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Starting Without a Perfect Plan

Richard Pascoe on January 31, 2026

On the last day of each month, I take a moment to pause and reflect. This post kicks off a monthly series where I look back at what went well, what...
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Pascal CESCATO

Great progress!

I can't wait to see what February brings.

Unfortunately, as usual, there are 28 days this month… What a chance that we are in 2026 and not 2024 or 2028!

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Richard Pascoe

Must admit that made me smile, Pascal. Well done, Sir!

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Bhavin Sheth

Love this reflection. Showing up consistently, even without a “perfect plan,” is exactly how real progress happens — your journey feels honest, relatable, and motivating.

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Richard Pascoe

Appreciate the feedback, Bhavin - as always. Makes staying motivated so much easier!

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Khadijah (Dana Ordalina)

nice

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shambhavi525-sudo

It sounds like January was an incredible foundation-building month for you. Completing that first FCC certification project is a massive win—congrats on the 'Trusted Member' status, it's well deserved. Keep up the great work!

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Richard Pascoe

Thank you, shambhavi - truly means a lot, more than mere text can convey!

Yes, the month certainly went better than I could have hoped! Look forward to continuing to follow your own progress too!

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Shitij Bhatnagar

A nice one, again :-)

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Richard Pascoe

Many thanks, Shitij - much appreciated!

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Khadijah (Dana Ordalina)

nice post

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Alvin

Basically am here to know how ppl like you are doing in there future , this is inspirational 😁

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Richard Pascoe

Thanks, Alvin, for such a lovely comment. Very much appreciated!

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Paras 🧙‍♂️

Nicee!! 👏👏👏

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Richard Pascoe

Cheers, Paras - means alot! I'm hoping that these monthly retrospectives will further help me stay consistent!

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zahra daoudaou

This an eye opening.
I will follow your path sir and start reflecting on my process each month.
Thank you for the lesson.

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Richard Pascoe

Hope you share such on DEV, zahra - would love to read it!

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Mahdi Al Hasan

Good plan

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👾 FrancisTRDev 👾

Late response. Semester started for me. My apologies. In any case, you have made a lot of progress in a short amount of time! This is rare to see someone accomplishment so much. Well done!

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Richard Pascoe

No worries, Francis - figured you were busy. Aye, I'm very much enjoying the latest version of the freeCodeCamp curriculum, and I think it shows!