To A Better 2019
By: Jake Kahana
Tags: Self-awareness, Career Change, New Year

What’s an Email Refrigerator?

Ok ok ok. This isn’t just a regular email. So…What is it? Great question. Typically, the fridge is where you go to snack and find tasty things. Aaalllllso, on the outside, it’s where the best work and ideas get hung. So I’m here to feed you and digitally put a magnet on my best projects, insights, and ideas for you to see (I also just think that “newsletter” sounds like spam).

This coming year, I’m stepping up writing game and my first step is to share more. (Well, the first step is to write more.) And then I’m excited to share these with you because you’ve been someone whose opinion I trust and whose support I’ve relied on. If you have any thoughts, I’d love to hear them.

Ok here we go…

Illustration by Burnt Toast

2018 → 2019

I just wrapped up my 2018 annual review and 2019 plan. It’s a process I’ve been iterating on for the last decade and it’s helped me organize my life more intentionally. It’s not perfect, but it works for me. If you’re interested in my template or having me explain it, let me know.

Each year has a theme and a three word thesis.

A year ago, I set out to expand Caveday into a more profitable company, tried to meet more neighbors and be a local in our new home in Jersey City, get more recognition for my art, and start a family. So 2018’s Theme was “The Year of Cultivation” and my thesis was “Prepare for Growth.”

This coming year, I’m expecting more change. I’m exploring what it means to be a good father, changing the dynamics of my marriage now that our daughter Golda is here, deepen my sense of community, and map out a new career. That’s why I’ve called 2019’s theme “The Year of Redefining” and the thesis is “Captain my ship.” (More about this in the coming Email Refrigerator)

Life Reader 2018

For the fourth year in a row, I’ve compiled a life reader. What’s a life reader? Remember in college you’d have a course reader– compiled by your professor and xeroxed articles and readings and images? It’s similar to that. I curate the best art and articles that have influenced me this year, and then write a little introduction that outlines some of the themes and patterns that came up. I publish it as a tangible book for sale, and also share the PDF here for free.

This year, some of the more interesting themes include public perception vs internal realities, political fundamentalism vs resistance, hatred vs self love, grief vs acceptance, feeling stuck, changing identities, technology vs humanity, and the performances of life (“performing” friendship, marriage, being single, etc).

There are some great articles and amazing art in this year’s life reader.

Or check out past ones from 2017, 2016, and 2015.

Painting by Jarek Puczel

New Website / New Career Path

As I mentioned, one of the big themes for 2018 was feeling stuck and changing identities. After a lot of writing, thinking, talking and action, I’ve rewritten my career plan. The way I’m talking about my shift is that I am an artist and a teacher. I am pioneering the future of work, helping people thrive in a world of distractions by leading them in unlearning bad habits and replacing them with better ones.

Basically, my intention is to do more teaching, writing, speaking, and designing workshops. I’m going to be spending a lot of time growing Caveday, teaching with The School of Life and designing my own workshops. So I redesigned and rewrote my website and bio to reflect that change. Take a peek!

It’s uncomfortable to stop referring to myself as a designer or an advertising guy. I’m sure much of my income this year will come from that kind of work. But I’m working through the transition and setting my direction. I’ll be writing more and sharing about that redefinition and the things that helped me get unstuck.

Illustration by Rebecca Mock

Ok. Let’s Wrap It Up.

Thank you for being a part of my life and for being interested in reading what I have to say, and replying with your own thoughts. I’m looking forward to starting a conversation every time you’re looking for a little snack and head to the Email Refrigerator. I’ll keep it stocked for you.

With love and gratitude, here’s to sharing the best year ahead,

Jake