Building Better Developers: A Guide to Holiday Planning and Reflection

As we approach the end of the year, the Building Better Developers podcast presents a special Thanksgiving edition focused on holiday planning and reflection. Hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche share insights into their personal and professional journeys this year, offering practical tips on balancing work, rest, and goal-setting during the holiday season. Whether navigating challenges or celebrating wins, this episode inspires listeners to use this reflective time to recharge and prepare for a successful 2025.

The Challenges and Opportunities of 2024:
A Holiday Planning and Reflection Overview

Rob Broadhead shared his candid experiences from a year that brought its share of business challenges. The road has been rocky, from promising projects losing momentum due to market uncertainty to unforeseen timing issues. However, Rob emphasized the silver lining: growth. Despite the hurdles, he has honed his skills and emerged as a better developer, setting an example for embracing challenges as opportunities for learning.

Michael Meloche echoed similar sentiments. Rebranding his company, Envision QA, was a bright spot in his year, but family health issues reminded him of life's unpredictable challenges. Michael’s reflections underscored the importance of resilience, flexibility, and the need to appreciate personal and professional achievements amidst difficulties.

Making Time for Holiday Planning and Reflection

The Thanksgiving season offers a natural pause to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and setbacks. Rob and Michael encouraged listeners to engage in a year-end retrospective. Consider what went well, what didn’t, and what goals remain unfinished. This practice highlights areas for improvement and sets the stage for a focused and productive new year.

For those whose workloads slow during the holidays, it’s an ideal time to tackle “technical debt” or projects that often fall by the wayside. Whether cleaning up digital clutter, exploring a new tool, or setting the foundation for a creative project like writing a book or launching a podcast, these quieter moments can lay the groundwork for future success.

Balancing Productivity and Rest

One of the key takeaways from this episode was the importance of balance. Rob shared his strategy of taking a few weeks off during the holidays but dedicating a few hours each morning to focused work. This approach allows for relaxation and productivity, ensuring a refreshed start to the new year.

Michael emphasized the need to prioritize family and personal time during this season. Whether celebrating Thanksgiving and a birthday or simply enjoying time with loved ones, the holidays are a time to reconnect and recharge. For those feeling overwhelmed, he advised trimming non-essential tasks from your to-do list and focusing on what truly matters.

Rediscovering Joy and Exploration

Beyond work and family obligations, the podcast encouraged listeners to indulge in hobbies or explore new interests. Whether taking a painting class, walking through a festive downtown, or simply curling up with a book, these activities can rejuvenate the mind and spirit.

If you’ve neglected a passion or hobby, now is the time to revisit it. And for those without a clear outlet, consider trying something new—creative, physical, or social. The idea is to step out of your usual routine and rediscover what brings you joy.

Setting the Stage for 2025: Holiday Planning and Reflection in Action

As the year draws closer, Rob and Michael urged listeners to start thinking about the year ahead. What goals do you want to set? What new skills or projects will you tackle? The end of the year isn’t just about wrapping up loose ends—it’s about laying the foundation for success in the coming year.

Join the Conversation

Rob and Michael concluded by inviting you to share holiday rituals or year-end strategies. Whether it’s a tradition, a productivity hack, or a reflection on the past year, the podcast welcomes your input. You can connect with them via email, the Building Better Developers website, or their social media channels.

This Thanksgiving, take a cue from Rob and Michael: Reflect, recharge, and prepare. Whether focusing on personal growth, family time, or setting professional goals, this season is the perfect opportunity to build a better you. And as always, remember to enjoy the journey—because better developers build better lives.

Stay Connected: Join the Develpreneur Community

We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at [email protected] with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development.

Additional Resources

• Holiday Sales, Budgets, and Side Hustles
• Quiet Periods and Blackouts Over The Holidays
• Making The Most Of Time Off and Holidays
• Building Better Habits Videos – With Bonus Content