Learn Something New Everyday — 2020
At the end of 2019 I decided to document my day to day a bit more than normal. I wanted to reflect on every single day and write down something I learned.
I couldn’t have picked a better year to do this.
While I would absolutely recommend this to anyone, I want to highlight that it is a bit harder than you think it would be. Your thoughts / learnings have to be completely honest. They have to be vulnerable. They have to make you feel something when you read it.
For each month I will share an overall theme, link to what playlist I was listening to that month, followed by the daily learnings (un-edited).
My learnings in 2020 were about vulnerability.
In 2021 they will be about courage.
If you got something out of this please share your favorite learning with me on twitter at @pattimmons_ and text me your favorite learning at 617–855–0404.
JANUARY — BE CURIOUS
PLAYLIST
Jan 1 — hanging out alone is okay
Jan 2 — exporting files on After Effects version 2020 doesn’t work… for anyone lol
Jan 3 — even though content isn’t 100 % perfect, it can still be greatly appreciated and shared
Jan 4 — keeping track of what you eat really puts things in perspective & working out is a celebration of your body, not punishment
Jan 5 — I am lucky to have known the Patriots at their best for the beginning of my life
Jan 6 — the top five things to achieving happiness are 3 gratitudes a day, exercise, meditation, journaling, and something else
Jan 7 — friendships don’t always change over time
Jan 8 — listening to your body is extremely important
Jan 9 — how to take professional headshots!
Jan 10 — promotions at a company can be a bit uncomfortable but also exhilarating
Jan 11 — making new friends does not have to be impossible, scary, or difficult — it sometimes just needs to happen
Jan 12 — I have been alive for 285 months; June 12th 2021 will be my 300th anniversary with myself… wow
Jan 13 — at a new job your “title” doesn’t have to define you and what you do
Jan 14 — how to make pasta
Jan 15 — stop comparing yourself to others
Jan 16 — the people you are with every day truly can have a huge impact on you
Jan 17 — the people you least expect respect from respect you- they just show it differently
Jan 18 — discovered the “Im leabing this gronp” Facebook group
Jan 19 — business relationships always have a time and a place to prove beneficial
Jan 20 — first photoshoot on my own
Jan 21 — don’t bottle up feelings
Jan 22 — opportunities can always be created if you are bold enough
Jan 23 — being a jack of all trades has its benefits and has its risks
Jan 24 — start seeing the beauty in the things you don’t like
Jan 25 — when baking, rules are there to follow not break them
Jan 26 — priorities can change within an instant
Jan 27 — how to create a texture animation
Jan 28 — building a habit is hard, but worth it
Jan 29 — dont jump to conclusions
Jan 30 — compliments go a long way
Jan 31 — reading can be relaxing
FEBRUARY — BE HUMAN
PLAYLIST
Feb 1 — communication should always be strong
Feb 2 — there is nothing like support from your family
Feb 3 — understanding the flaws in your business is hard but necessary
Feb 4 — my Mom is the strongest person I know
Feb 5 — that if your company, boss, or coworker doesn’t trust your judgment, it won’t work- finding a job where everyone cares, trusts, and understands you is huge and lucky
Feb 6 — there’s never a time and place to impress your friends; live your life and the true friends will ride along with you
Feb 7 — scoop machine is an actual technical term
Feb 8 — great things are always bound to happen among times that aren’t so great
Feb 9 — thinking outside the box and challenging yourself is the best way to get recognition and achieve success
Feb 10 — sometimes being further apart can make relationships even stronger
Feb 11 — people don’t intentionally mean to be unorganized, life happens, be patient
Feb 12 — smile and the world smiles with you
Feb 13 — respect comes when you take action
Feb 14 — sometimes people grow apart and that’s okay
Feb 15 — find ways to build passion
Feb 16 — some times you make things that aren’t your problem your problem- don’t do that
Feb 17 — how to animate a logo
Feb 18 — sleeping is hard sometimes
Feb 19 — patience is a tough skill to maintain but it is vital
Feb 20 — judgement is detrimental when not completely necessary
Feb 21 — when you least expect it, the biggest thing could change
Feb 22 — people’s priorities change over time
Feb 23 — it can be easy to come off as pushy- don’t
Feb 24 — things unsaid can lead to complication — ask questions and speak up
Feb 25 — there is no “right” career path, just do what’s right in the moment and what is fulfilling
Feb 26 — don’t be afraid to bring an idea to life — there might be a lot more to it than you think
Feb 27 — the level of support from your co-workers can make or break your work
Feb 28 — relationships can hurt no matter what kind of relationship
Feb 29 — rewatching shows is necessary- it feels like you only remember 20% of the episodes
MARCH — BE BOLD
PLAYLIST
Mar 1 — There are 10, 3 letter body parts
Mar 2 — don’t set too high of expectations
Mar 3 — want to know something? just ask.
Mar 4 — when it comes to career, it’s truly hard to know what you want
Mar 5 — being bold and thinking outside the box does not always work
Mar 6 — “they always say time changes things, but you actually have to change things yourself”
Mar 7 — spreading fear is easy but not helpful
Mar 8 — “Creativity is Subtraction” — Steal Like an Artist — Austin Kleon
Mar 9 — imposter syndrome is real but you can’t let it get to you
Mar 10 — expect the unexpected
Mar 11 — work hard and you will find success. it attracts to each other.
Mar 12 — really, just take it one day at a time
Mar 13 — you’ll never feel 100% ready. do it anyway.
Mar 14 — find out that you have something that nobody else has. being yourself.
Mar 15 — don’t work 24/7
Mar 16 — don’t be too hard on yourself
Mar 17 — always be sure to leave projects and people in a good place before leaving — it is memorable if you do and even more if you don’t
Mar 18 — how to make pineapple upside down cake
Mar 19 — everyone is fighting some kind of battle
Mar 20 — how can you top yourself right now? what can you do better?
Mar 21 — always reach out to people- there is never a bad time to let them know that you’re thinking of them
Mar 22 — let it go
Mar 23 — all over the world, people are waking up to what really matters.
Mar 24 — show the work — don’t just talk about it
Mar 25 — misunderstandings can lead to extreme reactions. Don’t take them to heart, just clear the air
Mar 26 — setting goals is important
Mar 27 — create. don’t inhibit yourself. just create
Mar 28 — empathy is a hard skill to manage
Mar 29 — write concisely
Mar 30 — market benefits not the features
Mar 31 — how to make a proper cup of coffee
APRIL — BE SELF-LOVING
PLAYLIST
Apr 1 — people respect you when you show that you know what you are doing, are confident, and show results
Apr 2 — setting goals is extremely fun
Apr 3 — you gotta go through some shit to see some shit
Apr 4 — you learn by doing
Apr 5 — allow yourself to rest
Apr 6 — take feedback with grace
Apr 7 — people asking questions is a good thing
Apr 8 — I have the potential to be a leader
Apr 9 — know what you’re talking about, be patient, be confident, and people will follow
Apr 10 — bring people together, it is memorable
Apr 11 — make boundaries and make them clear
Apr 12 — you don’t know what you have until it’s gone
Apr 13 — opportunities present themselves in strange forms
Apr 14 — fostering digital relationships is not too hard
Apr 15 — recognition always is great but being valued is better
Apr 16 — learned how to run a virtual event with thousands of people
Apr 17 — always give gratitude to your team
Apr 18 — togetherness is what will get us through
Apr 19 — search for opportunities of empathy and understanding
Apr 20 — about psychology and attachment theory
Apr 21 — ask for feedback. ask for opportunity
Apr 22 — things are always in the works even if you don’t know about it
Apr 23 — don’t just do what’s asked of you- do what people need and don’t know yet
Apr 24 — work hard but also love yourself hard
Apr 25 — how to make cookies with almond flour
Apr 26 — kindness can be practiced
Apr 27 — life is short.
Apr 28 — shock can last a lot longer than an instant.
Apr 29 — some people respond well to numbers. most respond to stories
Apr 30 — patience is key
MAY — BE ADAPTABLE
PLAYLIST
May 1 — expect the unexpected- or don’t
May 2 — let it out
May 3 — made my first Caesar salad all the way by myself and it was perfect
May 4 — you cant always plan ahead
May 5 — positioning is about finding what is different about your company. truly different.
May 6 — because something receives negative feedback, that does not mean it is not valuable
May 7 — I love reading
May 8 — routines matter
May 9 — let loose and dance with your parents more often
May 10 — stop comparing yourself to others
May 11 — do your best and people will notice
May 12 — be ready and able to adapt
May 13 — don’t take a single moment for granted
May 14 — crush the job you have now. then focus on the next one
May 15 — having a crush is tough
May 16 — call the people who will always answer
May 17 — ask your families questions to uncover new stories
May 18 — some people will just never be satisfied
May 19 — make your mess, your message.
May 20 — teamwork is so powerful
May 21 — know your worth
May 22 — telling people things you are scared of relieves you
May 23 — maybe I do want to go back to school
May 24 — how to make delicious sangria
May 25 — don’t get excited about something until it’s happening
May 26 — you gain knowledge so that you can share it with the right people
May 27 — have a little faith
May 28 — there is a lot that goes into tough decisions and everyone’s answer will be different
May 29 — put your money where your mouth is
May 30 — act in injustice.
May 31 — every single person has a story. every single person has the right to share that story. and every single person has the right to make that story the way they want it and for however long they want it.
JUNE — BE HONEST, ALWAYS
PLAYLIST
June 1 — make your intentions crystal clear
June 2 — there’s a difference between action and truly helpful action
June 3 — find peace in telling truth
June 4 — some people will always live in high school
June 5 — there’s always layers to how people feel about controversial topics. it is not black and white.
June 6 — everybody loves Chinese food
June 7 — people always find a way to surprise you and you always find a way to surprise yourself
June 8 — understanding human behavior is the first step to empathetic marketing
June 9 — I can be convinced to buy something at a price that at first, seems unreasonable
June 10 — post on linkedin. often.
June 11 — some things don’t always work as expected but it isn’t a big deal
June 12 — people who are rude are always rude
June 13 — birthdays in quarantine can still be fun. love you Grandma
June 14 — sometimes the best type of connection is a hug
June 15 — the biggest issues can be put to the side…
June 16 — the laws of copywriting
Jun 17 — books can have conversations with each other in your mind
Jun 18 — re-strategizing is innovating
Jun 19 — staying woke helps keep your parents woke
Jun 20 — love won’t just come to you ; you have to be sure not to overlook it
Jun 21 — getting drunk on sundays is fun but feels wrong
Jun 22 — lead by example, the worst thing that happens is that people don’t try what you did first/were brave enough to do
Jun 23 — being your authentic self at all times will attract great things
Jun 24 — manifest positivity. optimism is a muscle.
Jun 25 — have hard conversations. not just about race. about everything.
Jun 26 — I want to own a restaurant some day. I’ll name it Lockewood’s.
Jun 27 — the value of opening up and saying things out loud to someone is often overlooked. the benefit is mutual.
Jun 28 — paid advertising is a balance of art and science
Jun 29 — always look for opportunities to challenge the status quo. Always.
Jun 30 — once you change the way you think about something, it works. negative vibes come from within.
JULY — BE PATIENT
PLAYLIST
Jul 1 — the problems you may be facing internally may come with a hidden/toxic benefit. the key to freedom is being willing to get rid of that benefit. To grow.
Jul 2 — if someone doesn’t reply properly to your question, stay quiet. they will talk more.
Jul 3 — people you least expect can inspire you
Jul 4 — live in EVERY moment
Jul 5 — grandma was a fashion designer
Jul 6 — cherish everything you have
Jul 7 — share ideas and you will gain more ideas
Jul 8 — whatever you do, keep testing
Jul 9 — don’t plan too much
Jul 10 — I am a learning machine
Jul 11 — the beach grounds me
Jul 12 — I can read quickly if I care about the content
Jul 13 — mimic parent of same gender bond with opposite gender
Jul 14 — start manifesting exactly what you want.
Jul 15 — if you provide value, your posts will perform
Jul 16 — engage with people on Instagram in meaningful an memorable ways to build a community
Jul 17 — literally just ask for what you want
Jul 18 — always provide value to people. then they will trust you
Jul 19 — letting go is sometimes what the other person needs
Jul 20 — if a book fully invests you, it’s something to take note of. ask yourself why
Jul 21 — the best photo can be taken in the least expected moment
Jul 22 — empathy IS my superpower
Jul 23 — heart space is the area of your body that controls empathy and feels everything melancholy. breathe into the heart space/feel your energy there and you will feel better.
Jul 24 — be direct but not too direct
Jul 25 — unplug. or your body will make you.
Jul 26 — three forces must enter into every kind of creation: active, passive, and neutral
Jul 27 — plan things out when necessary
Jul 28 — set clear expectations always
Jul 29 — sometimes you just need to let go
Jul 30 — find the grace to be who you are
Jul 31 — travel — even when it’s unexpected
AUGUST — BE PRESENT
PLAYLIST
Aug 1 — being physically present for someone can make them feel alive
Aug 2 — how to make a great Bloody Mary
Aug 3 — money is a weird factor in friendships- dont overcomplicate it
Aug 4 — remind people the action you want them to take in a way that meets them where they are
Aug 5 — meditate thru connecting with people
Aug 6 — if no response, try again
Aug 7 — seeing people in person is key to achieving legitimate connection
Aug 8 — don’t set your pace against other people’s pace
Aug 9 — dive into your fears and good vibes will follow
Aug 10 — l earning grounds me. gaining wisdom gives me joy.
Aug 11 — floods suck
Aug 12 — stop taking everything so seriously. seriously.
Aug 13 — breathe and people will see you as confident
Aug 14 — need your brain, I’m stuck in mine
Aug 15 — asking for help is power
Aug 16 — yeah it’s mold you smell…
Aug 17 — build new relationships daily
Aug 18 — always collaborate
Aug 19 — personal goals are more important than professional goals
Aug 20 — make great impressions to new people, known people, and future people in your life
Aug 21 — relationships is the key to growth on social media and sending one authentic message can build an amazing relationship
Aug 22 — some moments can’t be replicated
Aug 23 — write love letters to customers throughout the entire customer journey
Aug 24 — take time off
Aug 25 — fear is what can’t be trusted
Aug 26 — speaking to 75 thousand people is easier than it looks
Aug 27 — think differently and your team will grow because of it
Aug 28 — a work week can fly by without enough collaboration
Aug 29 — people need space
Aug 30 — high expectations are dangerous
Aug 31 — some people just don’t have any filters
SEPTEMBER — BE EMPATHETIC
PLAYLIST
Sep 1 — some people need more time to warm up to others
Sep 2 — let go, things can grow on their own
Sep 3 — some people need to give their work to others to feel successful
Sep 4 — being by water is where I’m grounded
Sep 5 — expectations can be toxic
Sep 6 — dancing is good for everyone’s soul
Sep 7 — some people have no respect for community
Sep 8 — it’s hard feeling like there is always something to do but, set boundaries
Sep 9 — just stop worrying
Sep 10 — if you put cheese at the roof of your mouth you can taste it more
Sep 11 — small moments can be really nice
Sep 12 — empathy can really hurt
Sep 13 — productivity can feel real good
Sep 14 — take time to recover from emotional pain
Sep 15 — talking about your health sucks
Sep 16 — failure always teaches you
Sep 17 — I know my shit
Sep 18 — love is complicated
Sep 19 — purpose is hard to find
Sep 20 — I don’t like finance
Sep 21 — mentors are everywhere. you don’t need just 1
Sep 22 — purpose is everything. find your personal purpose today. It is the driving force of your life.
Sep 23 — purpose is defined by how you want to be remembered by the people you love.
Sep 24 — I love twitter
Sep 25 — I’m looking for new things because I want to escape where I am now
Sep 26 — learn and you will grow
Sep 27 — talk to strangers. If ours things into perspective
Sep 28 — with zoom, celebrities are not as far as you think
Sep 29 — everyone has a story to tell
Sep 30 — I can write a book
OCTOBER — BE CONFIDENT
PLAYLIST
Oct 1 — I have more expertise than I think I do
Oct 2 — take time off
Oct 3 — I always need something to remember people by
Oct 4 — a party may sound like it sucks but end up okay
Oct 5 — I ramble when things are not set in stone or clear. Don’t over-prepare for things. I don’t work that way.
Oct 6 — take a chance and you just might inspire someone
Oct 7 — just put your content out in the world with confidence
Oct 8 — let things come to you
Oct 9 — I have a real impact on people. I am great at my job. I can stand out.
Oct 10 — some friends you can talk to forever
Oct 11 — your expectations can be proven wrong real quick
Oct 12 — you don’t have to tell people why you made a decision
Oct 13 — be there for your team. don’t react out of fear. stand your ground.
Oct 14 — if you want to be big, you’re going to have to deal with some shit
Oct 15 — being challenged is good
Oct 16 — use your seat at the table
Oct 17 — having running water is real nice…
Oct 18 — you have the power to control your mood
Oct 19 — brace yourself- if you stand up for the right thing, you will get attention.
Oct 20 — planning ahead, like really ahead, will go a long way
Oct 21 — speak freely, your confidence will boost
Oct 22 — your efforts will often get more recognition outside of your organization
Oct 23 — take your seat at the table
Oct 24 — prioritize self respect
Oct 25 — act in agile
Oct 26 — book time to get shit done
Oct 27 — sometimes a day of no meetings is needed
Oct 28 — when people are happy, they want to talk
Oct 29 — new employees (at any level) are ready to help out and make shit happen
Oct 30 — when you want to write, write
Oct 31 — just be at peace with yourself
NOVEMBER — BE COURAGEOUS
PLAYLIST
Nov 1 — hold on and good things will come
Nov 2 — shoot your shot, you’ll learn a lot
Nov 3 — things have to be broken to be fixed
Nov 4 — democracy isn’t promised — you still have to fight for it
Nov 5 — bullies are everywhere and they take on all shapes and sizes.
Nov 6 — courage is love
Nov 7 — some people can inspire bad habits
Nov 8 — some days feel like a haze
Nov 9 — do things that don’t scale
Nov 10 — ask people focused questions and you will get more done
Nov 11 — I really miss traveling
Nov 12 — if you let them, some people will talk forever
Nov 13 — creativity can be manifested
Nov 14 — remain stoic, expect the unexpected, happiness will come
Nov 15 — people lose interest quickly
Nov 16 — organization is freedom
Nov 17 — if you are out into the right light, you can be an expert at anything
Nov 18 — creatives work best with other creatives
Nov 19 — just do it
Nov 20 — sometimes you learn the most in conversations overheard
Nov 21 — trust is fragile
Nov 22 — it only takes a second for one thing to go wrong
Nov 23 — some people will never be happy
Nov 24 — some people love meetings some don’t
Nov 25 — I love the library (virtually for now)
Nov 26 — being thankful for health is key
Nov 27 — some people can’t handle Christmas decorations
Nov 28 — feeling sad? Throw some lights up
Nov 29 — things come together very slowly
Nov 30 — when rain is bad, it’s bad
DECEMBER — BE MULTI-FACETED
PLAYLIST
Dec 1 — brainstorming is when I feel most alive as a marketer
Dec 2 — some people will value you but some people will not
Dec 3 — empathy in marketing is improv
Dec 4 — flu shots aren’t that bad
Dec 5 — I can sometimes get side effects from flu shots
Dec 6 — some events you may be dreading May end up being well… perfect
Dec 7 — you do your best, and God will do the rest
Dec 8 — if you can lead, people will look to you for answers.
Dec 9 — live your truth. always.
Dec 10 — expectations are a waste of time
Dec 11 — change can happen within an instant
Dec 12 — cleaning is therapy if done right
Dec 13 — start new traditions
Dec 14 — it really never is as bad as I make it out to be
Dec 15 — some people don’t like hard work
Dec 16 — empty promises are more common than you’d think
Dec 17 — how to do a magic trick
Dec 18 — when it comes to your career, you have to be in the drivers seat
Dec 19 — putting yourself out there can impress people and grab attention from those you admire
Dec 20 — sometimes you just need to see people in person
Dec 21 — seeing something you created digitally in physical form is extremely rewarding
Dec 22 — breathing is what grounds us
Dec 23 — it feels amazing to be active
Dec 24 — expectations mean nothing- they are not reality
Dec 25 — surprising people is a gift
Dec 26 — sharing traditions with others can be interesting
Dec 27 — tension needs somewhere to go
Dec 28 — do you. stop worrying about others. don’t read into things.
Dec 29 — the moon controls me more than I think
Dec 30 — always. expect the unexpected.
Dec 31 — embrace your reality. it’s yours. face it with courage.
