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.