For much of my life, I've navigated through days without setting concrete goals. These were more like fleeting dreams, moments of wishful thinking that briefly sparkled and then faded into the background of my everyday life. It was a pattern of thinking, "That'd be cool to do," and then swiftly letting it dissolve in the whirlwind of daily routines.
This isn't a unique struggle. Often, our desires simmer quietly, untouched by action, and the easy comforts of modern life do little to stir them into motion. Yet, this past year, I embraced techniques that steered the course of my life towards achieving those elusive dreams. I craved more time for reading, writing, creating music, working out - personal pursuits that bring me joy. At work, too, there were ambitions waiting to be realized.
Balancing personal aspirations while raising little ones is a Herculean task. The relentless tide of exhaustion threatens to engulf every ounce of energy. I realized that without altering the rhythm of my days, my goals would remain mere wistful thoughts. Change was imperative.
The solution? Transforming my sleep schedule. Evenings, inevitably consumed by family commitments, offered no respite. Mornings were the uncharted territory I needed to explore. Adapting wasn't easy, but within a few months, waking up at 5 a.m. became an ingrained part of my routine. Now, each day begins with 1.5 to 2 hours of precious solitude, a sanctuary for my personal endeavors.
In these early hours, I indulge in reading, writing, learning, working out - the usual brag-worthy habits. But the true revelation from this change isn't about ticking off productivity boxes. It's about the profound shift from being reactive to proactive in crafting my life. This year marked the first time I felt in control of my destiny, turning goals into tangible realities.
As we step into the new year, I want to share some of my goals with you.
Firstly, I plan to self-release an album of my original songs. These tunes, long hidden away, risk being lost forever if not shared. Time and financial constraints always held me back, but I'm determined to overcome these hurdles by learning to mix and master my music - a skill I've long admired and yearned to possess.
Secondly, I aim to foster deeper connections with people. My past involvement in evangelicalism skewed my perception of relationships, turning every interaction into a mission rather than a genuine connection. Escaping this mindset has been challenging. Sharing even the smallest details of my life feels like a hurdle, a remnant of a past I'm trying to distance myself from. But it's time to break down these barriers, starting with this newsletter, to create a more authentic connection with all of you who support me.
In addition to these, here are some smaller, yet significant, goals for the year:
Master the art of poaching eggs and craft my own eggs benedict recipe.
Learn to play the piano.
Run 500 miles and bike 1000 miles.
Release at least 12 podcast episodes, one per month.
Fully produce the Christmas song I wrote with Anna Robins, ready for the 2024 holiday season.
These goals may seem modest, but they represent steps towards a year of growth and achievement. Here's to embracing 2024 with enthusiasm and determination.
Cheers to all, and a Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Heath! Amazing update! I'm excited for the much anticipated release of your new album. When you are ready, I'd LOVE to be considered to direct a music video for one of your newest songs. I love your lyrics and storytelling through music. It would be an honor to uplift your craft and the imagination of your art through visual storytelling. God bless you!