this edition of the [no hustle] huddle went out on Monday 8th January 2023

I write this from a hotel lounge in Vancouver (more on why in a second) after a fast-paced start to 2024.

I’ve shared a lot about transitions and chapters of late, and how life ebbs and flows, this way and that. It can feel exciting when you venture into new depths, but also overwhelming and nerve-wracking. 

There’s no avoiding it. 

but I do find one exercise helps.

That’s what today’s edition is about ?

Before that, let me say a big Happy New Year and welcome to 2024. I hope you found some energy and peace during that all-important reflective period.

and I hope you’re ready to delve into 2024 ?

If you are, this simple exercise may help. I’ve done it every year for several years (first coming across it through Chris Brogan in (maybe) 2013).

It involves choosing 3 WORDS that act as a compass and guiding light for your year ahead. These words are designed to not only keep you on the right path but remind you of what matters in this current chapter of your life.

Because if there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s this year will get ahead of you ?

Last week, I took some time to think and came up with my 3 Words … I share those below, as well as how you can do the same.

But first, there’s this ??

from the [no hustle] community

The Rise of the Highlight Reel — is it possible to keep focus in a world of edited videos, stories, and social media carnage?

3 Books To Help You Overcome Comparison Culture — ever found yourself comparing your chapter 2 to another’s chapter 22? These three books will help…

3 actions to take this week

? bookmark this → a simple illustration that explains a complex problem.

? listen to this → will billionaires ever *actually* happy?

? DO THIS → Choose Your 3 Words — take some time over the next few days to think about what you want to achieve in 2024. Not goals, per se, but rather who and where you want to be come December 31st.

Then, think about the holistic, high-level things you need to focus on day in and day out that will keep you progressing every week ?

this week’s featured book

Lives of The Stoics by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman — 2024 is the year I dive deeper into stoicism (and philosophy as a whole). The journey began with this book that offers a snapshot of stoic heads throughout history.

some you’ll have heard of, many you likely haven’t.

A great entry-level book and the exact one I needed to bridge 2023 and 2024.

?️ pass the mic

Someone I’ve enjoyed following in recent years is Travis Bradberry, a talented writer and thinker who wonderfully encompasses the [no hustle] ethos.

He often comes at it from a corporate setting or mindset but is a great resource for all things burnout, emotional intelligence, and finding greater balance.

? drop the mic

My three words for 2024 are:

? Steady

⚖️ Stoic

? Self 

To be steady is to take the time I need to take. To give myself the grace to grow, not with pace but with intention and purpose. The reason I’m in Vancouver is because I’ve recently taken on a new and exciting role.

… as the Director of Growth at the Prince of Travel. 

To say I’m excited about this role is an understatement, but as with anything big and new, it feels overwhelming as I have so much I want to do and a large part of me wants it all “right now”.

But that isn’t possible. Growth and progress take time.

And so a steady mind (and hand) almost always prevails.

This first word is there to remind me of that, in work and elsewhere in life.

For this, I need to be stoic. Yet the reality is that I’m not, and I am not even close. 

This is okay. I am where I am.

Throughout 2024 I will explore the world of stoicism and venture down the rabbit hole(s) it provides. I’m excited to learn about a subject that intrigues me, but more so about the actions I’ll take and how it will develop my character.

This is why the final word is self … how I need to commit to a continued and consistent daily routine to fill my cup and serve my mind, body, and soul.

How does all that look? Well, that doesn’t matter right now and it is NOT the point of these three words. They’re not here to give me answers but rather remind me each day, week, and month to go in search of them.

I have no idea where I’ll be come the end of 2024, but I do believe these three words will guide me somewhere amazing, so long as I commit to them.

What about you? What 3 WORDS will guide you ? in 2024?

There’s no secret to coming up with these. No right or wrong. Simply take some time to think about where you want to be come December; indeed, who you want to be… 

From there, allow ideas to rise to the surface. 

In my experience, the words you need come sooner than you think.

I’d love to hear how you get on, so hit reply and share your questions, thoughts, and if you feel comfortable in doing so, your own three words ❤️

Thanks for being here—if you know someone who needs to read this, please hit the forward button and introduce them to the [no hustle] philosophy.

Until next time, thank you for YOU ?

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