sleep and reflect.
Here are a couple books i’ll be digging into:
Kevin Kelly - Excellent Advice for Living - He’s kind of a modern master who blends creativity, craft, and DIY. He wrote this for his kids, and I’m hoping i can get some inspiration from it.
Rick Rubin - The Creative Act - I bought this when it came out, read 4 pages and quit. I’m not sure why, but perhaps its a problem with the messenger. People seem to love this, so i’ll try again with a better attitude.
Railroaded: The Transcontinentals and the Making of America - I actually bought this in 2018, thinking it would help me understand how the government could help (or not) make AI a strategic tech in America. My thinking process: transcontinental railroads (and a national railroad system built on standards and industry collaboration) was an early example of a public/private commercial partnership, for better or worse. Then, i promptly lost (or donated the book). Still a good historical reference to understand a helpful role of the US government in the development of a transformational technology. We sorta got it right with the trains, space and airlines. Not so much with the internet. Related: The Checkerboard from 99% invisible.
And, a lot of online stuff, too.
Endings & Planning
I “retired” from my “normal” career in 2025. Might start a new one in 2026. We’ll see.
I’m going to do a structured recap of 2025 and my own version of year end planning. It’s based on the traction/EOS model. I’m pretty sure I’ll have a heavily revised 1, 3, 10 year VTO and update some of the values.
I’ll also be digging into Steven Schlafman’s guide for planning/visioning (free with signup).
I tend to think these structured reflection tools are hokey, but if you commit and really give it serious thought, they can be quite helpful.
note: I did this process a couple years ago with a buddy working as a thought partner/interlocutor and it worked out great. I actually think it would be best to do this process in conversation with a trusted advisor/counselor or at least someone else.
Goals for 2026
More live music - Over the last few months we’ve had a number of communal experiences around live music. The Beths in St. Paul, Tweedy at First Avenue, a Vince Guaraldi tribute concert, Aimee Mann and Ted Leo and also the New Standards.
Hanging Out - You know, killing time. No networking, no agenda, no hustling. Just grabbing a meal or a coffee to catch up and kick around ideas.
Make more - I’m starting down a creative path where I feel like a complete beginner. I’m literally learning this new thing from the ground up and its been liberating. No pretentions, no illusions, no pressure. It’s liberating
Code More - The vibe coding tools have gotten so good that I’m going to try to make a couple apps that I’ve wanted/needed for a while. I think, by the middle of the year, the tools will be so good I can make most of what I want.
Beginnings
In 2026, I hope to help more folks get things started. I’m best in the “startup” phase, or translating new ideas into something more concrete. Here’s a couple things I’d like to get some experience with:
Books / Publishing - I think there’s space for a new model of “book” publishing. I’m going to be exploring that in the first half of the year
Investing - I really enjoy working with folks who are getting new businesses off the ground and hope to do some investing
Creative Community - The twin cities region has such a great community of creatives, the folks driving brand expression (design, writing, printing, ux), marketing and growth (marketers, strategists, agencies, freelancers) and digital innovation. Not to mention arts, theater, music, etc. But it’s hard to tap into the community if you’re new or early in your career. I’d love to help make all that easier and I have a couple ideas.
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you have a peaceful and restful end of the year and that you get everything you’ve ever wanted.
Let’s grab coffee in 2026.