Yearly Review: 2024 in Retrospect

What a year it’s been! From pushing limits to crushing goals, 2024 was nothing short of transformational. I just love sharing my accomplishments – it’s hard for me to keep them to myself. 🙌 While I know some people succeed quietly, and sharing success can create extra pressure, I don’t mind. Honestly, I thrive under pressure – it pushes me to perform even better. Let me take you through the highlights, focusing on what matters most: health, fitness, business, investments, and personal growth. Let’s dive in!

Health: The Ultimate Wealth 🌱

This year, I made a massive shift in prioritising my health – and it’s made a real difference! I embraced alternative health medicine, and I’ve been noticing improvements across the board. My mood is better, my energy levels are solid, and I feel like I’m finally taking control of my overall health. ✨

Gone are the days of eating whatever – I’m now focused on high-protein meals, fibre, and healthy fats. My diet includes more fish, legumes, plenty of green leafy vegetables, and mineral-rich still water to stay properly nourished and hydrated. I’ve significantly cut down on carbs, sugar, and no more fizzy drinks for me! Even caffeine has taken a backseat. Staying drug-free remains a key goal, though I’m still working on breaking my nicotine e-cig habit. It’s a work in progress, but I’m tackling it one step at a time. 🥊

For years, I hadn’t seen a doctor, but this time I decided to be proactive and get a full health MOT. While I’m not the biggest fan of how today’s medicine often focuses on treating symptoms rather than prevention, I understand that having a clear picture of where you stand is vital. The results gave me some peace of mind that I’m on the right track, but I also know these numbers are just a baseline. Anything can happen, and there’s no room for complacency.

Ultimately, I feel better knowing that I’m doing the right things for my health and not leaving it to chance or luck. Health is about being proactive, and I’m committed to staying on this path. Here’s what my check-up revealed:

Blood Pressure: After a brief spike earlier this year, my BP has stabilised and is now averaging an impressive 113/60. Feeling like my cardiovascular system is in peak form!

Resting Heart Rate: With a resting heart rate consistently below 60 bpm, I’m officially in athlete territory. Feeling like a machine 😀

Blood Sugar: My HbA1c levels are well within the normal range, reflecting excellent blood glucose control. This is a big win since so many people struggle with elevated sugar levels. Gaining more muscle mass will certainly keep the levels even more under control !

Kidney and Liver Function: All tests came back normal, showing these vital organs are in top condition. Keeping these strong is critical for long-term health.

Blood Count (FBC): A normal full blood count indicates no anemia, infection, or other blood-related concerns – a great baseline marker for overall health.

Thyroid Function (TSH): Normal thyroid function means stable energy levels, good metabolism, and overall balance.

Lipids (Cholesterol): My HDL cholesterol (the “good” one) is impressively high, providing protective benefits. While my LDL and non-HDL cholesterol are slightly above the strictest ideal targets, they’re not a major concern in the context of my otherwise healthy lifestyle. My doctor saw no need for immediate intervention, so I’m in a good place.

Across the board, my results came back with notes like “Normal, No Further Action,” putting me in a stronger-than-average position compared to most adults my age. In today’s world, where elevated blood sugar, higher blood pressure, and concerning cholesterol numbers are common, these results were a relief.

So, what’s the takeaway? Yes, I’m doing well – and it’s all thanks to my new lifestyle, fitness routine, and focus on health. Of course, there’s always room for optimisation (maybe tweaking my diet a bit further to lower LDL), but I’m happy with where I stand. Health is wealth, and I plan to keep building on this strong foundation. 💪

If you’re over 35, do yourself a favour – get tested at least once a year! Knowing your numbers means taking control of your health. Start now, your future self will thank you. 🙌

Martial Arts & Fitness: Unleashing the Beast 🐉

Biggest highlight of the year? I’m now a 1st Dan black belt in WT Taekwondo! 🥋🔥 Training with the Ignite Taekwondo family has been an absolute blessing. Their support has been incredible, and this year I levelled up my technique, fluency, and cardio. Let’s gooo!

But I’m not done yet – 2025, watch out. I’m coming for that full split (so close!) and advanced techniques like the 540 kick and gymnastic combo drills. Strength training is also on my radar – because more muscle means more power, confidence, and the ability to crush those cheeky cheat days guilt-free. 🍰

I’ve got my eyes set on attending more martial arts seminars and earning my 2nd Dan by year-end. Mark my words: this time next year, it’s happening. 🚀

Business: Mastering the Hustle 💻

PC Buddy 247 has been rock solid this year. I’ve retained 95% of my business clients, and I’m grateful for the long-term relationships I’ve built. If there’s one secret to success, it’s this: nurture your existing clients. It’s way easier to grow your business by strengthening those connections than constantly chasing new ones. 🫶

Aside from IT support and computers / console repairs, I’ve been loving website development. 🔧 Next year, I’ll take my media production skills to the next level – think epic videos and graphics. And I’m especially pumped about my passion project: a massive martial arts system I’ve been building. When it launches, it’s going to shake things up for martial arts schools everywhere. Stay tuned.

Investments: Trading Like a Pro 💵

Rewind 10 years: I got burned in forex trading. But fast forward to 2024, and I’m back with a vengeance. Five months ago, I returned to the game with a small capital investment – and boom, I’ve closed over 60 trades and I’ve grown my account by 115% in that time! That’s more than a double! 🤑

Here’s the kicker: I did it while working, not glued to the charts all day. My winning trades averaged a few days, and my best performers were the German index, USD/JPY pair, and gold. Solid picks, if I say so myself.

The plan for next year? Keep it consistent. Stay patient. Take calculated risks. I won’t touch the funds until I hit my big goal, and trust me, it’s happening. 🚀 The discipline is real. Let’s go!

Final Thoughts: Stay Dangerous, Stay Hungry 🖤

Health and fitness will always be my top priorities – not just for myself, but for everyone I care about. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about living fully and thriving in every way. 🌟 I’m incredibly grateful for the journey so far, and while I’m proud of my progress, I know there’s always room to grow and improve. My passion for martial arts and the work I do keeps me grounded and motivated every single day. But here’s the thing – none of this is easy, and I’m still learning along the way.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned this year is how much of a trap fake dopamine can be. Scrolling endlessly on your phone, watching crap that gives no value, eating junk food – it feels good in the moment, but it’s fleeting. The real satisfaction? It comes from things that take effort: a solid workout, achieving a goal you’ve worked towards, or just having meaningful connections with people who matter. Fake dopamine is everywhere, and avoiding it isn’t always easy. But when you can choose the long-term win over the short-term fix, the rewards are worth it.

I’ve also come to realise how much stress and pressure we carry without even noticing it. Work, life, responsibilities – it can all pile up, and if we’re not careful, it can take a serious toll on both mental and physical health. Over time, I’ve been working on finding better ways to manage stress, whether it’s through martial arts, stretching, or just taking a moment to breathe and reset. 🧘‍♂️

One major change I’ve made is avoiding the news. It’s so often filled with negativity, fear, and things that don’t serve us. I’ve stopped caring about issues that I have very little – or absolutely zero – control over, like politics or the constant media buzz. These things will eat you up if you let them. Instead, I’ve chosen to focus on the things within my reach: my health, my relationships, my goals, and my immediate surroundings. It’s a simple shift, but it’s had a profound impact on my peace of mind.

And yes, it’s still hard sometimes to put the phone down or walk away from other distractions, but I’m actively working on improving this. Every small step counts, and the less energy I waste on negativity or things I can’t control, the more I have for the things that truly matter. ✨

Then there’s the battle with addictions. For me, it’s been nicotine e-cigs – a habit I’m still working on breaking. I’m not perfect, and I don’t have it all figured out. But I believe that recognising where we’re struggling is the first step towards overcoming it. Whether it’s nicotine, sugar, alcohol or anything else that pulls us back, the goal is to focus on progress, not perfection. Small wins add up. 🏆

Here’s the truth: life’s too short to waste on things that drain your energy and potential. But I also get it – it’s not always easy to step out of your comfort zone. It takes courage, effort, and sometimes even failure. But when you push through, that’s where the real transformation happens.

Focus on your health, your goals, and your relationships. Look after yourself and the people you love. And if you stumble along the way, know that it’s part of the process. The most important thing is to keep going and keep that fire alive. 🔥

2024 was a great year, full of challenges and achievements – but I’m ready to make 2025 even better. Let’s grow stronger, together.

Stay focused. Stay grounded. Avoid the fake. And always, stay dangerous. 💪💓