UBA075 - Compression

2024 The Year That Blurred and Spun

2024 was one of those years. The kind where it felt like time was a spy, quietly collecting random bits of my life, compressing them into a vague, pixelated memory. Sure, there were a couple of standout months—moments that managed to resist the chaos—but for the most part, it’s been relentless, year of challenges.

Russell and I were talking earlier this year about JPEG compression, and it struck me how much life operates the same way. JPEGs strip out repetitive tones and patterns to save space, leaving behind only the essentials. When life gets repetitive—emails, meetings, the daily grind—those days get compressed in hindsight. They blend together, becoming indistinct and forgettable.

And now, with tools and AI systems making work faster and more seamless, it’s easier than ever for time to slip away unnoticed. Efficiency is great—don’t get me wrong—but it comes with a risk. The faster we work, the quicker the days seem to disappear. The trick, I’ve realised, is to flip that. To use the time we save not for more work, but to create space for uncompressed moments—the kind that add texture, colour, and meaning to life.

This year, I’ve had moments like that. They didn’t come from chilling on the sofa or endlessly scrolling Netflix. They came from stepping into something unexpected: a challenging project, a great conversation, or just slowing down long enough to notice the world around me. Those are the moments that broke the routine and left a mark.

As 2025 approaches, I want more of that. Less grind, less blur, and more spice. More time spent doing the things that stick—exploring, creating, connecting with people. I’m determined to be kinder to myself, to let go of the constant rush, and to give myself the space to live fully.

2024 might have been one of those years, but I’m ready to make 2025 something different. A year of uncompressed memories, of moments that stand out in vivid detail. A year that doesn’t just pass by, but lingers.

Here’s to a better, kinder, and more intentional year ahead. Let’s make it one to remember.

Written by Mark