A Year in Review: Lessons on Growth, Resilience, and Our Favorite Books

As the year draws to a close, it’s a natural time for reflection. We often measure a year by its grand achievements and major milestones, but the real story is written in the daily efforts, the unexpected challenges, and the quiet moments of growth. This year was a whirlwind of activity, a blend of significant personal triumphs and profound learning experiences. We navigated new creative endeavors, embraced massive life changes, and found wisdom in the pages of some truly incredible books.

Instead of just listing accomplishments, we wanted to share the journey itself—the messy, beautiful, and enlightening process of moving forward. Join us as we look back on a year defined by learning, adaptation, and the pursuit of a more meaningful life. We’ll explore the skills we developed, the struggles we overcame, and the key lessons that we’re carrying into the new year. This is our 2017 year in review, filled with insights we hope will inspire your own reflections.

Mastering a New Craft: The Journey into Music Editing

One of the most rewarding challenges of the year was diving headfirst into the world of music editing. The initial goal was simple: to improve the production quality of our audio projects. However, it quickly evolved into a lesson in patience, persistence, and the joy of acquiring a new skill. The learning curve was steep. Navigating complex software, understanding the nuances of sound engineering, and training the ear to catch subtle imperfections felt like learning a new language.

There were moments of intense frustration, where a single misplaced edit could unravel hours of work. Yet, with each small victory—a seamless transition, a perfectly balanced track, a clean audio mix—came a surge of satisfaction. This process reinforced a powerful truth: true mastery isn’t about innate talent, but about deliberate practice and the willingness to be a beginner. It’s about embracing the struggle, seeking out resources, and celebrating incremental progress. Learning a creative skill like music editing is more than a technical exercise; it’s a practice in discipline and a reminder that we are always capable of growth.

On the Road: How Travel Reshaped Our Perspective

This year also took us on an unforgettable road trip, an experience that served as a powerful catalyst for personal growth. Leaving the familiar behind and hitting the open road is a unique form of therapy. The constant motion breaks you out of your routine and forces you to be present. Every day brings new landscapes, new challenges, and new opportunities for discovery. We learned to be more adaptable, navigating unfamiliar towns and solving unexpected problems, from a flat tire in the middle of nowhere to finding a decent meal in a one-diner town.

More than the sights, it was the shift in perspective that proved most transformative. Long hours on the road provided ample time for contemplation, allowing us to re-evaluate priorities and think deeply about where we were headed in life. Travel strips away the non-essential, reminding you of what truly matters. It teaches you to appreciate simplicity, to find joy in small moments, and to connect with the world in a more direct and meaningful way. The journey taught us that sometimes the best way to find yourself is to get a little lost.

Beyond the Hustle: Redefining Productivity and Appreciating Time

In a world that constantly glorifies “the hustle,” it’s easy to fall into the trap of equating business with progress. This year, we made a conscious effort to rethink our relationship with time and productivity. The goal shifted from doing more to doing what matters, more effectively and mindfully. We realized that true efficiency isn’t about cramming every second with tasks; it’s about creating space for deep, focused work and intentional rest.

We experimented with different strategies, but the most impactful change was embracing the idea of “slow productivity.” This meant appreciating the process rather than just chasing the outcome. Whether it was taking a walk without a destination, savoring a cup of coffee without checking emails, or simply enjoying a conversation without distraction, these moments of pause became essential. They replenished our creative energy and provided clarity. This shift taught us that time is our most valuable, non-renewable resource. Spending it with intention, both in work and in leisure, is the ultimate form of productivity. Appreciating the present moment isn’t an obstacle to success; it’s the foundation of a sustainable and fulfilling life.

Starting Anew: The Adventure of Moving to Denver

Perhaps the biggest change of the year was the move to Denver. Relocating to a new city is a monumental undertaking that tests your resilience and opens up a world of new possibilities. The process was a whirlwind of logistics, planning, and emotional goodbyes. But beneath the stress of packing boxes and navigating a new city, there was a powerful sense of renewal and excitement.

Arriving in Denver was like hitting a reset button. It forced us to build a new routine, forge new connections, and see our lives from a fresh vantage point. Exploring new neighborhoods, discovering local cafes, and hiking in the nearby mountains provided a constant sense of adventure. This experience was a powerful reminder that embracing change, even when it’s daunting, is essential for growth. Stepping out of your comfort zone and into a new environment challenges you to be more independent, resourceful, and open to new experiences. It was one of the best things to happen this year, a testament to the power of taking calculated risks for the sake of a richer life.

Embracing the Struggle: Our Biggest Challenges and How We Grew

No year is without its difficulties, and this one was no exception. We faced our share of setbacks, professional hurdles, and moments of self-doubt. It’s tempting to gloss over these struggles in a year-end review, but they are often where the most significant growth occurs. One of the biggest challenges was learning to manage expectations and cope with the pressure of creative output. There were periods of burnout and creative blocks that felt insurmountable at the time.

Navigating these tough times taught us the importance of resilience and self-compassion. We learned that it’s okay not to be productive all the time and that rest is a crucial part of the creative process. We also learned the value of a strong support system—friends and colleagues who could offer a different perspective or simply a listening ear. Facing these struggles head-on, rather than avoiding them, helped us build mental fortitude. Every challenge we overcame made us more confident in our ability to handle future obstacles. It’s a crucial lesson: our struggles don’t define us, but how we respond to them absolutely does.

Our Must-Read Books of the Year

Reading is a cornerstone of our personal and professional development, and this year we encountered some truly exceptional books. From profound fiction to insightful biographies, these reads expanded our minds and offered invaluable lessons. Here are some of our favorites from the year.

Inspiring Non-Fiction and Biographies

Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance: This biography is an intense look into the mind of one of the most ambitious and controversial entrepreneurs of our time. It’s a compelling story about relentless drive, innovation, and the audacious goal of changing the world. It’s a masterclass in thinking big and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone: An equally fascinating look at another tech giant, this book details the rise of Amazon from a humble online bookstore to a global behemoth. It explores Bezos’s long-term vision, customer-obsessed philosophy, and ruthless competitive nature, offering incredible insights into modern business strategy.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson: The definitive biography of the Apple co-founder, this book is a raw and honest portrayal of a complicated genius. Isaacson captures Jobs’s passion for perfection, his artistic sensibility, and his often-difficult personality, providing a comprehensive look at the man who revolutionized multiple industries.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain: Bourdain’s memoir is a gritty, hilarious, and eye-opening look behind the scenes of the restaurant world. His raw honesty and brilliant storytelling make this a captivating read, not just about food, but about passion, chaos, and finding your place in the world.
The Code Book by Simon Singh: This book is a fascinating journey through the history of cryptography, from ancient ciphers to modern encryption. Singh makes complex concepts accessible and exciting, weaving together stories of espionage, war, and intellectual discovery. It will change the way you think about privacy and information.

Profound and Captivating Fiction

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green: A powerful and deeply personal novel, this book offers an unflinching look at living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Green writes with empathy and honesty, creating a story that is both a compelling mystery and a poignant exploration of mental health, love, and friendship.
The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss: This is a unique and beautifully written novella set in the world of The Kingkiller Chronicle. It follows the character of Auri, offering a lyrical and introspective look at her quiet, ordered world. It’s less a story about plot and more an exploration of a character’s mind—a true work of art.
The Great Passage by Shion Miura: A charming and heartfelt novel about a team of editors creating a new dictionary in Japan. It’s a beautiful tribute to the power of words, the dedication of passionate people, and the quiet satisfaction of completing a monumental task. This book is a celebration of patience, collaboration, and the love of language.

Looking Ahead: Key Takeaways for a Successful New Year

Reflecting on the year has crystallized a few key themes: the importance of continuous learning, the necessity of embracing change, the strength found in resilience, and the profound impact of reading. Each experience, whether a triumph or a challenge, contributed to a richer understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As we step into a new year, we carry these lessons with us, not as a rigid set of rules, but as a compass to guide our journey. We hope our reflections have offered you some food for thought as you look back on your own year and plan for the one ahead.