What does not kill you, makes you stronger - A Fresh Start in 2024

Last year has been a year of immense growth and adventure, much like a rollercoaster ride. As a good rollercoaster, with its high ups and its deep lows. Highlight: I finally brought to life a business idea I had nurtured for eight years, joining forces with a brilliant team. Beyond work, I got engaged, built a house in Belgium while living in Switzerland, led alpine mountain tours, volunteered as a firefighter in the local fire brigade, and managed to squeeze in precious moments with my girlfriend, family, and friends.

2023 learned me life can be difficult, even if you have everything to be happy. For me a true challenge is how to navigate ambiguities, and uncertainties while maintaining relationships and focus. My mind was always active, buzzing with ideas and plans, but also with worries and anxiety. As someone who naturally questions the status quo and strives to redefine the norm, I've always been on the move. But last year brought a new realization – the importance of keeping that ‘thought engine’ (a metaphor for your mental health, or what I call peace of mind) under control.

Probably nothing new, but the first time I discovered it myself: an always-active mind, much like an overworked engine, risks to fail. For the first time in 30 years, I could not find the ‘off’ button of my thinking engine. Without breaks, you become less efficient, leading to sleepless (overthinking) nights, constant worry, a loss of energy, and a substantial impact on your social relationships. Surprisingly, dwelling more on issues doesn't necessarily bring peace.

Ever heard of a ‘wandering mind’? Our mind's tendency to travel beyond the present moment. It's a fascinating cognitive ability, allowing us to plan and dream, but it can also lead to stress if not managed well. I realized that mental well-being is as crucial as love, financial stability, purpose, and friendships. A balanced mind is the foundation for a fulfilling life and a catalyst for life quality!

Retreat to the Mountains As a true mountaineer and mountain guide, each year starts with a tradition for me – a backcountry ski tour through the Swiss Alps. Joined by a group of like-minded adventurers, we set off from a defined starting point, aiming for our endpoint, disconnected from the world, devoid of water or electricity. We find solace in the Swiss mountain huts' emergency shelters, but more importantly, we find space to declutter our minds and locate that elusive 'off' switch.

For those who are interested: we traversed the beautiful Greina area, on the border between my two favourite Swiss Kantons: Ticino and Graubunden. Starting in the dead end of Val Lumnezia, it would take us 6 days to arrive at Andermat, our final destination.

This annual mountain retreat inspired me to reflect on the past year's experiences, culminating in seven vital life lessons. These lessons have become my resolutions for the new year. As people found it interesting when I explained those lessons during our time in the mountains, I decided to share them. They're not just reflections but guideposts for a more balanced and fulfilling life ahead.

1. Nourishing My Mind and Body:

I've come to realize that the food I choose, the sports I do, and the time I spend outside aren't just for my body's sake. They're my mental fuel. When I eat right, I feel a positive shift in my mood and clarity of thought. Jogging through the forest, up the Uetliberg (house mountain of Zürich), or hiking in nature is my therapy, clearing my mind and boosting my spirits. It's this beautiful blend of physical and mental care that keeps me balanced. I dare to say that the most unproductive walks have the biggest impact on my general feeling. Arriving back home after a weekend in the mountains, the feeling of cooking and eating healthy, or just standing in front of your window and breathing fresh air.

New year resolutions

• Going out every day at least for 15 minutes,
• Cook 4 times a week mindfully with some jazz or big band music in the background
• Fill half of the grocery basket with fruit and vegetables

2. Embracing Solitude:

In the hustle of life, I've found a sanctuary in solitude. It's in those quiet moments, away from the noise and distractions, that I truly meet myself. Reflecting, dreaming, or simply being – these are the times I grow. Solitude for me is not loneliness; it's a precious space where I recharge and find peace. I realized that having that ‘me-time’ does have a very big impact on my general feeling. It’s the time I can ‘process’ everything that happened, take a step back, look back at what did go well and wrong, and learn. The fact I can do this does give me a feeling of being in control of life and understanding what happened.

New year resolutions

• Have once a week a ‘me-evening’ with no agenda
• Write more about feelings, thoughts, and think through

3. Cultivate 'Power Hours':

I've learned the art of focusing my energy into what I call 'Power Hours'. It's not about clocking more hours at work, but about being fully present and engaged in what I'm doing. Whether it's brainstorming for a project or planning my week, these concentrated bursts of effort make my work more productive and fulfilling. The only aspect you need is focus, but focus you can’t enforce, you need to cultivate. Understanding what time of the day, where, and how you cultivate those power hours opens a new world of productivity and fulfillment. Dare to stop a task if you’re not processing as expected, there is no purpose in just sitting after a computer. In 2023, 90% of Predikt (that’s the name of the start-up I found in 2023) has been developed not sitting behind my computer.

New year resolution

• Have every Thursday a focus day (hours are not enough for me)
• Spend enough time outside my usual working environment (which is my home as I do home office)

4. Depth in My Relationships:

Quality over quantity – this has always been my mantra when it comes to relationships. The depth and meaning I find in close connections with just a few individuals give me a profound sense of belonging and support, something that countless casual acquaintances could never offer. These deep bonds are the anchors that keep me steady through life's tumultuous waves. I've often admired those who thrive on small talk, effortlessly engaging with everyone and being universally liked for their easygoing nature. Admittedly, I've felt a twinge of envy towards these social butterflies, as keeping up with light, spontaneous conversations doesn't come naturally to me. In 2023, this used to be a source of concern for me. However, I've come to embrace the complexity of human connections and the realization that I hold significant value to a select few. This understanding has reaffirmed my belief in the importance of quality over quantity in relationships, and I've learned to be completely at peace with this preference.

New year resolution

• Dare to say ‘no’ to relationships that don’t return the energy

5. Managing My Energy:

I've learned that being perpetually 'busy' and work long hours does not mean you get things done. It's not about constantly doing more; rather, it's about engaging in activities that replenish my energy and enhance my well-being. A personal example that illustrates this lesson is my love for cooking. Initially, I viewed cooking as a time-consuming task, often considering skipping or rushing through it due to my busy schedule. However, I failed to recognize how much joy and satisfaction I derived from preparing a meal. Cooking, for me, is more than a chore; it's an enjoyable and fulfilling activity, especially when I get to share a delicious meal with my girlfriend. I discovered that by dedicating time to cook and enjoy a good meal, I significantly boost my energy levels. This investment in a pleasurable activity does yield a greater level of energy and makes me more productive than if I had spent the entire evening in a state of busyness. This realization holds for other activities too, like reading or exercising. It's about finding and embracing what truly energizes me.

New year resolution

• Radically choose for qualitative energizers, they do yield!

6. Finding Peace in Relativity:

This is a simple concept, yet it can be challenging to grasp when you're in the midst of it. I've learned to put things into perspective. It's all too easy to become engulfed in the day-to-day details, but stepping back to view the bigger picture always brings me peace. My job is just one facet of my life, not its entirety. Valuing time with loved ones and being grateful for what I have instills in me a deep sense of calm and appreciation. I'm incredibly thankful for my health, financial stability, stable and trustworthy social relationships, and the opportunity to pursue meaningful goals in life. Recognizing that life's challenges are a part of the journey and understanding that difficulties often lead to personal growth has been immensely helpful in finding peace of mind. The saying 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger' - attributed to Nietzsche, though Kelly Clarkson might have popularized it - rings especially true.

7. The Journey of Self-Regulation:

I am fortunate to be a free man in Western Europe. I have the liberty to shape my own destiny, a fact I've come to appreciate deeply. When I choose to start a startup, I make a conscious decision to forego my daily run in favor of working on the financial plan or another aspect of my company. It's important to acknowledge that we have significant control over many parts of our lives and can influence our own paths.

Unfortunately, this doesn't apply to everything, and changes don't happen overnight, nor do they come easily. But, indeed, we have a considerable degree of control over our lives and the person we want to be. Self-regulation has been a crucial journey for me. Learning to recognize my emotions and personality, understand their roots, and respond to them thoughtfully rather than impulsively has been transformative. This ongoing process of managing my emotions has been instrumental in helping me stay balanced and adapt to life's ups and downs

Well, what can I say?

As I truly begin 2024 next week, I'm entering it not just reenergized but with a transformed outlook on life. It feels like I've switched out an old battery for a new one, better equipped to navigate the varying currents of life's energies. There's still much to learn and many realizations yet to unfold, but I eagerly anticipate the moments that will deepen my understanding of life, joy, and the world.

This transformation was not a sudden shift; it's been a gradual accumulation of invaluable lessons and insights from the past year. A year marked by profound self-discovery and growth. I've come to understand the crucial importance of caring for both mind and body, recognizing that healthy habits are as mentally vital as they are physically. I've also learned to cherish the power of solitude, discovering tranquility in quiet moments of reflection.

As I step into this new year, I bring with me these lessons, like essential tools, prepared to face whatever challenges and opportunities 2024 may present. I am immensely grateful to my family, girlfriend, friends, and the co-founders of Predikt, who have all supported and given me the space to embark on this journey of discovery.

This year, I'm moving forward with optimism, equipped with a deeper self-awareness and a commitment to maintaining the balance I've achieved. So, here's to a 2024 brimming with balance, fulfillment, and an unwavering dedication to self-improvement! I am extremely thankful to my family and friends - who have guided me through these times and given me the space to learn.