Wrapping Up 2024: Building Better Developers New Year’s Eve Special

The Building Better Developers podcast closes out the year with a reflective and inspiring New Year’s Eve special. Hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche guide listeners through the process of wrapping up 2024, offering insights, lessons, and actionable strategies to prepare for a successful 2025. Here’s a look at the key takeaways from this episode focused on reflection, planning, and progress.

Reflecting and Wrapping Up 2024

Rob and Michael kicked off the episode with a personal and professional review of their year. Rob described 2024 as a year of transformation, highlighted by milestones like shifting to video podcasting, which brought a fresh perspective to the format. For Michael, 2024 was a rebuilding year for his business, culminating in a complete rebrand of his company, Envision QA. Both shared candid insights into the ups and downs, including the challenges of balancing work, personal commitments, and the realities of life.

The pair acknowledged the inevitable challenges of navigating the year. Rob shared his struggles leading up to Christmas, describing the holiday rush as exhausting, while Michael highlighted the emotional toll of dealing with health issues in his family. However, they found bright spots in moments of joy, like family gatherings, new business ventures, and engaging in hobbies they genuinely love.

Strategies for Wrapping Up the Year

The hosts emphasized the importance of taking stock at the end of the year and using this reflection as a springboard for the new year. Rob likened this process to an Agile retrospective, where you assess what worked, what didn’t, and what adjustments you can make moving forward. Here are some actionable strategies they suggested for preparing for 2025:

1. Financial Wrap-Up:
   • Review your spending patterns from the past year.
   • Pay any outstanding bills to start the new year with a clean slate.
   • Set up a savings plan—even small steps like saving $20 per paycheck can lead to significant growth.

2. Assess Priorities:
   • Identify activities or commitments that drain your energy or fail to bring joy.
   • Focus on things that align with your passions and goals.
   • Adjust habits or side projects that no longer serve your personal or professional growth.

3. Incremental Improvements:
   • Commit to small, manageable changes rather than overwhelming resolutions.
   • For example, Rob’s decision to read 15 minutes of fiction each night became a habit that enhanced his relaxation and overall well-being.

The Power of Reflection

Michael underscored the value of reevaluating your trajectory, especially after major disruptions like the pandemic. His participation in the Co.Starters program helped him refine his vision for Envision QA, making it more aligned with his goals and passions. Rob echoed this sentiment, noting that even small changes can lead to renewed enthusiasm for long-standing pursuits.

Both hosts highlighted the importance of balancing ambition with reality. They encouraged listeners to dream big but also to ensure their goals are grounded in personal happiness and practical steps.

Closing Thoughts

Rob and Michael wrapped up the episode with a heartfelt message for their listeners: celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and approach the new year with optimism. They encouraged self-assessment not just as a year-end activity, but as an ongoing habit that fosters growth and fulfillment.

As a final takeaway, Rob emphasized that change doesn’t have to be monumental to be impactful. Whether it’s starting a savings plan, rethinking a side hustle, or simply taking 10 minutes a day for quiet reflection, these small steps can lead to big transformations over time.

Looking Ahead After Wrapping Up 2024

The hosts hinted at exciting developments for the Building Better Developers podcast in 2025, including wrapping up the current season on building better habits and planning for the next. They invited listeners to share their ideas and feedback, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the show.

As we step into 2025, Rob and Michael leave us with this reminder: take a moment to pause, reflect, and plan. Whether 2024 was a year of growth, struggle, or something in between, the coming year is an opportunity to recalibrate, recharge, and move closer to your goals.

Happy New Year from the Building Better Developers team! 🎉

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Additional Resources

• Achieving Goals – Setting A Milestone And Hitting The Mark
• Year-End Success – Finish Strong
• Maintaining Focus At The Year End
• Making The Most Of Time Off and Holidays
• Building Better Habits Videos – With Bonus Content