I Gave Up New Year’s Resolutions—and Found Something Better
Books that changed my thinking, behaviors, and life
Hello,
For most of my adult life, New Year’s resolutions were a ritual. They felt like the right thing to do—a declaration of intent for the year ahead, a pledge to improve myself. But as the years went on, I noticed something troubling: my resolutions never changed.
Exercise more.
Eat healthier.
Save money.
Travel.
Be a better friend, father, husband, colleague.
Sound familiar?
Every January 1, I’d start strong, brimming with optimism and determination. But by March, the gym was a distant memory, the “healthy eating” had been derailed by life’s chaos, and my aspirations had faded back into the background hum of everyday life.
Then, in my 30s, I made a decision. I gave up on resolutions altogether.
Why? Because I realized something. Resolutions, while well-intentioned, are fundamentally backward. They rely on a single day—a single moment—to spark a complete overhaul of how we live. And they often ignore the most important question: What’s actually working?
Instead of making a list of things I should change, I started doing something different. I began a Year in Review (hat tip to Tim Ferriss for planting the seed).
Over time, my Year in Review has evolved into something deeply personal—a deliberate practice for helping to build a meaningful, joyful life. It’s a way to reflect on the past, uncover the moments that mattered most, and use those insights to shape the year ahead with intention and clarity.
Here’s how it works.
Step One: Look Back
To review my year, I turn to two trusty sources:
1. My Apple photo library
2. My calendar
If you’re like me, your photo library is a treasure trove of memories—snapshots of trips, family dinners, outdoor adventures, and the beautifully chaotic rhythm of everyday life. Starting from January 1 of the previous year, I scroll through each photo, noting the moments that sparked joy, brought meaning, deepened connections, or fostered growth.
Next, I do the same with my calendar, retracing the events and appointments that filled my weeks. Some stand out immediately—milestone moments or memorable experiences.
Step Two: Identify the Positives
The goal is to create a list of “positive events”—the things that made your year better. For example, here’s a snapshot of mine (with editing for privacy):
January
Watching Ruby ski
Chef’s dinner at home with friends
Pickleball at U of Utah
Pistol marksmanship course
Saturday batting practice with Brett and Taydem
February
Trip to Fort Lauderdale to see family
Breakfast with Matt Smith
Miami visit to see the Mishkins and watch 3 baseball games
Early morning walk
March
Ted Lasso (season 3)
Levy visiting
Lunch with family
These moments weren’t always grand or planned. In fact, some of the most meaningful ones—an unplanned lunch, a few hours at a baseball game, or simply watching a favorite TV series—were beautifully ordinary.
Step Three: Identify the Negatives
Equally important is identifying the experiences that drained your energy or detracted from your joy. These are the things to avoid or minimize in the year ahead.
For me, that included:
• Unnecessary meetings
• Long, frustrating phone calls
• A time-wasting drive to Evanston
The goal here isn’t to dwell on what went wrong but to recognize patterns and commit to doing less of what doesn’t serve you.
Step Four: Find the Trends
Once you have your lists, step back and look for patterns. What brought you the most joy? Where did you feel most alive? What activities strengthened your relationships or deepened your sense of purpose?
For me, the trends were unmistakable.
Time with family was at the heart of my joy—whether it was traveling to see family, watching my kids play sports, or gathering around the dinner table for a shared meal.
Sports and active experiences also energized me, from mornings at the batting cage to hiking with my kids.
Friendship and community were another clear thread, found in the spontaneous lunches, heartfelt conversations, and gatherings with friends old and new.
I also noticed the importance of learning and personal growth, whether through projects like starting a restaurant, taking a course at the university, or just diving into meaningful conversations.
Lastly, joy in the simple, everyday moments—like my son shaving for the first time or watching season 3 of Ted Lasso with my wife.
Step Five: Use the Data to Shape Your Year
With these insights in hand, I begin shaping my intentions for the year ahead. Instead of vague resolutions, I focus on the experiences and moments that brought me the most joy over the past year.
For example:
• More early morning walks
• More dinners with old friends
• Eliminate unnecessary phone calls
This approach has transformed how I see the year ahead. Instead of chasing some idealized version of myself, I’m doubling down on what already brings meaning and joy.
A Simple Check-In
Every few months, I revisit my list. Am I staying true to what I said I wanted more of? Am I cutting out the things I said I wanted less of? This quick check-in keeps me accountable and reminds me to focus on what matters.
Why It Matters
The Year in Review isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about understanding yourself. It’s about recognizing that your life is already filled with moments of joy, meaning, and connection—and making the conscious choice to seek out more of them.
So, as we step into 2025, I challenge you to try it. Look back. Reflect. Identify the moments you want to amplify and the ones you want to let go of. Then, instead of resolutions, set intentions grounded in the life you’ve already lived.
You might be surprised by what you find.
Welcome to this week’s Three Book Thursday.
1. Memoir
Mom's Marijuana: Insights About Living
Summary
I first read this book in medical school after it was recommended by the amazing Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli. Mom’s Marijuana is a candid, heartfelt, and unexpectedly funny memoir that dives into the complexities of illness, resilience, and what it means to truly live. At its core, this book isn’t just about Dan Shapiro’s journey through Hodgkin’s disease—it’s a story about how life, even at its hardest, can teach us to savor joy, embrace vulnerability, and rediscover what truly matters.
The premise might catch you off guard: a mother grows marijuana to ease her son’s chemotherapy side effects. But this unconventional act of love is just the starting point for Shapiro’s reflections on life’s unpredictability and the strength we find in our relationships. Shapiro invites us into his world with a voice that is equal parts raw and humorous, delivering truths that linger long after you close the book.
For medical professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone facing life’s challenges head-on, this book is an important reminder: you can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. Shapiro shows us the transformative power of perspective—not as a cliché, but as a lived experience. His ability to find humor in the darkest moments is not just inspiring; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
But Mom’s Marijuana goes deeper than just surviving adversity. Shapiro’s story is a love letter to the small, ordinary moments that hold extraordinary power: a shared meal with family, a laugh with friends, or a quiet realization that even in pain, there’s beauty. He challenges us to find meaning in what we often overlook and to approach life with gratitude and humility.
This isn’t just a book about illness—it’s a meditation on life. It will leave you questioning how you face your own struggles, how you connect with those around you, and whether you’re truly living in a way that aligns with what matters most. Shapiro’s journey reminds us that life’s curveballs don’t have to define us. Instead, they can refine us, reshaping our priorities and teaching us how to find strength, humor, and joy in the unexpected.
If you’re ready to reflect, laugh, and be deeply moved, this book will guide you. It’s not just a memoir; it’s a mirror—one that reflects the best and worst of our shared humanity while inspiring us to make the most of our time here.
Favorite Quote, Insight, & Principle
Quote: Every scar tells a story—not just of suffering but of survival and growth.
Insight: Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but sometimes it’s the detours that teach us the most.
Principle: The courage to laugh in the face of hardship is one of the most powerful acts of defiance.
Author: Dan Shapiro
Themes: Memoir, On living and dying, Living a full life
2. Biography
LeBron
Summary
This book was recommended to me by the good doctor, David Mishkin. LeBron is more than a biography; it’s a masterclass in resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This deeply researched and engaging narrative traces the arc of LeBron James’ life—from his turbulent childhood in Akron, Ohio, to becoming a global icon, not just in basketball but in culture and social impact. It’s a story of talent meeting discipline, of dreams fueled by unshakable belief, and of the power of community and mentorship in shaping a legacy.
I absolutely loved this book. What makes it so compelling isn’t just the highlights—the buzzer-beaters, the championships, or the MVP titles. It’s the grit behind the glory. Raised by a single mother and facing unimaginable odds, LeBron’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when talent is paired with work ethic and purpose. Through adversity, he stayed grounded, driven by a commitment not just to be the best on the court but to uplift those around him. His loyalty to his roots, from his high school teammates to his philanthropic ventures in Akron, reminds us that true greatness is measured not just by personal success but by the impact we leave on others.
For medical professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving for more, LeBron offers lessons that resonate far beyond sports. It challenges us to ask: What’s the legacy we’re building? How do we stay focused on our goals while staying connected to our values? And perhaps most importantly, how do we elevate others as we rise?
Benedict’s account of LeBron’s career and life highlights a recurring theme: adaptability. Whether it was his decision to leave Cleveland for Miami, return home to deliver a championship, or pivot to becoming a voice for social justice, LeBron’s story shows us the importance of embracing change and taking calculated risks. His life is a reminder that success isn’t just about the wins; it’s about growth, reinvention, and staying true to your purpose.
At its heart, LeBron is about what it takes to live a life of significance. It’s about showing up—day after day—with the intention to do better, to be better, and to lift others along the way. As you turn the final page, you’re left with this truth: greatness isn’t a destination; it’s a journey shaped by resilience, discipline, and the courage to dream big.
Favorite Quote, Insight, & Principle
Quote: We were four Black kids headed to a Catholic school to play for a Jewish coach.
Insight: With the cameras trained on him from all angles, Lebron exuded sheer joy. There was no scowling. No trash talking. No posturing. He was at home under the spotlight, doing what came naturally to him-playing above the rim in front of a crowd.
Principle: For precocity some great price is always demanded sooner or later in life -Margaret Fuller
Author: Jeff Benedict
Themes: Biography, Health and wellness, Peak performance, Basketball
3. Entrepreneurship
Never Enough: From Barista to Billionaire
Summary
Never Enough: From Barista to Billionaire is a raw, compelling look at the entrepreneurial journey, but it’s also a deeply personal exploration of the tension between ambition and contentment. Wilkinson’s story takes us from humble beginnings—earning minimum wage as a barista in a small Canadian town—to building Tiny, a conglomerate of successful businesses, and eventually becoming a billionaire. But this isn’t a victory lap; it’s a candid reflection on the cost of chasing “enough.”
What makes Wilkinson’s story so relatable, even for those of us not building empires, is the humanity behind the hustle. It’s about the struggle to define success on your own terms, the gnawing pressure of comparison, and the unexpected realization that more—more money, more accomplishments, more recognition—doesn’t always equate to happiness. For anyone navigating a high-pressure career, juggling ambitions, or questioning the trade-offs of their choices, this book offers a mirror to reflect on what truly matters.
Wilkinson is refreshingly honest about his missteps and the personal toll of always striving for the next milestone. Through his insights, we’re reminded that success isn’t about accumulating wealth or accolades; it’s about crafting a life that aligns with your values. Whether you’re running a business, advancing in your medical career, or working toward personal goals, Never Enough challenges you to ask: Are you chasing what truly matters, or are you stuck in the endless pursuit of more?
This book is also a masterclass in practical wisdom for entrepreneurs and professionals alike. Wilkinson shares his playbook for building businesses, delegating effectively, and staying curious in an ever-evolving landscape. But beyond the tactics, the heart of this book lies in its deeper question: How do we find balance in a world that celebrates the grind?
As you turn the pages, you’re invited to reconsider what “enough” looks like in your own life. Wilkinson’s journey underscores that fulfillment isn’t found in the next big win—it’s built in the moments where you step back, breathe, and appreciate the life you’re living right now. Never Enough is more than a memoir; it’s a wake-up call to redefine success and reclaim the joy of the journey.
Favorite Quotes, Insights, & Principles
Quote: Never wrestle a pig. You'll both get dirty, but the pig will enjoy it.
Insight: Joseph Heller and I were at a party given by a billionaire on Shelter Island. I said, "Joe, how does it make you feel to know that our host only yesterday may have made more than than your novel Catch-22 has earned in its entire history?" And Joe said, "I've got something he can never have." And I said, "What on earth could that be, Joe" and Joe said, "The knowledge that I've got enough." -Kurt Vonnegut
Principle: Being a big tipper is a lot cheaper than owning the restaurant, for the same effect.
Author: Andrew Wilkinson
Themes: Entrepreneurship, Growing a business, Wealth creation, Personal development
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A Shared Journey Toward Meaning
In this week’s Three Book Thursday, a recurring theme emerges: the pursuit of “enough”—be it in health, ambition, or legacy. Each story reminds us that while life is full of external expectations and internal aspirations, the real measure of fulfillment lies in how we define and pursue what truly matters to us.
From Dan Shapiro’s journey in Mom’s Marijuana, we’re reminded that life is not about avoiding adversity but embracing the moments of joy, humor, and humanity that punctuate even the darkest days. His reflections challenge us to value the ordinary—the shared meal, the family joke, the love that holds us steady—above all else.
LeBron James’ life, as chronicled by Jeff Benedict, pushes us to think about resilience and purpose. His story is not one of perfection but perseverance—navigating challenges, staying true to his values, and uplifting others along the way. LeBron’s adaptability reminds us that greatness isn’t about having a flawless path but about showing up for the work, staying grounded, and always striving for impact.
Finally, Andrew Wilkinson’s Never Enough asks us to pause and reflect on our own definitions of success. His candid exploration of the toll ambition can take is a powerful call to balance the drive for achievement with the recognition of what already makes life meaningful. It’s a reminder that the joy we seek isn’t out there somewhere—it’s in the small, intentional choices we make every day.
The Year in Review and Your Pursuit of “Enough”
In many ways, these books echo the essence of the Year in Review. Much like Shapiro, LeBron, and Wilkinson, the process of reviewing your year asks you to identify what’s working and what isn’t. It’s about finding clarity—not in some idealized future, but in the life you’ve already lived.
What brought you joy this year? What drained your energy? What are the patterns you want to repeat or release? These questions aren’t just practical—they’re transformational. They guide you to define your “enough” and to align your actions with what truly matters.
Rewrite Your Story, One Moment at a Time
The lesson here is simple but profound: fulfillment doesn’t come from chasing external benchmarks—it’s found in living intentionally, embracing what matters, and letting go of what doesn’t. Like Shapiro, we can laugh in the face of hardship. Like LeBron, we can anchor ourselves in purpose and community. And like Wilkinson, we can recognize that sometimes, having “enough” means stepping back and appreciating what we already have.
As we step into 2025, let this be your call to action: take stock of your life. Reflect on what’s brought you meaning, what’s made you grow, and what’s left you feeling alive. Then, commit to creating more of those moments in the year ahead. Life isn’t about fixing everything or achieving perfection. It’s about showing up, staying present, and filling your time with what truly matters.
Because at the end of the day, “enough” isn’t something you find. It’s something you create.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025.
Best,
Adam