January came and went in the blink of an eye for me. As this blog will be my notebook from now on, I’m doing an experiment for 2025, where I will make a monthly summary and reflect. 

Books read: 5

University courses finished: 2, subjects; Agentic AI and generative AI for leaders. 

I explored breathwork three times this month—something I found both challenging and fascinating. It was on my “to-experience” list, and I approached my first session with an open mind. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I returned for more, intrigued by the depth of the practice and the benefits I experienced.

I’ve levelled up my infrared sauna routine and even taken my jaw to therapy—something I hadn’t previously considered but found beneficial.

After a long pause, I took some trembling steps back into my yoga practice, specifically trying Bikram yoga again. Practising it while not being anaemic is a completely different experience—in a very good way! 

Alongside that, I attended a few Inferno Pilates sessions, practised at 35°C, which I enjoy as I love the heat. 

I only managed one Barry’s Bootcamp class this month, but between yoga, running, and weightlifting, my schedule is already quite full. I appreciate the variety, though. Bikram yoga, Inferno Pilates, and breathwork are as much training for the mind as they are for the body, and that balance is valuable to me.

Strengthening the Mind

In January, I committed to a regular meditation practice, and it worked so well that I’ll continue with it. Inspired by Tim Ferriss, who recently mentioned on a podcast that he meditates twice a day for 10 minutes, I decided to try the same. The magic, for me, is in doing it twice a day—it ensures I manage at least 10 minutes once a day, if not both.

It’s also helping me become better at taking breaks throughout my day. One small but effective change I made was removing my water bottle from my office. If I only drink from a glass, I have to get up and move more often—so no more office water bottles for me. 

Continuing with the theme of the mind, I reviewed last year’s reading list and, alongside my goal of taking as many university courses as pique my interest this year, I’ve decided to read more philosophy and spiritual books. I aim for a well-rounded intellect and want to view the world from as many perspectives as possible. Adding more of these genres to my reading will help create that balance.

The Need for Creativity

One thing I’m lacking right now is space and time for creativity. While I get to be very creative in my business, that creativity comes with structure and purpose—it’s not free-flowing and without any pressure to produce a specific result. What I miss is creativity without pressure. The ability to create freely, simply for the joy of the process and the moment. 

I also have a growing list of generative AI and agentic AI experiments I want to explore, and I need to carve out time for that.

Key Question for February

The key theme for February will be choosing what to focus on. Is there anything I need to recommit to?

My Saved Podcast Episodes from January 

• Tim Ferris: Seth Godin on Playing the Right Game and Strategy as a Superpower
  
  
• The Skinny Confidential: Tony Robbins: How To Build The Life You Want & His Proven Plan To Achieve True Fulfillment!
  
  
• DOAC: No.1 Neuroscientist: Why You Should Always Look Into Someone’s Left Eye! & How Stress Leaks Through Skin, Is Contagious & Gives You Belly Fat! Dr. Tara Swart
  
  
• Ed Myeltt: Why Being Misunderstood Is Part of Building Something Great
  
  
• Biohacking Bestie with Aggie Lal: Funnels, Faith & Frameworks Behind Billion-Dollar Success