You can read the Substack Newsletter here - ⁠

https://open.substack.com/pub/patrickjhayes/p/how-im-going-to-make-2025-the-best?r=1j2a8q&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this episode, I discuss how I reflected on the year of 2024, and how I went about setting my goals, intentions, and aspirations for 2025.

I build it out with some stories about New Years Eve, starting a new job, and another 10km running race .

Action Item + Something to Think About: lot's of journaling prompts to work through.

Lesson Learnt: find comfort in people, not just places.

Gratitude: bringing the new year in a new country.

Join Paddy as he recounts his biggest lessons of 2024.

Taken from the following articles:

From 30 Lessons from 30 Years of Life

From Life Lessons Learnt on The Camino de Santiago

From Life Lessons Learnt On The Camino Portugués:

From Life Lessons Learned on a Vipassana Silent Meditation Course

A big thank you again to Pat, you can find him here:

patrickfarnan.com

Instagram

Am I OK? Podcast

Julian and Patrick Podcast

You can read the Substack Newsletter here - ⁠

https://patrickjhayes.substack.com/p/berlins-circular-economy-zu-verschenken?r=1j2a8q

In this episode, how the circular economy here in Berlin has really helped me settle in and how it ties in nicely with the company I’m going to be working for.

I build it out with some stories about my new job, former greed, other circular economies, and the joys of upcycling.

Action Item: Take stock of items you could give away.

Something to Think About: How could you upcycle or repurpose. Lot’s of broken things can be passed on and fixed.

Lesson Learnt: good things don’t come to this who wait, they come to those who put themselves in the right positions and are open to receiving them.

Gratitude: getting to spend time with my parents.

You can read the Substack Newsletter here - ⁠ https://open.substack.com/pub/patrickjhayes/p/all-or-something?r=1j2a8q&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this episode, I talk about why I went missing the past couple of weeks and how I’ve been trying to work on breaking free from the shackles of the all or nothing mentality.

I build it out with some stories about running, meditation, writing, and how perfectionism gets in the way of forming habits.

Action Item: The next time things get tough, think about how you can reframe things in your mind and get the most out of the experience… you are already doing it.

Something to Think About: Don’t throw something away once you’ve started. Think about how you can hold on and salvage the project you are working on.

Lesson Learnt: It only takes one yes.

Gratitude: the support and guidance of those closest to me.

You can read the Substack Newsletter here - ⁠https://open.substack.com/pub/patrickjhayes/p/running-100km-in-one-week?r=1j2a8q&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this episode, I talk about the ins and outs of what it takes to run 100kms in one week. A slightly different episode where I get to talk about my passion.

I build it out with some stories about suboptimal training in the past and how I’ve become more intentional with this build.

I also go into some exciting news about a charity running event I will be attempting next weekend. Link to donate can be found here - heat24.org.

Action Item: Set yourself a difficult challenge and see how you can show up each day or week or month. Make plans for it so you don’t even need to think about what you’re doing.

Something to Think About: How can you remove all the barriers to getting something done?

Lesson Learnt: Have a plan so that you don’t have to waste energy on decisions.

Gratitude: the willpower to continue in the face of adversity.

You can read the Substack Newsletter here - https://patrickjhayes.substack.com/p/discovering-third-places-fostering?utm_source=substack&utm_content=feed%3Arecommended%3Acopy_link

In this episode, I talk about the concept of Third Places and how they have become a prevalent part of my life. How these spaces outside of our home and workplace can foster community and belonging?

I discuss the guest article I wrote which was published this week and can be found here - https://thepostcardclub.substack.com/p/running-wild-on-little-corn-island?utm_source=substack&utm_content=feed%3Arecommended%3Acopy_link⁠

I also go into some exciting new collaborations that I've been working on and put out an open invitation for runners to be coached by me!

I intertwine a lot of personal stories and anecdotes from my travels to paint a picture of third places that I was unknowingly a part of and try to paint a picture of how important they are in society.

Action Item: Think about the hobbies, and passions that you have, and where you could meet more of these people.

Something to Think About: Be more conscious about where you’re spending your time

Lesson Learnt: Don’t be afraid to ask for things - your friends won’t judge you.

Gratitude: Having a strong support network of friends + family.

In this episode, I explore the concept of uncertainty avoidance and the importance of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. After a week of applying for jobs, catching up with friends, and marking the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall, I’ve had some time to reflect on how uncertainty helps us grow. I’ve been working from coworking spaces and writing in Volkspark Friedrichshain, focusing on a guest post and scripting ideas for upcoming podcast episodes.

Join me as I dive into the ways embracing uncertainty has influenced my journey - from moving countries and taking on ultra-running challenges to exploring freelance work and the value of putting myself out there, even if the outcome is unclear.

Action Item: Seek out a situation that pushes you out of your comfort zone. If something scares you but keeps crossing your mind, it’s probably worth pursuing.

Something to Think About: Consider how your routines and comforts might be holding you back from discovering new experiences. What could you gain by letting them go?

Gratitude: I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come from connections, which have helped open doors I hadn’t expected.

Lesson: Don’t be afraid to leverage connections—sometimes, the support you need is closer than you think.

In this episode, recorded from my living room on Sonnenallee in Neukölln, I delve into the reflective practice of writing letters to your former and future self.

Between applying for jobs, starting German classes, running clubs, and JazzFest; I've been putting pen to paper to reflect on my life thus far.

The letters have been my way of unpacking change, charting aspirations, and embracing the person I’ve become and hope to become.

Join me as I reflect on how this exercise has made me rethink the last decade and set inspiring goals for the next. Along the way, I’ll share insights from reconnecting with friends, encountering Berlin's gallery scene, and joining running clubs that have truly welcomed me into their community.

This week I've also written on and about the Ringbahn, drafted a guest post, and sketched out ideas for a novel plot.

Action Item: Try writing your own letters - one to your past self, listing the biggest changes you’re proud of; and one to your future self, with hopes and aspirations as a guide, not a strict plan.

It’s a cathartic experience to acknowledge where you’ve been and where you’d like to go.

Something to Think About: Consider the person you used to be or want to be. Sometimes, we’re far too self-critical. Ask yourself: what advice would a friend or family member give you, and how can you apply it for yourself?

Gratitude: I’m grateful for the warm welcome I’ve found in Berlin’s running clubs, making this city feel like home.

Tune in as I continue my journey in Berlin, navigate learning German, and immerse myself in all the running clubs and communities the city has to offer.

Lesson: Theory will only take you so far; real growth comes through experience.