8 Things I Stopped Doing in 2023 (Why & How)

Every Saturday I share a story about my life in a way that you can hopefully relate to. I believe we are all here to share our journey, both the highs and the lows, as this is how we collectively raise the consciousness of the planet. If anything resonates with you, please share! ?? This one is a letter I sent to my email list at the end of 2022, enjoy!

Stop what you're doing.

Is that possible?

Can you pause, take a deep inhale and slooooooowwwww down?

As simple as this sounds, this has been something that has been a challenge for me throughout my life.

I'm always looking for the next thing. The next shiny object. For years, I've had this fear that if I don't stop moving, I'll somehow ‘miss out' on an opportunity.

As I've matured over the years, and continue on my journey of self-improvement, I've found it important to take a really long hard look at those things that haven't served me well so I can begin to disrupt those patterns.

This is a lifelong process, don't let anyone tell you any differently.

Given the timing of this newsletter, it seems fitting that the last one I wrote in 2022 would fall on the last day of the year.

As I look back at 2022, I'm grateful for all the lessons learned, all the opportunities for growth I've experienced, the new friends made, the partnerships strengthened and especially the self-awareness that's becoming more present for me day by day.

For so much of my adult life, I've felt like I was fumbling around in the dark. Vaguely aware that I wasn't happy with the course of my life but at a loss for what to do next.

The challenge for most people is that they will live the majority of their lives in that groove, unaware that they are actually in control of their own destiny. Unaware of the power of true agency over your life.

In the past, my partner has asked me about my life goals and to be honest, it's a question I've had trouble answering for many years. Maybe it's scarcity-related or frustration at not having the language to describe my ‘vision'.

It's always seemed like one of those airy-fairy terms that people and companies talk about that eventually don't change anything or anybody—words without action.

The last thing I want is to be known as the person who just talks about getting shit done, but at the end of the day, didn't accomplish much.

Even writing that last sentence made me cringe.

I posted this week a list of things I want to stop doing next year and thought it would would be helpful to share them with you in this week's letter:

Thinking short-termNot planning my day/week/monthsNot saving enoughNot being present in conversationsShiny object syndromeLiving from a scarcity mindsetDoing it all myselfWaiting for the perfect moment

You'll find some commonalities as you work your way through this list.?Let's dive into a few thoughts on each below.

Thinking Short-Term

This thought really gave me pause when I read it a few weeks ago:

For so much of my life, all I could think about was what I needed to get done this week, or how I make it through this month. And while I don't have all the pieces figured out, I now have the intention to begin thinking more long term.

As such, the idea of a 10-year plan, while still challenging, is not inconceivable any more.

Not Planning My Days/Weeks/Months

A few years ago, I started planning my weeks by boxing out time on Google Calendar for everything I had planned or scheduled.

There's something that happens when I come across an empty space on my calendar. My brain gets unusually excited and into ‘wander' mode.

As I mentioned in?last week's letter , for someone with ADHD tendencies that's not really a good thing. It's sorta like Peter, when he discovers the Beyond section in Bed, Bath & Beyond LOL.

Not Saving Enough

This one is pretty self-explanatory. I've always had a challenging relationship with money and some of it I recognize is related to my scarcity mindset.

I vow to recognize those tendencies in myself and make a conscious effort to include saving as part of my long-term planning strategy.

Not Being Present in Conversations

Again, related to last week's letter, this one is ongoing. The key is recognizing my previous patterns when it comes to being present.

Since I know that I have an overactive mind, I need to work a bit harder than others to ensure the people I'm connecting with feel like they are being seen and are being appreciated. A book I read this year that was helpful in understanding this better was?The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate .

Shiny Object Syndrome

This feels like something I've been doing for decades. Looking for the new thing, the new project, etc. At some point it's not sustainable.

Instead, I'm doubling down on the projects and relationships already in motion and going deeper. That feels like a much better use of my time.

Living from a Scarcity Mindset

This has been a tough one, and almost feels like something I've carried and held on to from previous generations. Creating from an Abundance mindset is not easy, especially during challenging moments, and it is a daily practice for me.

Doing It All Myself

There is something inherent in me that makes it hard for me to ask for help. It might be the OCD tendencies or the perfectionism, but either way, I can recognize how this has held me back.

I'm becoming more comfortable with the knowing that the Universe will put the right people in my path at the right time to help me accomplish my vision.

Waiting For the Perfect Moment

As I was thinking of what to write for this weeks letter, I cycled through a variety of topics before catching myself. I was trying to write the perfect end-of-year letter.

There isn't one.

I talk a lot about this idea of taking imperfect action. Some of it will take the form of a random 11pm tweet, or cobbling together a newsletter from a series of thoughts that have come up for you during the week.

There will never be a perfect moment.

If you continue waiting for the ‘perfect time', take it from me; it will be that belief that will continue to hold you back from achieving the greatness that is your birthright.

What imperfect action will you take in 2023?

Reply and let me know. I can't wait to hear from you.

To all of those who have replied to these letters or commented on social, I see you. And I thank you, from the bottom of my heart for keeping me motivated.

Wishing you and your loved ones an abundant 2023!

?? with gratitude,

Harry

What I Created This Year

In a bit of a change from what I normally post here, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the year and celebrate some wins!

Published 24 episodes of?Podcast Junkies ?and 32 episodes of the?Vertical Farming Podcast Attended 3 indoor farming conferences, Indoor AgCon, Indoor AgTech NYC and AgraMEPublished 13 straight weeks of the newsletter in this new ‘Letters' format and the feedback has been inspiring.With my?FullCast ?team, we launched 4 new shows this year and published and marketed 325 episodes for our clients.Spoke on stage at Podcast Movement (LA, Dallas), PodFest and AgraME (Dubai)Launched?The Podosphere ?with my Co-Founder Brad Nolan.Renewed my focus on my writing and my presence on Twitter and committed to posting 2-3x dailyI've renewed my lifelong passion for house music and played several parties this year. I also published?3 new DJ sets ?this year. Definitely more to come in the new year as I've signed up for an electronic music production course which I'm wildly excited about!

?? P.S. When You're Ready…

Here are a few of ways I can help…

???Download?a free copy of my?Conscious Voice Expansion Plan . The most powerful way to transmit and elevate your voice is with a podcast. This plan will outline for you the pillars of success needed prior to the launch of your show!

???Watch?my free video,?5 Key Pillars of a Profitable Podcast ?that every business owner needs to know prior to launching their show.

????Subscribe?to?Podcast Junkies ?+?Vertical Farming Podcast ?to hear inspiring stories guaranteed to make you a better host.