Looking Back, Moving Forward: My 2024 Recap and 2025 Goals
Before we dive in, why not take a quick peek at my portfolio: https://priyalraj.com, & while you’re at it, check out my SaaS venture: https://shavelinks.com, it’s where innovation meets simplicity.
What I Learned and Did
in 2024:
As I look back on an eventful 2024, I’m excited to share the highlights and the learning experiences that shaped my year. Here’s a glimpse into the technologies I embraced and the significant projects that enriched both my personal and professional paths.
Technology Development and Educational Insights:
In 2024, I dove deeper into the coding world, mastering technologies like TypeScript for robust app development, Zustand for state management in React applications, Sanity CMS for streamlined content management, and Fumadocs for improving document handling. I also built an Advanced Link Shortener, which I plan to completely rebuild with more advanced features by mid-year. After that, I hope to promote it heavily until the end of the year. Beyond that project, I already have two more ideas lined up and might even consider starting my IT firm soon.
Entertainment and Personal Life:
I also started Blogging and running a coding YouTube channel. However, things got a bit off track when I began working as an Educator in October. My focus shifted to helping students improve their skills, which in turn helped me learn a lot, too. I even made a few valuable connections along the way. However, it was tough in the beginning because I have a full-time development job and also do freelancing and stock trading on the side.
Entertainment and Personal Life:
Now, moving away from academics/career, let’s dive into the entertainment part of my year. I was binging on tons of web series and movies when I wasn't coding. Some of them were Breaking Bad, Reacher, Kota Factory S3, How I Met Your Mother, The Boys, Ford vs. Ferrari, the entire John Wick series, Deadpool & Wolverine films, Joker: Folie à Deux, Venom 3, Squid Game S2, Saw 3D, Stree 2, and Toy Story (all parts). I’m sure I’ve missed a few, but that’s the gist of my watchlist.
Social and Networking:
On a social note, I made some wonderful new connections with a few friends. One special mention goes to someone I met via Medium, Daniel Craciun, who has become a great friend. I also got back into streaming (only weekend streams) and finished several PC games, including the Batman series, NFS Heat, the Alan Wake series (except the Alan Wake 2), Control, INSIDE, Little Nightmares (both parts), and The Witcher series. In the process, I spent around Rs.10,000 ($116 approx.) on buying games and roughly Rs.20,000 ($233 approx.) on upgrading my PC.
2024 Wrap-Up:
Overall, 2024 was a dynamic year filled with learning, entertainment, and personal growth. It pushed me to explore new areas, test out fresh ideas, and invest in my passions as a gamer and developer. I can’t wait to see where these experiences lead me next!
Looking Ahead: My Goals for 2025:
As I reflect on a productive 2024, I’m already gearing up for an even more ambitious 2025. Here’s a peek at what I’m planning across various aspects of my life.
Technology Ambitions:
This year, I’m set to take my advanced link shortener to the next level by mid-year. Technology is a never-ending learning journey, and in 2025, I plan to dive into React Native. My goal is to master it by mid-year, simultaneously keeping my problem-solving skills sharp with ongoing Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) practice.
Moreover, I’m interested in the operational side of development. Hence, I plan to explore the basics of DevOps and AWS more thoroughly, with a focus on Docker, Kubernetes, and AWS services like IAM, S3, EC2, and Lambda. Understanding these tools will bolster my backend skills and help me build more robust and scalable applications.
Entertainment Queue:
My downtime in 2025 will be filled with a mix of screen time, catching both new releases and old favorites. I’m particularly excited for “Captain America: Brave New World,” planning to be there for the first show on opening day! I also have a nostalgic journey planned through the filmography of Emraan Hashmi and will be starting the acclaimed series “Better Call Saul.” My goal is to tick off the top 50 movies and series listed on IMDb, focusing on Hindi and English languages. If you have any, must-watch recommendations, I’m all ears!
Enhancing My Digital Footprint:
Content creation has become a significant part of my routine. For my coding channel, I’ve set a target to consistently publish at least two blogs and four videos each month. These will not only share my coding adventures but also dive into tutorials and tips for aspiring developers. Additionally, I’m keen to ramp up my SEO and marketing skills to broaden my reach.
For my gaming/vlogging channel, CaptainRaj, expect a mix of gameplay, reviews, and maybe even some vlogs. I want to keep the content fresh and engaging, exploring new categories and formats. Check out my channel to see what’s new and join in on the fun!
Conclusion:
2025 looks to be a year brimming with opportunities for growth, learning, and plenty of entertainment. Whether I’m coding, streaming, or just enjoying a good movie, I’m ready to make the most of the upcoming year. Here’s to hoping it’s as fruitful and exciting as it looks on paper!
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