5 Habits I Broke in 2022 That Fundamentally Changed My Life

After 2 years of wearily putting up with CoViD-induced fright, this year felt like a refreshing break, notwithstanding work hassle and career anxiety that is almost interminable in the twenties. This time bordering the new year, typically is the season of reflection for many, and it's no different for me. My year has been busy and taxing, but most of all, fulfilling.

This was not my best year yet, but to call it just another year would be mightily unfair considering the slew of life lessons 2022 has taught me (no, really!). At the risk of sounding profound, I've decided to list 5 habits I broke this year that changed my life for the better. Read on to find them out!

1. Waiting too Much to Take Action

For as long as I remember, I have wanted things to always go right. Naturally, saying yes to opportunities or my own instincts, for that matter, involved a lot of research and analysis - often to the extent that excitement turned into skepticism. Don't blame me because part of it is inherited.

For a change this year, I've turned my hand to a bunch of opportunities that came my way and actively took action without putting things off for later. Did I say yes without thinking AT ALL? No. A healthy amount of gauging any situation is a must, but understanding where to stop is where the key lies. Were all the opportunities fruitful? Absolutely not. Most were, though. But I wouldn't trade the experience for anything else, especially the feeling of not giving in owing to my cynicism.

2. Not Comparing With Others

You know those people who staunchly advocate for notions and phrases that look like 'never compare yourself with others' and 'you are your own competition.' I was one of them. This year, I deliberately compared myself with people - people living the life I want, people successful in the niche I want to pursue, and people with healthy lifestyles - the kind I truly aim for. Did I feel jealous? A bit, yes. But comparing with them helped me up my game. What's more, it allowed me to understand what they did differently, what they invested their time into, and how they navigated through things to reach where they are. Comparison gave me a frame of reference.

So I'd put it this way - Compare but with the right people.

3. Doing Everything by Myself

Growing up without male siblings at home and having lived through a milieu of patriarchy and gender stereotypes, my overtones for 'strong, responsible, and independent' women have always been slightly distorted. For someone drenched in the 'I can do it all' attitude, getting help to me meant incapacity. This year, juggling various non-negotiables left me with no option but to seek help and simplify my everyday life wherever I could.

I've had a maid do my chores and turned to technology on the days I was too tired to cook, do laundry, or get out of bed for groceries. I welcomed help from friends and acquaintances to learn things that are important to my goals. This could seem insignificant to many of you reading, and I totally get that. But I've overworked myself so many times just not to be slammed as lazy, irresponsible, or incapable that it took some serious cajoling to accept help.

4. Shutting Down Conversations With New People

Of all the habits that I've listed here, this one demanded me to step out of my 'comfort zone' the most.

I'm NOT an introvert. Definitely not.

I just never saw a point in continuing, let alone initiating conversations with people I didn't know. My boundary has, at best, been stretched to friends of friends. That was it. Also, the fact that most of us have a transactional approach to conversations, especially with strangers, has a lot to do with this. I could never really see through the value of networking.

2022 has flipped this for me. I made meaningful connections on and off social media, sometimes with and most times without an agenda. I've helped out a couple of strangers, hopped onto multiple webinars and discussions, and even met a few online friends in person. Expanding network means more conversations, more sources to learn from, and oftentimes, more opportunities. As Porter Gale's book title says, 'Your network is your net worth.' This year weeded out the discomfort of networking for me, albeit with a great deal of initial resistance and apprehension.

5. Not Expressing Myself Explicitly

This one is pretty basic, or so it sounds. After every argument or upsetting conversation, I expressed that I was upset or angry. This saved me the energy and time that goes into hopelessly (or hopefully) expecting the other person to take the cues. I found doing this really freeing because the moment you let them know how you feel, the ball is no longer in your court. Meaning it's their call to take the next step. Expressing explicitly discards unwanted drama making conversations easier and relationships better.

That brings us to the end of the post (and the year :p). My year was equal parts boring and exciting. I'm glad I didn't just survive the year but lived it with the least regrets. I hope 2022 was kind to you.

Warm wishes for a happy new year ahead xx