Tough month

Welcome to my monthly exploration of building products, learning in public, and finding my way as a generalist in tech. I share my pains, questions, insights hoping they will help someone on their quest.

Accountability check

• Take time to define a path to that Product Studio dream. (Need both short terms and mid terms goals). | ⭕ Nop

• 1 youtube video | ⭕ Nop

• Keep posting on X | ⭕ Nop

• Take some time off with family to reset | ✅ This was my main focus in December while keeping current projects with clients going

Pains

December was a tough month:

• I lost my uncle

• got back to France in a rush and my wallet got robbed/lost

• Took care of my family the best I could (stayed with my parents for around 3 weeks, hadn't happen in years)

• Did the paperwork to make sure I could get back to Canada (yes I lost my PR card)

Questions

My uncle worked hard all his life and didn't get to enjoy his retirement long, it puts things in perspective.

• What is really worth it?

• What are my priorities?

• How can I enjoy my time?

• What would I regret if I don’t go for it?

Insights

What is clear to me after this month is that I want my work to be spent on project that have an actual impact, with collaborators that make it fun. I don’t want it to feel like work. Working solo in 2024 has been cool but I am craving for more meaningful collaborations.

Would love to hear how you are answering these questions or your side, feel free to answer this email or drop me a message on socials.

Wins

• I was there for my family this month and I'm glad I could do that.

• Kept the clients projects going under complicated circumstances.

• Managed to get back to Montréal 😅

• Found some time to get re-certified on Bubble before the new Year.

• Took time to reflect on my year using this template https://nesslabs.com/annual-review-template

App Ideas

I log app ideas, on a daily basis and thought I could be nice to share them with you, curious to hear if that's something you enjoy reading. Here are 5 of them.

• User Flow Generator

• An app that teaches you how to take care of yourself.

• A simple app that generates custom loaders using your logo.

• App for seniors to meet friends, old people look lonely

• An app that tells you why you shouldn't jump on to your next idea because of how bad it is.

Next month plan

• I am attending coaching program starting next week (can't talk more about it, it's kind of secret for now)

• Refine my priorities for the year

• Keep thinking about that Product Studio idea and how to get there/Who to work with

Wishing y’all a happy new year! Hope you were able to spend time with your loved ones!

Have fun in 2025!

Thank you for reading me,

Benoît