10 Must Read Annual Reviews for Entrepreneurs

Many people write annual reviews. Each serves a different purpose, from high ambitions to cautionary tales. Here are 10 must-read annual reviews we want to share with you and help you wrap up learnings from this year:

1. Alexey Guzey, New Science

Alexey's lifehacks is a must-read for anyone who loves straightforward, practical advice. I found it on Patrick Collison's reading list and was hooked by how direct and easy it is to understand.

What's great about Alexey is how he mixes everyday life tips with smart work strategies. He gives simple yet powerful advice like "if you’re ever confused about what to do, just do the right thing" or "everything has an MVP & final version. MVP can usually be done in 10% of the time with a timer for 5-10-15 minutes & ensures you don’t get stuck. what’s the mvp of your current top goal?"

One of the best parts is how he uses the same approach for work and personal life. Simple advice like “close eyes when thinking” has helped me become more productive. Alexey often changes his mind and shares what we got wrong, which means you always get fresh, interesting ideas from him.

His writings help spark new thoughts. Starting with his simple lists is a great way to get into his stuff. If you're looking for useful tips to improve your life and work, Alexey's review is worth checking out.

2. Tiago Forte, Building A Second Brain

For those seeking personal and professional growth, especially in times of crisis or transformation, consider reading Tiago Forte’s annual review.

1. Reflective Journaling: Tiago reflected on his intrinsic motivations and used his desires to guide his decisions and future direction.

2. Identity Fluidity: Tiago emphasizes that identities are temporary. This perspective can be liberating, allowing individuals to evolve and adapt their identities as things change in life.

3. Open-Ended Questions: He concluded the review with his 12 favorite questions. Many serve as guiding principles for him to continue evolving.

Tiago’s review questions his current truths and explores new possibilities. This approach, underlined by self-compassion and a willingness to change, can be a powerful roadmap for reinvention and growth.

3. Nat Eliason, Infinite Play

Nat Eliason's life musings blend simplicity with hard-won lessons.

His realizations, such as "You do your best work when you're not working" and "If it looks sad, it needs water. A good rule for houseplants and humans." are poignant yet often overlooked in both work and life.

They're a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enrich their approach to work and distilling their life into everyday practice.

4. Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway

These shareholder letters reflect Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger’s key philosophy about business fundamentals and capital allocation.

They offer a unique blend of practical wisdom, historical insights, and a deep understanding of what matters most. It’s even better to read them together and compare year over year.

By integrating these insights into one's professional life, one can gain a deeper appreciation of business fundamentals and the nuances of capital management.

5. Howard Marks, Oaktree Capital

The memos from Oaktree Capital offer more than just investor updates; they provide a clear lens into the complex world of changing finance.

Each memo is a testament to thoughtful analysis, providing readers with a balanced perspective on current market trends and potential investment strategies.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or a budding financial enthusiast, these memos offer a unique opportunity to engage with top-tier financial thinking.

6. Jeff Bezos, Amazon

Many people say Jeff Bezos' annual letters are the best business writing because he strategically communicates where they are today and where they are heading.

These letters offer a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time. Each letter distills complex business concepts into simple terms.

"I believe we are the best place in the world to fail (we have plenty of practice!)." This quote reflects Amazon's culture of risk-taking and innovation, acknowledging that failure is inherent to experimenting and finding new ways to succeed.

These letters are not just about the story of Amazon; they are a blueprint for building a customer-centric, innovative, and forward-thinking business.

7. David Perell, Write of Passage

David Perell has built one of the largest writing courses online. His ambition of building a 'Y Combinator for Writers' perfectly combines his creative and entrepreneurial practice.

His annual review provides a blueprint for writing in public while growing a company. He honestly shares the hypotheses he tested, learnings from experiments, and his best creation of the year.

They serve as a roadmap for those looking to share their experiences, build an online audience, and become a friendly presence on the Internet. If you want to start writing online, you can get a lot of inspiration from reading David’s essays.

8. Dickie Bush, Full-Time Creator

For those who want to become a full-time creator and live your best life, Dickie Bush's annual review provides a comprehensive overview of what it’s like.

It delves into the real-world challenges and triumphs of creating content full-time. It also showcases a creator's journey with rich experiences in testing, building, and living a life driven by creativity.

There’s also an emphasis on mistakes and anti-accomplishments. Reading those lessons could save a lot of trial and error. This perspective is invaluable for anyone interested in the creator economy or aspiring to venture into full-time content creation.

9. Mary Meeker, Internet Trend

Mary Meeker's Internet Trends Report is a cornerstone in the tech industry, renowned for its in-depth analysis and foresight. Her reports have shaped understanding and predictions about internet and technology trends. These reports are well-researched narratives that weave together tech's past, present, and future.

For anyone deeply interested in technology trends and the future of the Internet, revisiting Mary Meeker's Internet Trends Report remains a valuable exercise. It's a resource that combines data-driven analysis with an understanding of market dynamics.

Even though no new issues have been published since 2019, re-reading past issues still provides a timeless tech insight.

10. James Clear, Atomic Habits

James Clear's annual review provides a fascinating look from his early Internet days to publishing the bestselling productivity book Atomic Habits.

These reviews include detailed statistics and a realistic roadmap of how consistent and strategic content creation can lead to significant growth over time.

If you are looking for inspiration on building a substantial online audience, his annual reviews provide a glimpse into what might work for you.

There are many amazing reviews worth reading each year. These 10 represent a diverse range of industries and perspectives, from productivity to finance to the creator economy. While they have different aims, they all provide valuable insights and lessons.

As we wrap up another year, I encourage you to seek out reviews like these. Find ones that challenge your thinking or expose you to new ideas. Use them as an opportunity for reflection and growth, both personally and professionally. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time. Let these reviews spark inspiration for setting better goals and bringing your best self into the new year ahead.