Going back and backfilling is almost always a mistake.

Rarely is it worth the effort.

Capturing the past is a struggle against memory.
Recollection fades. You’re chasing a shadow.

And for what? Usually for a just-in-case. Usually for a low priority.

At least for me, that’s what it seems like. When I get an idea — like building an accounting system for myself — I immediately think: “Oh wow, I should backfill everything I’ve ever done into this system.”

Bad idea. Too expensive. Too time-consuming. Exhausting.

Unless there’s an actual need — a demand, a call to action — scouring your past probably isn’t worth it. It’s almost always better to just start now.

Want to capture memories in a collage? Start today. Take photos. Add them as you go.

If you have time and it energizes you, then sure, go back. That’s the key difference: energizing vs. draining.

Playing catch-up is like paying off debt. There’s always that extra weight, the sense of “ugh, I wish I didn’t have to do this.”

I don’t like to play catch-up.
I like to play move forward.