Viktor Bijlenga

Twenty Six

For the last years, I’ve written a post about the things I’ve learned so far. I’ve turned twenty six, which means it’s time for the post about twenty five things I’ve thought about. One thing for each year up to this point. The last year has been the hardest year of my life, it’s been a rollercoaster.

  • I’ve been reminded of the basics: Eat, sleep, repeat.
  • Love is never easy, but it’s always worth it. I learned a lot.
  • Postcards is underrated. Send more analog things.
  • The secret to relationships is talking to each other, no matter what.
  • Sparkling water is still my favorite beverage.
  • I missed the sun a lot during the winter.
  • Show up, put in the work, consistently.
  • Listen to more rock music classics. It’s always good.
  • Good design equals to good writing.
  • I enjoy travel by train more than I thought.
  • I’ve fallen in love. She is great.
  • Read more, a tiny bit every day is a good way to learn.
  • I don’t know what life is about, but I enjoy it a lot.
  • If you can find what you love and do that for a living, then you re beyond rich.
  • Work is never more important than anything else. Things can wait.
  • James Bay was my most played artist during the year. See him live.
  • Try to write more consistently. Make it easy. Write for yourself.
  • Live music is good for the soul.
  • Slow is great. Remember that.
  • Staring the day with listing to the news is a good way to get a headstart.
  • “En kvart I taget” (one quarter at a time) is a good reminder during hard times.
  • Calm company. I’ m good at running my own business. I’m happy.
  • The key to remote work is spending time together with people I love.
  • A good solid foundation is key to slow long-term happiness.
  • Notetomyself: Try to add love to everything you do.

Twenty Four

It’s my birthday (Jan 23), so it’s time to sit down and write the yearly summary of things I’ve thought and learned during the year. I’m turning 25 this year, which feels like a major milestone. Check out the other lists Tjugotvå (In swedish) and Twenty three. Those are my twenty four things.

  • Enjoy the Moment.
  • Always take the stairs.
  • Eating good makes life easier and better. Embrace your possibilities.
  • You laughed at Alex och Sigges podcast a lot during the year.
  • The basics are still important. Eat, sleep, repeat.
  • Be patient and work hard. Things take time.
  • Don’t use your phone while eating together with people. Be present.
  • Less complaining. Choose your bathroom sink battles wisly.
  • You stopped checking email before bed. Less stress. Great.
  • Vintersaga is a great song.
  • Watching Casey Neistats daily vlog has been a good time.
  • The Penny board (mini skateboard) is a great way to add fun to the equation of transportation between A / B.
  • The Grand Budapest Hotel is a great movie. Watch it again.
  • Take better photos. Buy a camera with a good lens. You miss it.
  • Write more.
  • Oscar Linnros was your most played artist on Spotify.
  • Learn more languages. It might be fun.
  • A good name for a brand is incredibly hard to come up with.
  • The news is not a source for happy-go-lucky. But a great way to excel at På Spåret next year.
  • When learning new languages, learn the fundamentals. It makes troubleshooting so much easier.
  • Building a company is a commitment. Remember that during hard days.
  • Express your dreams more clear. It’s easier to make goals then.
  • Making everyday life easier for other people is easier than you think.
  • Patience.

Twenty Three

Every year on my birthday I try to write some kind of list of the things I’ve thought of during the year. Those are my twenty three things.

  • Family is more important than anything else in life.
  • Be nice, it’s not so hard.
  • Offline is an alternative to always connected even if you work with computers.
  • Be patient
  • Very few things needs to get done right away.
  • Read books and blogs. 140 characters is not enough.
  • Write more.
  • Buy a camera during 2014 and start a project.
  • You just love her. You do.
  • Call people, since you think Facebook is boring at the moment.
  • Learning to be creative in the kitchen is a challenge you will have to work on for a long time.
  • Sherlock Season 3. That’s quality tv-writing.
  • About time was your favorite movie. Watch it again.
  • You miss your friends a lot somedays. It’s sucks.
  • You are just getting started.
  • Things changes and becomes better.
  • New things are challenging.
  • You enjoy having a dog at the office. It’s super cosy.
  • The new apartment is great.
  • You are stupid. It’s great.
  • Do more of the things that makes you happy.
  • Don’t make things.
  • Fika.

Last year: 22 (written in Swedish)