2025 Year-End Review: The Year That Sucked (And Why I’m Leaving Comfort Behind)

2025: The Year of Stagnation, Loss, and Hard Lessons

I hope everyone is having a good holiday season as I sit down to write my 2025 year-end review. For me, this year felt very stagnant. I didn’t accomplish much, did a lot of waiting, and in all honesty, it wasn’t great.

I did try some new things, though. I started this blog—first on Beehiiv, then moved it over to WordPress to create my first proper site. I also started a business with one of my closest friends back in April, and as of today, I can confirm that we have closed that business (more on this below). I’ve lost some friends and family members, and I feel like I didn’t move forward much in my personal or professional life. In all honesty, this year kind of sucked for your boy.

HOWEVER, on that somber note, I am really excited for a new year to shake things up—and I hope you’ll follow along for the journey.

The Blog & The Vision

This blog started as a project to keep me busy, challenge my brain, and keep me working in the business field when I felt I was missing my mark. I have since rewritten many of my previous posts and transitioned to my own domain. Soon, I hope to start generating some ad revenue and maintain a consistent schedule of posting twice a month. By the end of 2026, my goal is to inspire at least one person who reads this site and to have made at least $100 from it. I think that’d be pretty cool!

Closing the Chapter on Bookit!

Regarding my business with Corey—Bookit!—we decided to close it recently after our sales drive for Black Friday and Christmas did not pay off the way we hoped. Starting in April, we wanted to build the groundwork of a brand so that by the holidays we could capitalize on the gifting season. We learned a TON of new skills, especially with Social Media and Meta ads.

In the end, we didn’t get the results we wanted, and our lives have gotten significantly busier since August. Between my full-time and part-time jobs, social life, this website, soccer, and maintaining my house, I had next to no time to spend on the project. Corey was in the same boat. After realizing we at least broke even, we decided it was time to wrap it up—especially since 2026 is looking hectic already. I succeeded in getting out of my comfort zone, and most importantly, I didn’t lose my friendship with Corey. Often, these ventures break people apart, so I count that as a win.

The Professional Ceiling

I don’t talk much about my full-time job here, but I can tell you about the roadblocks I’ve hit. I am someone who constantly strives for growth; I give 110% to everything I do and love getting out of my comfort zone. However, at my current job, I don’t feel like I’m fueling those ambitions anymore.

I’ve been in the running for a management role for over a year and have tried every opportunity available. Despite my best efforts, I can’t seem to move upwards or sideways. I’ve done everything required of me, yet I ended up being criticized for “working too hard” (if you can believe that). With my progression plan now gone, I am looking to move elsewhere to continue my pursuit of something more.

It’s harder than it seems because I can’t take a major pay cut with my current bills, and opportunities where I live are few and far between. People think I’m crazy to leave a “comfortable” job that pays well. But I heard a quote on the My First Million podcast that stuck with me: “When people become comfortable, it breeds mediocrity.” We get complacent and okay with average. That’s not what I want. My plan for the new year is to move on to somewhere that utilizes my talents and helps me continue my grind.

Dealing with Loss

Lastly, there is the loss. This year, I lost two friends to drunk driving. I also recently lost a co-worker, and my partner’s aunt passed away from cancer. It took a big toll on us and made me reflect on where I am and where I wish to be. If you wondered why I didn’t post much in November, that’s why. I needed time to work through the grief.

(On a lighter note of “loss,” the anime My Hero Academia finally concluded. It was a great show—give it a watch if you haven’t!)

Looking Toward 2026

I realized that by trying to do everything in my spare time, I was only giving 70% to each thing—that “mediocrity in comfort” I mentioned. By closing the business, stepping back from sports next summer, and re-centering myself, I hope to reignite my effort levels.

I will find a new career path. I will push this platform to become what I envisioned six months ago. I’m even looking at going back to school to further my education. I want to make some waves.

I’ll leave you with a quote I heard while practicing soccer. Most of my team is incredibly talented, whereas I’ve only played one season before. I’ve mostly played by myself because I couldn’t afford to join a team growing up, so I’m living my dreams now that I can pay my own way.

“Hard work beats talent every time, when talent doesn’t work hard.”

I’ve never been the guy who is naturally good at anything. I always have to work super hard for what I have. So to you, I say: if you’re the same and you have to try time and again—keep trying. Keep pushing. One day, you will succeed. I promise. 🙂

Thanks for checking in, cheers to the new year, and happy holidays.

Until next time,

Alex Clapham