The Fewer Better Things for 2024
How to break down your intentions into the essential gear and equipment
Last week I set my intentions for 2024, this week I’ve been working on practicing the intentions to create, among other things, new better habits.
Intentions for 2024 (now simplified to three things):
Improve value creation through my newsletters and talks
Improve my surfing and other fun “extreme” sports skills
Improve my relationships to old and new friends
I’m giving my 2024 a trial run to see how everything fits together, how feasible it is, how hard I can push myself, and what tactics I need to learn.
“Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury-to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.” – Albert Einstein
Newsletters
Earlier this week I started sharing the story behind living a simpler and sustainable life on LinkedIn. I wrote three simple posts and together they generated over 200 new subscribers which is fantastic. Welcome everyone!
Surfing
I’m now, when in Southern California, surfing 3-4 times a week, both solo and with local friends which is also fantastic. If I can hit the breaks thrice a week and workout most days next year, wherever I am, I’ll be stoked.
Friends
I also met up with a bunch of new and old friends across Southern California which was fun and very rewarding. I’ve begun to approach people more openly, and have met fun people at the beach, in the library et cetera.
But today’s newsletter, as promised last week, was to be about the stuff I need to fulfill my intentions for next year. Since I know what I want to do next year, I can also plan for the equipment needed.
“Nothing is more simple than greatness; indeed, to be simple is to be great.“ – Ralph Waldo Emerson
The ethos behind fewer better things is to use the essentials that you already have until they need to be repaired or upgraded, and focus on building the skills for mastery that allows you to use just the absolute essentials.
Newsletters: I need time, attention, creative energy, and my charged and always connected iPad Air. Since I’ve developed the skills to work from anywhere – from car to airport lounge – I don’t need an office.
Surfing: I need a surfboard, a wetsuit, and a kettlebell. The latter to work on paddle and core strength. I do need a new, preferable used funboard, and eventually a new wetsuit once my current is too old to repair.
Friends: I need to spend quality time with old friends and be proactive in making new friends. It’s a mindset more than things, even though a car is definitely needed in California.