Closing out year one in NYC
Reflections of 2023 and intentions for 2024
What a year it’s been since my last update. I really thought I’d write more this year but the chaos of the city consumed me. As the year began to wind down, I started doing some much-needed deep thinking. We don’t get to do enough of that when we are constantly being stimulated & distracted by the world.
Ok where to start… This year has been the best year of my life. Moving to New York was the best decision I’ve made - the city is truly limitless. Anything is possible at any moment. It’s easy to get lost in the vastness of the city and also feel insignificant and alone all at the same time. But there is power in that too. The city humbles you and reminds you that you aren’t shit and no one gives a fuck about your problems. It forces you to grow up and handle your business. It’s been all growth for me.
New York is full on at all times. I’ve experienced a lot of extremes in the past year. Joy, peace, chaos, loneliness and puppy love. I had one hell of a honeymoon phase. I’m still in love with the city. This year, I’ve experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows but above all, I’ve experienced happiness and peace.
It’s been a launchpad for my personal and professional growth. I’ve always been a business owner / self-employed but I now realize that was a small game to play. This is the second time I’ve had a corporate job in my adult life. We joke at work and say working at Meta is like having a job and getting an MBA at the same time. It really is. I’ve worked with Coca-Cola, Monster Energy, Procter & Gamble and Nike in the past year. Each business is wildly different and complex, but I’ve learned so much about each. It’s been really special to walk around the city and see extensions of the campaigns I’d been working on in real life.
I love being creative with marketing activations but I never had the clients or budgets to bring something truly dope to life. This year was the first time I’ve been able to conceptualize something and work with partners from start to finish to bring it to life. The most notable for me was this AR effect I did for Monster Energy x UFC.
I thought that moving to New York would magically give me this drive to accomplish more and climb ladders. That’s what this city is all about, right?
That wasn’t the case during my first year here. It’s weird not juggling side projects on top of my actual job. It actually had me feeling as if I’ve kind of wasted my first year here. (Obviously, not true.) I thought I Had to Hustle but the reality is that I came here from a position of comfort. I already had a good job and money saved. Those two things afforded me a comfortable lifestyle. As I reflect, I sense that this level of comfort has hampered my ambition to do great things. Maybe it’s because I came to New York without my intentions clearly defined.
Sometimes it feels like we’re going through life aimlessly without a real plan. Surviving. That’s what my first year was. I don’t regret it - it’s OK to just survive and enjoy… for a short period. I’m approaching 2024 and my second year in NY with proper intentions to make the most of my time here. I know where I’m at and I know where I’m headed.
The period leading up to a new year is a time for introspection and realigning with your true potential. Tap into the person you want to become. Be clear with your intentions. Ask yourself, “What do I truly want from this next phase of my life?”