Reflecting on 2020 and Goals for Next Year
The new year has already begun, but I wanted to write this down.
In 2020, I conducted monthly reviews using Trello, so I initially didn’t plan to write this post. However, there were things I wanted to document, so here it is.
Reflection on This Year
Here’s last year’s post: bmf-tech.com - Reflecting on 2019 and Goals for Next Year
The content is quite rough, and even looking at it now, I don’t have much to comment on. However, everything I planned last year was documented in Trello, so my reflections are mostly completed there.
With that said, I’ll look back at what I accomplished in 2020 using Trello.
Applications
I created a URL router. It was a hobby project, but I also used it as an opportunity to study tree structure algorithms.
I mostly completed the development of a headless CMS. It’s a mix of hobby and study, but I haven’t released it yet. Preparations (like Kubernetes operations) weren’t finished. I think I wrote a fair amount of code. It’s just a blog, but I pursued what I wanted to do, and since I built many parts from scratch, it was a great learning experience.
I also participated in ISUCon for the first time in about 2–3 years. I think I wrote a separate reflection about this, so I’ll skip it here.
Algorithms and Data Structures
I studied basic algorithms comprehensively, but I haven’t trained enough to write them from scratch naturally. I also didn’t do much coding quizzes…
Since these take time, I need to prioritize them more to truly master them.
I also worked on learning C++, but this wasn’t a very effective strategy. Learning a programming language and studying algorithms should be separate endeavors.
If I had started with Go, I might have used my time differently.
Computer Science
I considered taking the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination and studied for it, but it was canceled due to COVID-19, so I decided not to take it.
I studied using the exam’s textbook here and there, but I didn’t dedicate much time to it. I plan to continue learning regularly by reading books or studying topics related to the exam. As someone from a liberal arts background, I aim to keep studying consistently.
If there’s a significant change in my mindset, I might consider academic options like courses or graduate school, but for now, it’s not a high priority.
System Architecture
I worked on various aspects of container operations for production environments. Through setting up monitoring for Gobel and preparing applications for container-based operations, I gained fundamental knowledge about container management.
Miscellaneous
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Investing in Health
- Purchased a height-adjustable desk.
- Made running and ab exercises part of my daily routine. I do them almost every day except 1–2 days a week. I’ve also continued strength training.
- I exercise for about 20–30 minutes a day, and by doing it consistently, I feel positive effects on both my body and mind.
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Remote Work
- I spent most of the year working remotely.
- When you’re given discretion over how to manage your time, remote work offers significant benefits.
- Improvements in time management, focus (possibly influenced by exercise), and switching gears helped me spend my time efficiently and perform well. Though I wouldn’t say I achieved outstanding performance (ry).
Final Thoughts
Looking at Trello, I’ve completed many tasks, but most of my private time in 2020 was spent on the things I’ve written about here.
As with every year, I feel I spent too much time on applications in 2020. One reason might be that the projects I’m working on are relatively large for an individual.
I also have reflections on work-related matters, but I’ve documented those in a resume format, so I’ll skip them here.
Since last year, I’ve been categorizing tasks into areas (e.g., system architecture, computer science, algorithms and data structures, etc.), creating tasks, and reviewing priorities monthly to work on them. This updated workflow has allowed me to act more systematically.
While there are tasks I couldn’t complete due to time constraints, I don’t see this as a problem. Instead, I focus on whether my priorities were correct and whether I achieved the paths I envisioned (growth curve, career, etc.). I reflect on these aspects at the end of each month.
Looking back overall, I may not have achieved significant results, but I feel my plans were generally on track. Therefore, I’ll continue with this workflow in 2021.
For my 2021 goals, I’ve decided on the theme: “Turning weaknesses into strengths,” like a certain study program slogan.
So far, I’ve mainly invested time in application-related areas. This year, I plan to actively dedicate time to other domains, especially infrastructure.