Annual Review of 2023

Insights from my 2023.

Dec 31, 2023 • 3 min read

"So much time and so little to do.
Wait a minute. Strike that.
Reverse it." - Willy Wonka

I don't have time to write this post, but Greetings from Lake Tahoe! It's a perfect setting to revisit this past year.

As you scroll, the context, links, and takeaways are for you. If they pique your interest or acquaint you with something new, then right on!

• Highlights
• Lowlights
• Influencers
• Books
• Bands
• Content

Whether it's at the end of each year, quarter, or month...zoom out. Gauge how far your systems move the needle.

Assess who you've chosen to surround yourself with and why. Major in major things, not minor things.

Ask:

Time is a non-renewable resource. Everything must have a purpose. Approach 2024 with joy and gratitude, depth and meaning, preparation and execution.

Thanks for reading.

Ralph Barsi
South Lake Tahoe, California
December 2023

After a thorough scrub of calendars, photos, and journal entries, these were the prominent, positive spikes of my year.

Began a new job in a new industry. In April, I joined Kahua as its VP of Sales. We solve project management problems for the $12 trillion construction industry.
Completed my first 75 Hard program. It improved mental toughness and lasted 75 consecutive days. I went all in and still reap the benefits.
Visited 3 countries outside the US. I chaperoned my son's graduation trip to Mexico, worked for a week in Canada, and golfed in Scotland.
Advised two new businesses. I'm honored to advise Aircover and Scale Venture Partners and serve their communities.
A third of my year was sober. It started with a dry January and rolled into another 2 1/2 months with no alcohol. It got easier each day.

Control what you can control.

Lost my job. Thousands of tech companies let go of over 260,000 employees. Mine was no exception. I left Tray in February.
Segue didn't play. My band rehearsed once and pinned zero live performances on the calendar.
Dealt with back aches. Mild disc bulges and arthritis in the joints made for an uncomfortable year. Golf hurt less than jiu-jitsu, so I avoided the mats.
Wrote less. I love to write but didn't consistently publish my work.

These folks taught me a lot. I referenced their material throughout 2023.

Matt Mochary. CEO coach and author of the Mochary Method Curriculum.
Vicky Zhao. Creator who offers frameworks for clear thinking, like the Compass of Zettelkasten Thinking.
Paul Moss. Founder of the Analyst Academy who teaches about crafting top notch slide decks.
Codie Sanchez. Investor and owner behind the Contrarian Thinking newsletter.
Shaan Puri & Sam Parr. Hosts of the brilliant My First Million podcast.
Andy Frisella. Architect of 75 Hard, founder of 1st Phorm, and host of the Real AF Podcast.

I read or listened to 10 books, but gutted these ones. They're now among my Recommended Reads.

Business Made Simple (Donald Miller)
A guide on how to increase your personal economic value.
Deep Work (Cal Newport)
Time spent x intensity of focus produces high-quality work. Period.
High-Output Management (Andy Grove)
Hard things are manageable when they're broken down.
Working Backwards (Colin Bryar, Bill Carr)
A backstage view from the guys who were Jeff Bezos's shadows.

Another lowlight is that I didn't see enough bands this year. Every one of these shows, however, was outstanding.

Cutlass Supreme
Saturday, March 25
Winters Tavern
Pacifica, California
Phish
Tuesday, April 18
Greek Theatre
Berkeley, California
Setlist
Billy Strings
Friday, October 6
Frost Amphitheater
Palo Alto, California
Setlist
Peter Gabriel
Wednesday, October 11
Chase Center
San Francisco, California
Setlist
Mother Hips
Saturday, December 16
Great American Music Hall
San Francisco, California
Setlist

Thank you to these awesome professionals for inviting me to contribute.

Happy New Year! My best to you in 2024! 🎉

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