2025: A Year of Extremes
2025 was a paradox. It was, in many ways, the best year of my life, filled with milestones and achievements. Yet, it was also one of the most challenging, pushing me to my limits both physically and mentally. I bought a house and poured my energy into remodeling the basement. My personal life blossomed as I started dating Meghan, a relationship that profoundly shifted my perspective. Business-wise, Boostcous evolved from a mere idea into a thriving brand with tangible sales and a presence on store shelves. KnoCommerce also experienced remarkable growth.
On paper, it looked like the quintessential "crushing it" year, the kind that gets screenshotted and flaunted. But the highlight reel omitted a crucial part of the story.
The Unseen Struggles
Behind the facade of success, I was struggling. I broke my back, confining me to crutches for three months. My physical health deteriorated, sleep became elusive, energy levels plummeted, and my mind was constantly racing. Instead of slowing down, I succumbed to the pressure to double down on work, a common trap for founders.
I plunged into 80–100 hour workweeks, dedicating myself entirely to KnoCommerce and Boostcous. In the process, I neglected myself. "Bar the human" was gradually replaced by "Bar the founder." My identity became intertwined with metrics: MRR, launch dates, Shopify sales, and the relentless pursuit of the next big thing. It's a familiar narrative for many of us, but one we rarely share publicly.
Prioritizing Balance in 2026
Going into 2026, I'm shifting my focus from solely optimizing for revenue to prioritizing balance. My word of the year is Balance – not the superficial "work-life balance" often presented in corporate presentations, but genuine, nervous-system-level balance. For me, this translates into a few simple, non-negotiable rules:
- Work out outside 3 days per week (skiing, biking, hiking, etc.)
- Be in the gym at least 2 days per week (to rebuild my back stronger than ever)
- Meditate 4 days per week (10 minutes of simply... not solving problems)
A Sustainable Path Forward
Continuing to work 80–100 hour weeks might lead to growth for Boostcous and KnoCommerce, but it will come at the expense of my own well-being. That's a trade I'm no longer willing to make.
2025 taught me invaluable lessons. The wins demonstrated what's achievable, while the pain highlighted what's unsustainable. In 2026, I'll maintain the same ambition, the same companies, and the same challenges, but with a renewed commitment to balance – tackling problems with a more sustainable and holistic approach.