FY24 Retro

This year, I started writing consistently and committed to publishing one post per month. I set up a process for writing and changed my approach to improve my work.

I wrote one blog per month. My posts are never about "how-to's" because those already exist. Instead, I share my thoughts and ideas, which are unique to me. They may be true or false, but that doesn't matter—I view knowledge as a utility, not as absolute truth. Once you believe you've attained the truth, you stop seeking it. This perspective also helps me avoid becoming attached to knowledge.

I hope my blogs have been useful and encouraged you to ask questions and think critically. I urge more people to write blogs, books, and share their journeys, thoughts, and experiences.

I also experimented with weekly short reads to gain followers for my newsletter. However, I stopped because I didn't want to turn this into a traditional newsletter or spend too much time on it. Sharing only security news isn't the right way to learn security; it's merely keeping up with updates. I believe there are excellent newsletters for that purpose. Additionally, I have no plans to monetize RAM. It will remain free. Some blog posts are gated simply to gauge how many readers are genuinely interested enough to subscribe for free.

Most of the books I read this year were not related to security. Security books are scarce, and we need more on security patterns (proven problem-solving methods). Here are the books I read in FY24:

1. Conceptual Modeling by Antonio

2. Big Book of Concepts

3. Continuous Architecture in Practice by Vaughn Vernon

4. Management 3.0: Leading Agile Developers

5. Analysis Patterns by Martin Fowler

6. Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions

7. The Way We're Working Isn't Working: The Four Forgotten Needs That Energize Great Performance

8. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

9. Currently reading: Rationality: From AI to Zombies by Eliezer Yudkowsky

Personal

I started going to the gym at the end of July and committed to it consistently with the help of a personal trainer (PT). Although some friends advised against it, I gave it a try, and it worked well. My PT pushed me to lift weights, boosting my confidence and motivation to continue. If you are starting, I recommend hiring a PT if you're serious about fitness.

I also began waking up at 7 a.m., which is very early for me as I used to be a night owl. Being a night owl often left me stressed. The change occurred when my PT suggested taking pre-workouts. Since I initially worked out at 5 p.m., the pre-workouts disrupted my sleep, keeping me up until 1 or 2 a.m. I shifted my gym sessions to 7:30 a.m., which has improved my daily routine. My days feel more productive, and I have ample time to get things done.

This year has been gracious to me and my family, though it had its challenges. Some family members faced health issues, and it was a tough time, especially for my dad and his side of the family.

I've also been reading psychological books that have drastically changed my perspective. At times, these books provoke deep thoughts that disturb my day, but I can't stop reading them because they are fascinating.

FY25 Goals

I’m entering the new year with an open mind. My goals are to be more consistent and disciplined in maintaining my habits and routines. I am committed to:

• Daily gym sessions

• Reading for an hour each day

• Writing one blog post per month