I posted Thirty Seven last year after being inspired by a similar list posted by Noah Stokes. Here is this year’s list of things I’ve learned.
- Taking at least one photo each day isn’t that hard and you can watch yourself get better.
- There is a certain kind of relief that happens once you scratch something shiny and new for the first time. It’s like you can finally use it.
- Raw Spinach is fantastic. I avoided it for years, but discovered that it is a miracle food this year. Baby spinach is easier to eat in a salad. After 37 years, I also started liking Avocados. I guess tastes do change.
- My wife is my perfect complement. She fills in my gaps and makes me a better man than I could be by myself. This happens so often I sometimes forget that I don't have it this together on my own.
- I really like having a computer that I don’t share with anyone else. This past few weeks is the first time that has ever been true.
- Sales isn’t really about sales. It’s about relationships and being trustworthy.
- Though gear is fun to have and think about, it doesn’t make you better at whatever you are trying to do.
- 1 regular length prime lens is really all you need.
- Living simply is good, but getting rid of complication is hard.
- If you truly listen to people, it makes you a better person.
- I’m probably more selfish than my children. It’s learned over time. I hope to teach them to learn differently.
- Vampires are dumb.
- Clutter is suffocating.
- I wish I could enjoy this particular moment in my kid’s live as much as I will miss it when it’s gone.
- I try to find the best version of everything, then decide if I really need the best.
- It’s okay to carry a camera with you most everywhere you go.
- The best way to remember something like your wallet or keys consistently is to make a habit out of it.
- I feel more focused as I eliminate small, insignificant decisions like shirt color and meal choices.
- A small dab of moisturizing lotion on my face after shaving is a good habit and makes my skin feel better all day.
- My sons are too smart for their own good. They ask questions I didn’t even know they could think.
- Looped carpet with a big dog and kids is not a good choice. Go for the pile. It wears better. Hardwoods are even better, but it’s more obvious when they are dirty.
- Fun socks don’t cost any more than boring socks. I choose fun.
- Hawaii feels like home. How did I not go sooner?
- Drinking lots of water makes me feel 50% better each day.
- Sleeping 7 hours does the same, but 8 is too much.
- For the first time this year, I've had more moments when I felt like an adult than moments where I felt like a kid.
- It almost always takes me 3 times to remember someone’s name. 3rd time really is the charm.
- Just because I'm 38, doesn't mean I don't still love Legos.
- The older I get, the less being right makes me feel better.
- My best friends don't create drama in my life.
- When it comes to photography, and writing, I've learned to edit and delete ruthlessly.
- As a dad, it's important to wrestle and laugh loudly at burps and farts with my kids.
- Farts and burps are funny.
- Don't treat work clients better than your friends. Return their calls, emails and texts quickly. It's just the right thing to do.
- Strive to be awesome at one thing. It's better than half-assing multiple things.
- It is a virtue to say exactly what you mean. I despise subtext and unsaid expectations.
- The best cup of coffee I've ever had was made by grinding some beans and then pouring hot water over the grounds. It doesn't need to be complicated.
- When making photos, I’m aiming to capture the way it actually felt to be there.