Read time: 2 min

Happy holidays, my friends! 🤗

I was thinking of not publishing a newsletter this week because I didn’t want to send one while everyone was busy…

But hey, there’s never a better time to learn and grow than on Christmas day :)

Don’t worry, this week’s edition will be a brief one.

Let’s get to it! ↓

One year…

That’s all it takes to completely transform the direction of your life.

One year ago I was lost, directionless, and purposeless.

Now? I'm still winging it as I go…

But I’m full of energy, purpose, clarity, and direction.

Here are 9 of my favorite lessons from this past year that I’m taking with me into 2023 and beyond:

9) Build “foundational” skills

• Writing

• Thinking

• Learning

• Speaking

• Selling

These skills will amplify anything else you do.

If you can master them, you’ll always find valuable work.

8) Craft your inner circle

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

• Find those with similar goals

• Believe in similar values & principles

• And are willing to grow with you

You're the product of your environment - design it intentionally.

7) Empathy is an asset

“Our perceptions of the world make up 0.0001% of how the world works, but 80% of how we think the world works.”

Understanding this is the key to:

• More sales

• Higher impact content

• Being a better human being

6) Always think long-term

Your reputation takes years to build - but only one decision to destroy it.

Ask yourself:

• Would my 80-year-old self be proud of my decision?

• Would my 8-year-old self be proud of my decision?

5) Create a cheerleading file

Open a google photos album…

And save kind things people have said about you.

When you’re having an off day - open it up and scroll through.

Instant mood booster.

4) Honor your sacred hours

Your sacred hours are the 1st & last hour of your day.

In the morning:

• Knock out your biggest task

• Do something for your future self

At night:

• Reflect and unwind

• Do something for your present self

3) What you consume consumes you

• What are you reading?

• What are you watching?

• What are you listening to?

Your inputs determine who you become.

Better inputs → Better thoughts → Better you

2) Learn to use “dead time”

These are little pockets of time that usually go to waste.

• Waiting in line

• Lunch breaks

• Scrolling on Tik Tok

Commit to maximizing these short 5-min time frames.

• Stretch• Write a tweet• Listen to a podcast

It’s small at first, but it adds up significantly over time.

1) Drink more water

Water is your body’s “elixir”.

Water is proven to:

• Increase your energy• Brighten your skin• Flush toxins

Every time you reach for your phone - take a sip of water.

Well, there you have it! My favorite lessons from 2022.

It’s simply amazing how much you can grow in one year.

I mean, look at what kind of crap I was writing last year 😅

In one year you can:

• Build and scale a one-person business

• Launch and grow a world-class newsletter

• Dramatically improve your health and fitness

• Go all in and become a master in a valuable skill

• Build a personal brand and work with your heroes

If there’s one takeaway I hope you’ve gained from following me this year, it’s this:

Keep learning. Keep building. Keep evolving.

I'm extremely bullish on what's coming ahead, and I hope you are too.

Lastly, I’d like to leave you with a quote from Sahil…

Happy holidays to you and yours, from me and mine.

Talk soon,

Jay "Don't forget to look back at your old self and cringe" Yang

P.S. Don’t forget to drink some water :)

LAST WEEK'S FEEDBACK

JAY'S PICKS: 🔥

🧵 Twitter Thread: 15 Lessons I’m Taking With Me Into 2023🎙 Podcast: The Ultimate Guide to Building a Newsletter Business🎥 Video: How Generalists Win In The Information Age💎 Free Training: How to Create a $100M Offer With Alex Hormozi

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