25 Things I've Learned In 25
What the year taught me as an investor, business owner, husband, and father.
Every year teaches you something. Some lessons you wish you had learned sooner. Others you almost wish you never had to learn at all.
Not just about investing, but about work, relationships, priorities, and how you spend your time. Some lessons are new. Most are reminders you didn’t know you needed again.
That’s life.
2025 was no different. It had plenty of noise. In markets, in business, and in everyday life.
Here are 25 things I learned or relearned in 2025 as an investor, business owner, husband, father, and friend.
Bad days make you appreciate the good days even more.
If not now, when? Waiting for the perfect time almost never works out.
Do things while you still can. You won’t always be able to.
Just call or see them in person. Talk to that friend, family member, mentor or person you’ve been meaning to call but haven’t found the time.
Not having fun? Fix it! Stop complaining and do something about.
Block out the noise. There is far too much negativity. Fear mongering social media doomers are tiresome.
What are you working for? What your “rich” life? Are you working towards that goal? If not, what are you doing?
We are too quick to sell our winners and best performers. Buying a winner and then selling it to buy another winner requires being right twice. You know what doesn’t do that? Index funds. It’s also why they’re so hard to outperform and beat.
Investing isn’t a get rich quick scheme. Too many can’t distinguish the difference between investing and trading/gambling. They’re completely different. Many investors read about Warren Buffet and aspire to be him. Yet so few investors invest like him.
Investing is never a straight line or a smooth road? Always have a watchlist. If everything was down 20% tomorrow, what would you buy?
It’s hard to lose money if you cut your losses quickly and let your winners run. The issue is many do the complete opposite.
The loudest opinions usually add the least value. Opinions are not facts, no matter how loud they are. Social media amplifies fear faster than facts. Blocking out the noise is now a competitive advantage.
Actually go out for coffee. This year, my daily visits to my local coffee shop turned into a best friend. How do you put a price on saving a few dollars at home when a simple cup out in the world changes your life?
Experiences beat possessions. Our family focuses on creating memories through trips, concerts, and games instead of just accumulating “stuff.” What do you remember most, a shared experience or a toy that sits on a shelf?
Giving my book away as gifts has created more joy than the money I’ve ever made selling it.
Helping others compounds in ways money never will.
Time marches on. Make more room for time with your family. Pay someone to mow the lawn, shovel snow, handle the laundry, or take care of household maintenance. What is an extra hour or two each week with the people you love really worth?
Celebrate the joys. Reward yourself and celebrate the achievements of your spouse and kids. Get a massage, go to breakfast, book a pedicure, buy something you have always wanted, or head to that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Make space to actually enjoy the good in your life.
Writing clarifies thinking more than reading ever will.
Great service is becoming rare, which makes it more valuable. Small businesses win by caring when the big ones cannot.
Come up with family surprises. Leave early and find the time. You’ll create smiles, joys and memories that will be second to none.
As you age, time becomes your most valuable asset.
Ask questions. Remain curious.
Focus on your clients, not your competitors.
Saving some money is good. But spend your money. Stop delaying gratification. Don’t let others dictate or tell you how and when to spend it. It’s your money after all. So enjoy it!
The Coffee Table ☕
I really like Derek Thompson’s piece called, The 26 Most Important Ideas For 2026. There is a lot to unpack and many interesting ideas from Derek’s list.
This was quite the story by Dan Wetzel at ESPN on the arrival of private equity in college sports. Beware, college sports, private equity has arrived. With the state of college athletics, this may end up taking it to entirely new level.
Here is a wonderful visual that shows just how connected the OpenAI network is. When you hear the OpenAI risks, this is what they’re referring to.
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed Spilled Coffee, please subscribe.
Spilled Coffee grows through word of mouth. Please consider sharing this post with someone who might appreciate it.