2023 in reiew:
HEALTH
The thing that made the most difference in my health is not eating before noon. I’m not a medical person or dietician, but I can say this works for me. I’m still working on making it a lifestyle thing. Still haven’t found eternal youth.
MEDIA
I finally admitted how bad media has become. This ex-editor/writer previously gave mainstream media the benefit of the doubt. I used to think the decline was caused by poor technical and analytical skills by younger reporters. Now I see that it is just an infectious disease. Still pay to follow opinions of specific reporters on WSJ , Café Insider, The Atlantic, MSNBC, NPR, and PBS.
INVESTMENT
While 2023 was the best year ever for appreciation of existing assets, it was a dismal failure in recruiting new investment partners. I am still reeling from the loss of key relationships in the Covid pandemic. I still feel that sustainability investments in coastal properties will be a most profitable sector.
READING
Most memorable and inspiring is re-reading Johnathan Livingston Seagull. Also re-read the biographical book of my own story The Drowning of Money Island published in 2019 for an aged perspective. Most notable: Democracy Awakening, Prequel, The Parrot and the Igloo, 10x is easier than 2x, Fixer Upper. More than half were audiobooks. I usually buy both print and audio now.
GARDENING
I’ve been a lifelong gardener. 2023 was the worst. My strategy for 2024 is to closely support a local professional organic farmer instead of the usual DIY approach. My own gardens will be mostly herbs and flowers. I’ll probably distribute a small crop of sea beans.
MARKETING AND SALES
I realize now that my target group of affluent mature business owners does not respond to social media branding. I continued it anyway. They check my five star reviews online once, and that’s all. The significant money spent on marketing and advertising was wasted. While I feel like I’ve learned a lot this year, I have no evidence to show that this learning in the field of marketing and sales translated to revenue. The advice I get most often is to just send Google $2,000+ per month and let them handle it. I resist.
LEGAL
Frustrated and even shocked by what I did not know about New Jersey law. But after giving up other state residences, I have to learn to deal with it. Still finding it difficult to recruit, pay, and retain attorneys.