Reflection on 2020 and Resolutions for Next Year

Although the new year has begun, I wanted to write this down. I had been doing a monthly reflection based on Trello throughout 2020, so I didn't plan to write this, but there were things I wanted to transcribe.

Reflection on This Year

Last year's post. bmf-tech.com - Reflection on 2019 and Resolutions for Next Year

The content is quite vague, and I can't come up with any comments just by looking at it, but I had documented everything I planned last year in Trello, so the reflection has been completed there.

So, while looking at Trello, let's reflect on what I accomplished in 2020.

Applications

I created a URL router. It was a hobby project, but I also made it to study tree structure algorithms.

goblin

I was able to develop a headless CMS. It's an application I created half as a hobby and half for learning. I haven't been able to release it yet because the preparations (k8s operation) weren't completed. I think I wrote quite a bit of code. It's just a blog, but since I pursued what I wanted to do and scratched a lot of parts, it was quite educational.

I also participated in ISUCon for the first time in about 2-3 years. I feel like I wrote a separate reflection about this, so I'll skip it.

Algorithms and Data Structures

I studied the basic algorithms comprehensively. However, I haven't trained enough to write them from scratch. I also couldn't do much with coding quizzes... It takes time, so I need to prioritize it more to make progress.

I also tried to learn C++, but that wasn't a very good strategy. Learning a language and learning algorithms should have been done separately.

If I had started with Go, I might have used my time differently.

Computer Science

I thought about taking the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination and studied a bit, but it was canceled due to COVID-19, so I decided not to take the exam. I was studying using the textbook for the Fundamental Information exam, but I haven't dedicated that much time to it. I believe I need to continue learning consistently, so I plan to regularly read books and study related to information exams, continuing my liberal arts-style learning. If there is a significant change in my awareness, I might consider pursuing academic opportunities like courses or graduate school, but for now, I don't prioritize that.

System Architecture

I did various things for the operation of containers in a production environment. A lot of things. While working on building the monitoring environment for Gobel and preparing to operate applications in containers, I gained basic knowledge for container operations.

Others

Invested in health
- Purchased a height-adjustable desk
- Made running and abdominal exercises a daily routine. I do it almost every day except for 1-2 days a week. I also continue strength training.
  - I exercise for about 20-30 minutes a day, and I feel that doing it continuously has had a good impact on both my mind and body.
Remote Work
- For the most part, I worked remotely.
- I felt that when I was given discretion over how to use my time, the benefits of remote work were significant.
  - I was able to improve my time management and concentration (which might also be influenced by exercise), and I found efficient ways to spend my time to perform well. I can say I was able to perform well (and so on).

Thoughts

According to Trello, I seem to have tackled many more tasks, but I've written down most of what I dedicated my time to in 2020. As with every year, I think I spent too much time on applications in 2020. I believe part of the reason is that the things I create are quite significant for me personally.

I also have reflections on my work, but since I have documented that in the form of a resume, I will skip it.

Since last year, I have categorized what I want to do, what I should do, and what seems beneficial into different fields (system architecture, computer science, algorithms and data structures, etc.), created tasks, and updated my operations to consider priorities monthly, which has allowed me to act more systematically.

The reason I have some tasks that I couldn't complete is mainly due to time constraints, so I don't see that as a problem. However, I am particularly conscious of whether my priorities were correct and whether I could realize the path I envisioned (such as growth curves or career paths). I conduct a reflection on that at the end of each month.

Looking back overall, I might not have achieved significant results, but I feel that there weren't any major mistakes in my planning. Therefore, I will continue my current operations into 2021.

For my 2021 resolution, I decided to have a theme like "Turning Weaknesses into Strengths".

Having invested mainly in areas related to applications so far, I plan to actively allocate time to other areas, particularly infrastructure.