This Friday’s Thought is all about how you treat others.
It’s the values you display. How you are with others and how you act is how you truly are as a person.
Everything else is temporary and limited. Below is my Friday thought along with a video… the video is of the Dutch Prime Minister. Some of you may have seen this already. For those who haven’t, he spills his coffee, and rather than asking someone to clean it… he cleans it himself. He treated the people around him with respect. Especially the cleaners.
I’ve been carrying a little note book with me recently. Actually, just started this year to carry it around with me – to capture notes, ideas and basic thoughts.
And as I write today’s thought, I’m reflecting on a conversation I had with a friend recently about Apple’s operating system (iOS) and Android. In my opinion, Apple make it so simple to use… Android users will argue that Android is way ahead of the game and much better.
You know what – they might be. But the whole connectivity and I’m going to be honest, the creativity that Apple offers… makes the complicated simple.
I shared that I read a book called Atomic Habits (great book!) and I pulled together a ‘habit tracker’ – where I basically have a calendar view of my habits, and then track which ones I do on which days and then over the month, I can see which ones I’ve done the most and which ones I haven’t.
For example… I’ve got on there – gym, walking, drinking 1 litre of water, writing (not doing too well on!), reading, and a few more.
Now as I reflect on my habit tracker, I’m realising, I need to make sure I give all my habits attention. There’s some that I haven’t done at all. For example DJ.
So… when I was younger (alot younger) I used to DJ. Loved it. But haven’t done it for many many years…. then it all changed. Talking to my friend, I decided to buy some decks (mixer) and downloaded some dj software on the laptop. And started mixing/DJ’ing towards end of 2024. This is one of my habits. And I’ve not done it so far in January. Which got me thinking, could I break this habit down further to make progress….
And I’ve done just that. I listen to music all the time, in the car… in the plane, when travelling basically and then when if I’m in the hotel in the morning, etc… why not start to put songs/music together which I could mix? or why not listen to mixes that other DJ’s have done where I could take inspiration from?
So habits can be broken down to make progress…. and not beat myself up that I haven’t done anything on that particular habit.
For those who have not read the book, recommend you read it or find out what the book is about via their website.
But in essence… you build habits, to get better at something, Doing it little but often will see results.
Here’s what a habit tracker template looks like and I got mine from – https://daydesigner.com/products/habit-tracker (you can also just google and you’ll find so many different types of templates).
What do you want to get better at? What habits would you list?
A few weeks into January, how are those new year resolutions and commitments coming along?
Last year, towards the end, I read the book – Atomic Habits. Absolutely loved it! If you’ve not read it… you should!
With it… I’ve made a Habit Tracker. For example, I’ve listed things I want to do, like go to the gym, more walks, etc… And it made me think about today’s thought.
If you want to achieve something new or grow – you have to do something different….
I posted the below image on my instagram as a story a few weeks ago- if you don’t follow me, my handle is @mrbalbansal
I post all sorts I get up to… mainly related to food, football and various other adventures!
So what is really important? the journey or destination?
It’s a question often asked.. but you know what, Tiny Dragon is right… it’s the company. The people. Those you surround yourself with. I’m lucky to have some really good friends, one of which I go to a carvery with every few months (for those who don’t know what a carvery is, it’s a hot roast… like chicken, turkey, etc… and then lots of veg! – there should be a photo on my insta!)… and others, who I meet up and we talk, chat…
It’s not all about where you are going… it’s about who is with you.
Here’s my first Friday Thought of 2025! Been doing these for a fair few years and hope you enjoy them. I really appreciate the kind comments I receive when a Friday Thought really hits home with you…
Today, it’s about those ‘glimmers’. Not a glimmer of hope, but turning triggers on it’s head!
Look out for those special moments… and you’ll see more of them.
There’s some conclusions I’ve come to but let’s review some key things that happened in 2024!
Well… before I share the highlights, I’ll let you know, they’re going to be about me! That’s right… I’m going to focus on what happened to me (with a sprinkle of technology)
Travel
This year (2024) I got some serious air miles! Both for work and with the family. I managed to get over to Tenerife in the summer which was relaxing (and I read the book – Never split the difference), and then in October I managed to get over to Dubai – which was awesome!
I also managed a number of trips to the US for work.
One gadget that I think which served me well was my apple air tag. Always kept it in my suitcase!
Oh… and when traveling, I like a mixture of reading and watching something good – so before I’m going away, I ask for recommendations. Thank you to all those who recommended good books and programmes to watch!
2025 – I’ll continue to travel and make memories..
Fitness & Health
In June, I decided I need to start lifting weights again. So, I started to go gym 3 times a week. The good thing about this, I kept it going… and still today, as I type this (went gym this morning) I’m still doing it! I’ll admit, whilst travelling or away, it was hard to get to the gym, so some weeks… it may have been once or twice. But in all honesty… that’s ok. And I started this before I read the book, Atomic Habits – which is a great book!
Data is important to make improvements. As the saying goes, what you can’t measure, you can’t improve. So I’ve invested in some health gadgets which help me monitor various aspects of my health.
My iWatch captures steps and calories burned. I’m regularly checking my heart pressure and had more blood tests in 2024 to get data on a number of my organs/body/health etc… like my HbA1c.
Me, Myself and I
I’ve invested more time in me. And by that, I mean I’ve been reading alot more, I’ve been spending time by myself to gather my thoughts and in 2024, I started writing more (down on paper) that helps me remember and build.
I also spent time reflecting. In my day to day job, spent time just understanding what needs to be done to make the organisation more successful. Asking myself questions like, have I got the right people, are we working on the right things, which items need to be prioritised, how can we grow and be more successful. All of this led to new processes, new items and setting ourselves up for success.
Back to point 1 – went on more holidays/vacations than before. Even weekends away. Even just having brunch with the family. This has all helped. We can discuss a number of things together.
What is even more fascinating is that, I read a book about the digital detox… and it was great. It was about how much time we spend on our devices. How much time we are on social media. And I reflected on this. Whilst it’s great, there needs to be a limit or some sort of control. So consciously, I’ve reduced the time I spend on my phone and other devices. So much so, I don’t think I’ve used my iPad as much this year as previous years!
So there you go… a quick review of my 2024 in a few bullet points.
It’s been a good year. I’ve read alot of books, sat in the sun, sipped on some cold drinks and enjoyed the moment.
I’ll reflect what I have planned for 2025 soon… in fact, I might not reflect, might just start doing it and sharing the progress.
And one of the things for 2025 is my blog.
Again, I’m conscious I’ve not blogged as much as I should. And when I have, it’s quite generic, or it’s about particular topics such as the new iPhone… so in 2025, I’m going to change that. In fact, I’m changing it now… It’s going to get personal!
That’s right… it’s going to focus on me with a sprinkle of tech. Or should I say, it’s going to be tech related but more personal. For example, all the travelling I do, I’ve bought some great travelling gagdets, wouldn’t it be good for me to share more personal reviews of what helps and what doesn’t!
Today’s thought is from an accomplished football manager. And it’s something I learnt recently with my Under 13’s football team.
You see, we’d won like 10 games in a row.. and won them well. Unfortunately, we got to a stage that the team walked onto the pitch thinking we’ve got this and we can win easily. However, that’s not always the case.
We lost. And heavily. They destroyed us.
But you know what. We learnt so much from that one defeat. We learnt about our positioning, we learnt that we shouldn’t take particular risks when the opposition have certain qualities. Every team is different however, we shouldn’t become complacent.
I suppose, this is a life lesson. When you make a mistake, or when something doesn’t work out… you learn so much! And that is what makes you better.
The Top Christmas Presents for 2024: Must-Have Gifts for Everyone on Your List
The holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes the age-old tradition of gift-giving. But finding the perfect present can be a challenge, especially when you want something that stands out and brings joy to your loved ones. Whether you’re shopping for tech enthusiasts, beauty lovers, or the little ones, 2024 brings a whole new wave of exciting and innovative gifts to choose from. Let’s dive into the top Christmas presents for this year, from cutting-edge gadgets to heartwarming personalised gifts.
1. AI-Powered Gadgets: The Future is Now
As AI continues to evolve, we’re seeing a surge in smart devices that make life easier, more fun, and even more personalized. Here are a few standout options for 2024:
Smart Speakers & AI Assistants
Brands like Amazon and Google are continually improving their smart speakers, making them more than just a music player or voice assistant. The Amazon Echo Show 15 is a great choice for families, as it acts as both a digital photo frame and a hub for controlling smart home devices, managing schedules, and even streaming TV.
For tech aficionados, the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen has a more immersive sound experience, perfect for high-quality music lovers.
AI-Powered Robots
Robots like the iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ have evolved into far more than simple cleaning assistants. Now, they have advanced navigation, intelligent mapping, and even the ability to clean hard-to-reach areas with ease. They’re perfect for anyone who enjoys a spotless home with minimal effort.
AI-Powered Wearables
Smartwatches have gotten even smarter in 2024. The Oura Ring Gen 4 offers cutting-edge sleep and health tracking with a sleek design that appeals to minimalists. Or, for fitness enthusiasts, the Whoop Strap 4.0 is a game-changer in personal fitness tracking, offering personalized health data and actionable insights to help users optimize performance.
2. Sustainable Gifts: Thoughtful & Eco-Friendly
With sustainability top of mind for many shoppers, eco-conscious gifts are sure to be a hit in 2024. These presents not only look good but also do good for the planet.
Reusable Smart Water Bottles
The LARQ Bottle PureVis combines technology with eco-friendly design. This self-cleaning water bottle uses UV-C LED technology to sterilize the water and the bottle itself, ensuring your drink stays fresh and bacteria-free. It’s perfect for travelers and anyone who wants to reduce plastic waste.
Sustainable Fashion
Eco-friendly fashion brands are booming, and for good reason. A stylish, sustainable piece from Patagonia, Allbirds, or Stella McCartney will delight fashion-forward friends while contributing to a greener planet. These brands focus on using sustainable materials, ethical labor practices, and reducing waste.
Solar-Powered Gadgets
Consider gifting a solar-powered portable charger or a solar-powered garden light. These practical gifts reduce energy consumption and are a great way to embrace the sustainable lifestyle while offering something functional.
3. Personalized Gifts: Adding a Special Touch
Personalized gifts continue to be a beloved choice, offering a meaningful touch that can make any present feel extra special.
Custom Jewelry
From engraved necklaces to birthstone bracelets, custom jewelry is always a thoughtful option. Brands like Etsy offer unique, handmade pieces that can be tailored to your loved one’s style and personality. You can engrave initials, special dates, or even coordinates of a meaningful place.
2024 brings a slew of futuristic tech gifts that are sure to impress even the most discerning gadget lover.
Virtual Reality Headsets
The Meta Quest 3 is an excellent gift for anyone into virtual reality. With a more advanced display and a wider field of view, it offers immersive experiences for gaming, socializing, and even virtual fitness.
Foldable Smartphones
For tech lovers who want the latest in mobile innovation, a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 will do the trick. These foldable phones combine style, practicality, and cutting-edge technology to make a bold statement.
Electric Vehicles (EV) Accessories
As more people transition to electric vehicles, EV accessories have become hot items this year. Consider a Tesla Powerwall for someone who owns an EV and wants to optimize energy storage, or a high-quality EV charging station for easy home charging. Yes – this might be expensive… there’s other options! You could get some furry dice for that rear view mirror… only joking! But check on the web for cool EV accessories.
5. For the Homebody: Cozy and Comforting Gifts
Not everyone is out and about during the holidays—some of us just want to snuggle up and relax. If you’re shopping for someone who loves being at home, these gifts will bring them all the cozy vibes.
Heated Blankets & Throws
A luxurious smart heated blanket like the ChiliPad Cube 3.0 is perfect for the chilly winter months. With adjustable temperature controls, it provides personalized warmth for the ultimate cozy experience.
Smart Home Diffusers
A smart diffuser, like the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, adds ambiance to any room and allows users to control scents with their phones. Pair it with a selection of premium essential oils for a gift that promotes relaxation.
Coffee & Tea Sets
For the coffee or tea lover, a high-end Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker or a Breville Barista Express will take their at-home brewing game to the next level. Add a personalized mug or a box of artisanal teas to complete the gift.
6. For Kids and Teens: Fun and Imaginative Presents
Gifting for children can be challenging, but there are so many exciting options for 2024 that are both fun and educational.
STEM Toys
Encourage learning with fun, educational toys like the Lego Boost Creative Toolbox or the Osmo Genius Kit. These interactive toys promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, all while keeping kids entertained for hours.
Interactive Plush Toys
FurReal Friends has created a new line of interactive, lifelike pets that respond to touch, sound, and even motion. These toys provide hours of companionship for younger kids who are learning to care for something other than themselves.
Gaming Consoles & Accessories
Teens will appreciate the latest in gaming tech, such as the PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch OLED. Pair with the latest game titles or a set of gaming accessories like custom controllers or noise-cancelling headphones.
Wrapping It Up
Finding the perfect Christmas gift in 2024 is all about considering what will bring your loved ones joy and how you can make their lives more fun, meaningful, and convenient.
Hope the above list helps you with some ideas to what you could get this Christmas…
