Here are my top 10 things for 2015.
I thought I would share my best purchases, apps and books I’ve read this year. I’ve also added in a few other things that I would say are some of the best changes I’ve made in my life for 2015. So I guess these items include things that have had the biggest impact on my life this year.
Here goes:
- Apple iPhone 6s Plus.
After owning a iPhone 6 for 12 months I decided I wanted some more size. I spend all day on my phone and generally do all my reading on my iPhone via the kindle app. While the extra size was daunting I love it. I love the amazing upgraded camera. I love the speed and snappiness of the OS. I’ve ditched my wallet and gone for a Laybluck case that holds my 3 most important cards. I now no longer have to think where my wallet is because I always know where my phone is.
This is the best iPhone I’ve had to date. I thought maybe running with it would be an issue. But its not. I thought it wouldn’t fit in my pocket but it does. If your on the fence about going big, jump over it. You won’t be disapointed.
Last point. My battery lasts me a whole day!
2. Slack.
Application
Being involved in several startups and mates who like to send massive group texts I’ve managed to use Slack in several roles. Its been the central hub for communications and I think is the app of 2015. If I had money and if they would take it I would invest.
3. Mpow bluetooth earphones
Earphones
http://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Bluetooth-Wireless-Headphones-Sweatproof/dp/B00NZTHGN2
This year I worked hard on my fitness. I do not like running. So I bought some decent bluetooth earphones to make the experience more enjoyable. I didn’t want to deal with wires and they had to be functionally comfortable. I found these on eBay and used the youshop store to get them delivered. I have not been disappointed. Battery life is good and they perform well. Sound is pretty decent and for the price they are super solid.
4. Evernote
Application
My life is in Evernote. Everything I do. I’m typing up this article right now on Evernote. I use to to store important documents. Take meeting notes. Photos of documents, business cards and even my wedding ceremony scripts live in Evernote and on the big day I use presentation mode so the Bride and Groom can read directly from my iPad.
It’s an essential.
5. George Henry Clothing
Fashion
Website: www.georgehenryclothing.com
Shameless plug? Maybe not. Since my wife has started this clothing business I’ve never seen her so motivated. She has become a digital marketing expert which is rubbing off on me and I now have access to a waldrob of custom clothing.
6. Crossfit.
Fitness
http://www.tamashiicrossfit.co.nz
I have to admit I was wrong about Crossfit. Since starting I’ve dropped 6kgs, I’m squating and deadlifting life time PB’s and probably the most mobile I’ve ever been. I have to say not all boxes are the same though. I spent over a month doing mobility and introduction sessions before I did my first Crossfit class. I’ve heard about people power cleaning in their first week. I think it’s just the small majority of boxes that give it a bad name. For me I’m converted. It’s a great way to blow out the cobwebs and compete against mates. I’m no Rich Froning, I’m just competing against myself.
7. Straight to Hell: True Tales of Deviance, Debauchery, and Billion-Dollar Deals by John LeFevre
http://www.amazon.com/Straight-Hell-Deviance-Debauchery-Billion-Dollar/dp/0802123309
This is the most entertaining book I’ve ever read. The Author is the same guy who runs the Twitter handle gselevator. His stories of working insane hours, making insane money, taking insane amounts of drugs and parting like a rockstar is both shocking and intriguing. The book talks about his rise in the stock market game and what life is like on the inside of one of wall streets biggest firms on shore in the US and in Hong Kong. Even if he exaggerates these stories are still mind blowing. Don’t take it too seriously just enjoy it.
8. Mindfulness – Headspace
Application
www.headspace.com
Mindfulness is a bit of a buzzword at the moment but for good reason. I first heard about mindfulness on the Tim Ferris podcast and took a look at the Headspace app. I also decided to do a short mindfulness course which was a nice introduction to the guidelines and some different perspectives on the meditation practise.
Ive learnt some great tools to help deal with stress, reduce worrying and put issues in perspective.
Google mindfulness and check out the Headspace free trial.
9. Fitbit Surge
Watch
https://www.fitbit.com/nz/surge
I hate running when a crap song comes on. The Fitbit surge while monitoring my heart rate and tracking my location let’s me skip to the next song. So simple yet a fantastic feature. It’s a solid device and does everything well. For me at the moment I don’t see the need for an Apple WAtch while I have the surge.
Only downside is the heart rate sensitivity. I would go old school chest strap style if that is your main concern.
10. I am Pilgram by Terry Hayes
Book
http://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Pilgrim-A-Thriller/dp/1501119451
This is going to be the next big Hollywood block buster movie franchise. Think James Bond and Jack Reacher had a child and created a super agent. This is who they created. So many twists and turns it’s insane. Best fiction book I’ve ever read. Just look at the amazing reviews in Amazon. Can’t go wriong here.
