Go-Live or Go-Live Live?

The Go-Live Surprise: When “Go-Live” Isn’t Actually “Go-Live”

Over the course of the past year, I’ve run into an interesting and somewhat amusing—though admittedly frustrating—situation that I feel is worth sharing.

While working with another partner company, we had an ongoing discussion about the go-live date for a project. After months of planning and conversations, that day came and went, and I was left scratching my head. It turns out that their version of “go-live” was something I’d never encountered before: an internal “go-live live” moment. For them, go-live meant it was live within their system, but not necessarily for the client or the public. I was stunned.

We had thought we were on the same page the whole time, but this additional step they had internally wasn’t clear to me at all. Suddenly, I realized that “go-live” could mean entirely different things depending on who you’re talking to, and it wasn’t just me who had misunderstood the meaning.

A Similar Situation, Same Year: The Development Team’s “Go-Live”

Fast forward a few months, and I’m working with my own development team, preparing for another “go-live” date. The day arrives, and I’m finally handed the credentials, URL, and all the access I need. I’m ready to go live! But… no, not quite. It turns out that despite being handed everything, the site wasn’t truly live just yet. It was “live,” but not “live live.”

Wait a minute. Did the world just decide to add a “live” in front of “go-live” for fun? Twice in one year, with two different teams, I ran into this situation. And that’s when it hit me: Was I the only one who didn’t get the memo? This whole idea of a “live” and “live live” moment seems to have become the new standard, and honestly, I’m a bit behind the curve.

Clarifying Expectations is a Must

I have to admit, this whole experience was a wake-up call for me. It seems like the idea of go-live has changed, and I now have to ask—do I need to clarify this every time? With every team I work with? The short answer: probably yes.

In fact, I’m beginning to think that any project I start from here on out needs a very specific discussion around what “go-live” actually means for the client, the team, and everyone involved. Setting clear expectations about when the project is truly live and when it’s “live live” can save a lot of confusion and avoid surprises.

Thanksgiving, Arizona, & 2025

That headline either grabs your attention—or doesn’t.

I spent a full week in Arizona for Thanksgiving, and I had no idea how much I needed it until I got back. The hiking, the people (especially the ones I met on the trails), and the weather—absolutely amazing. Arizona never fails to impress, except maybe in the summer. Every time I visit, I find myself thinking, “Once the kids are out of the house, maybe I should move back.” If only it weren’t such a driving town! I’ve been daydreaming about a more walkable community, that is the only problem.

Thanksgiving, But Make It Untraditional

This year, we ditched the turkey. The kids aren’t big fans, so we shook things up with steaks instead. Throw in a long hike and a dip in the pool, and you’ve got a Thanksgiving that’s hard to beat. This is why people flock to Arizona. The weather alone is enough to sell you on the lifestyle—at least when it’s not 118 degrees outside.

Family time was good, too, but this trip also felt like a bit of a turning point. I have a feeling I’ll be making more visits in the coming year, either for the opportunities I’m exploring or to spend more time with my mom. She’s doing well for now, but we’re at that phase where more care and attention are starting to feel necessary. It’s one of those life transitions no one really prepares you for, even though it’s something we all eventually face.

Eyes on 2025

The planning has begun, and honestly, I think the momentum I’ve been building over the last couple of years is about to pay off in a big way.

Here’s the breakdown: I hit 7 out of 10 goals this year, which is a step up from the 5 out of 10 I managed in 2023. If I stay on track—and maybe push a little harder—I’m aiming for a solid 9 or even 10 for 10 next year. I’ll share more about my goal-setting process and what I’m working toward soon.

Right now, though, I’m just feeling really clear-headed. This trip to Arizona was one of those experiences where you don’t realize how much you needed it until you’re back in the thick of things. A week later, I’m knocking out work with a mindset that feels sharper than it has in at least a month.

Here’s to Arizona, Thanksgiving, and everything 2025 has in store.

Montana

Last summer was all about Colorado. Actually, I should say 2023/2024 was a couple of years of Colorado—plenty of skiing, hiking, camping, and even a bit of backpacking thrown in. It’s been amazing, but now it’s time for the next adventure: Montana.

Here’s the crazy part—I’ve never been to Montana. From what I’ve heard, it sounds like a dream: all the outdoor vibes of Colorado but with fewer crowds and even more wide-open spaces. So why doesn’t anyone talk about it unless I bring it up first? Are Montanans just trying to keep their state a secret, or is it missing something that Colorado has—maybe that mountain-town mindset?

Either way, I’m ready to find out for myself. If you’ve been, let me know where I should go.

No Excuse

interesting post from @wtfudad on the first hour of the day. Tried the timeblocking this year and it has helped a lot, but going into 2025, I might have to try this. That first hour seems to really set the tone of the day .

The rules if I understand it correctly:
The “No Excuse Hour” is the first hour of my day.
No distractions.
It’s one hour of pure focus on the things that have to get done.
No emails, no scrolling, no chatting. It’s just me vs. my top priority. Why?
Because the rest of the day will throw distractions your way.
Get the important stuff done first.