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Shaquille Niekerk
Shaquille Niekerk

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One small step for a Dev, one giant leap for 2025

This is a submission for the 2025 New Year Writing challenge: Compiling 2025.

As the new year begins, I’ve spent time reflecting on the previous years and creating this personal roadmap, of what I would do differently this year. This isn’t just a list of resolutions—it’s a vision of how I want to grow, contribute, and thrive in the year ahead. Sharing this publicly is a way to hold myself accountable and, hopefully, inspire others to chart their own paths.

The Vision

Career Growth

I’m laser-focused on leveling up as a Dev.

Skill Mastery: Sharpening the Tools I Have
Over time, I’ve realized that the tools I use every day have become so familiar and I’ve only scratched the surface of their potential. I’ve leaned on the basics and limited features, never taking the time to truly explore their depths.

In 2025, I want to shift my approach. Instead of chasing shiny new tools and spreading myself thin, I’m committed to sharpening the tools I already have. Mastery lies not in how many tools you possess but in how effectively you use them. By diving deeper into these core tools, I aim to refine my skill set, work smarter, and build a stronger foundation for everything I create.

Fewer blunt tools, more precision and expertise.

My Role as a Dev: Rediscovering Passion in the Code
We all have a job to survive, but I consider myself one of the lucky ones who has turned their passion into a career. That was, until the lines between passion and job started to blur. When I first became a developer, writing code felt like an exciting adventure—a way to create and innovate. But over time, it became more about getting the job done and less about the joy of solving problems and building things.

I started to write code just to finish the task at hand, moving quickly from one piece of work to the next, always focused on meeting deadlines and ticking off boxes. But here’s the thing I’ve learned: no matter how fast I finish one task, there’s always another one waiting. The work never ends, and that’s part of the job. I realized that the pace I was setting, while efficient, was taking the spark out of my work.

This year, I want to reignite that passion. My goal isn’t just to climb the career ladder or tick off tasks but to rediscover the joy in what I do. I want to take a step back, approach my work with curiosity, and explore what it truly means to be a developer. By diving deeper into the craft and understanding the intricacies of my role, I hope to rekindle my love for coding, regain my enthusiasm, and enjoy my work again—without the pressure of always rushing to the next task.

Of course, I know there will still be deadlines, but I want to find a balance where I can take my time to craft quality work and truly appreciate the process of creation.

It’s about enjoying the journey as much as reaching the destination.

Projects

I will complete a project.

Side Project: Finally getting one done
We’ve all had that dream of building our own app—a project that not only showcases our skills but also helps others in some small way. Whether it's a to-do list, a productivity tool, or something completely unique, there’s a certain satisfaction in creating something that people find useful. Over the years, I’ve had no shortage of ideas—ideas I believed could be helpful, no matter how small. But with these ideas came an overwhelming number of unfinished projects, each one left behind as I moved on to the next one.

In 2025, my goal is simple: pick my favorite unfinished project, focus on it, and bring it to life. I’m committed to following through this time and getting it to a point where others can use it. It’s not about creating something groundbreaking, nor do I expect it to have a massive impact. What matters is that I finish what I started and share it with the world, even if it’s just used by a handful of people.

Having something out there—used, appreciated, and tested by others—will be an incredible accomplishment. And for me, that’s enough. It’s the satisfaction of seeing an idea come to life and being a part of something real, however small it may be.

Discipline is key here.

Community Engagement

I will be a contributing member of society.

Join a community: Hello, world
For most of my journey in tech, I’ve been a lone learner—exploring, absorbing, and experimenting on my own. While I’ve spent countless hours immersed in the tech world, I’ve rarely shared my thoughts or engaged in meaningful conversations with others. I’ve been a spectator in many communities over the years, reading posts and comments but never contributing my own ideas or views.

In 2025, I want to change that. I’m eager to step beyond the sidelines and become an active participant. My goal is to engage in conversations, debate ideas, and share my insights on the topics that excite me. Of all the communities I’ve come across, this one speaks to me the most. It feels like the right space to grow, contribute, and learn alongside like-minded individuals. I’m looking forward to connecting, collaborating, and exchanging ideas with all of you.

Personal Growth

I will become the version of me I want to be.

Social Skills: Being more involved
Communication is vital in any aspect of life, and I aim to be more engaged and articulate in my interactions.
Physical Health: It's not all mental
The brain might be an essential muscle, but it’s not the only one that matters. This year, I’ll prioritize physical activity to maintain overall well-being.
Holistic Growth: Looking after yourself
I believe in keeping all pillars of life—mental, physical, social, and emotional—at a good standard. Growth in one area often supports growth in others.

Let’s Grow Together in 2025

As we embark on this journey of growth, passion, and progress in 2025, I’d love to hear from you. What are your goals for the year? What challenges are you tackling, and how do you plan to stay motivated along the way?

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