As I reflected on my previous post, I’ve realized this blog project has had a far bigger impact on my life than I expected a year ago. It has shifted my priorities in ways I didn’t anticipate. Like I’ve previously argued, something is either a priority or it isn’t—so this shift means one significant area is dropping off my list of priorities: work and professional development.

This is a significant change in my life. For the past 15 years, I’ve focused heavily on formal education and building a proper career. Every year, I’ve set at least some professional goals, like improving specific skills. This year, I achieved my goal of landing a better job, even moving abroad and significantly improving my financial situation as the by product. But the actual result? It didn’t quite bring the satisfaction I thought it would.

While I’ll continue my day job and aim to advance in my career, my mindset is changing completely. Working long hours to impress? No more. Learning new professional skills in my free time? Not anymore. Checking Slack on weekends? Absolutely not. Work, for now, is a means to an end. I may make this sound overly dramatic, but it really is just about drawing a clear line between work and free time. Free time is not meant for work to begin with.

Instead, I’m heavily focusing on myself and my creative pursuits next year. This new approach is built on three Pillars:

  1. The Spongia Project
  2. Self-Development
  3. Travel

These Pillars represent not just areas of focus but a framework for building a meaningful life. Before diving into each one, I want to explain a little what I mean by a Pillar.

The Concept of Pillars

It’s tempting to think of a Pillar as just a theme or topic, but I see it differently. We’re often told to “lay the groundwork” and build up from a solid foundation—but how do you know what foundation to lay if you don’t know what you’re building? A foundation without vision lacks motivation.

Instead, I suggest starting with the end in mind: your Pediment—the vision of your best self. Pillars support this Pediment, dividing the load among distinct areas of focus. Unlike in Greek architecture, these Pillars don’t have to stand by themselves. They’re interconnected, strengthening and supporting each other. Even if one isn’t perfect, the others can keep the Pediment elevated.

Now, let me explain each Pillar.

Pillar 1: The Spongia Project

The first Pillar, and the most abstract, is The Spongia Project—the rebranding of this site into a creative space for all my endeavors. Unlike most projects, it doesn’t have a fixed and specific goal. Instead, it’s a framework for creativity and growth, allowing me to explore writing, photography, and other forms of self-expression.

While the outcomes may be fluid, I’ve set one measurable goal: publish a new article every two weeks in 2025. This commitment isn’t about writing articles and meeting deadlines; it’s about becoming a Writer and, more broadly, a Creator. The Spongia Project also feeds into my other Pillars, pushing me outside my comfort zone and offering inspiration for both self-development and travel.

Pillar 2: Self-Development

The second Pillar, Self-Development, focuses on two key areas: improving daily habits and embracing my 2025 yearly theme, The Year of Connection.

First, the basics. I’ve struggled with routines like proper sleep, exercise, and nutrition for years. Instead of endlessly writing about these struggles, I’ll track habits daily and commit to small, consistent actions that move me in the right direction. These basic habits are the foundation that has lacked the proper motivation, and vision—I’ve realized it’s not enough to aim to hit some arbitrary number on a fitness app. Instead, my vision is to become physically competent, and as the added bonus, physically attractive. I want to be a person that can run, climb, and lift heavy things when it’s necessary.

Second, The Year of Connection. Inspired by the Cortex FM podcast, a yearly theme is less about specific goals and more about making small decisions and changes throughout the year. For me, 2025 is about connection—something I’ve always struggled with. I want to focus on building better relationships, especially with new people and those I already interact on a daily basis. Can I share more of myself in conversations, even just small details about my weekend? Can I overcome the urge to stay quiet out of fear of bothering someone? Can I be just a little more curious about the people around me? Connection has always felt uncomfortable, but maybe that discomfort is the place where real growth begins.

This Pillar isn’t about achieving perfection but taking small, meaningful steps each day. Its lessons will naturally fuel my work in The Spongia Project and connect seamlessly to my third Pillar.

Pillar 3: Travel

The third, and likely the most fun, is Travel. While moving abroad was a transformative experience, I want to take this further. A hidden ambition of mine is to visit every country in the world—an ambitious goal that my current travel pace doesn’t quite support.

Beyond bucket lists, solo travel remains a form of self-therapy for me. By stepping out of my routines and into unfamiliar environments, I find clarity and inspiration. Travel also strengthens the other Pillars, offering new stories for The Spongia Project and opportunities to build meaningful connections during my Year of Connection.

A Holistic Approach

Together, these three Pillars—The Spongia Project, Self-Development, and Travel—create a framework that supports my vision for a more fulfilling life. Not every Pillar has to succeed perfectly, and that’s the point. They’re interconnected, adaptable, and designed to lift me higher, even when one isn’t at its best.

This framework isn’t just for 2025 but a long-term approach to how I want to live and grow. The struggles and successes will shape me along the way, and I’ll continue sharing that journey here.

While I prepare for the rebranding of The Spongia Project, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your goals for the next year? Let’s keep the conversation going—leave your ideas below.