These 5 habits quietly saved my life. Save it.
Today I wanna journal about these 5 habits that quietly saved my life. I’ve been practicing this since I was in my early 20’s and now I’m transitioning into my late 30’s. Time really, really flies.
#1 : You become the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.
When I was in my early 20’s, I have read about this and it stuck me ever since. Girls being girls, I used to think girlfriend bonding time would be catching up.. gossiping.. doing all the “fun” things.
I started to dig deep that yes, while they are dear and close, we’re all figuring life on the same footing. We don’t know what we don’t know.
I started to seek other friends who are way older than me, who have walked life a decade faster than me and generally, people who have been through life and are successful. These are positive traits that can lead and guide you to the right direction and it gave me the inspiration to do better.
Success is measured in many ways, it can be something to me but another to you. Choose people that blend and align with your vision of who you want to become.
Because of them, I felt that I moved faster than I would have and eventually reach the point that I’m happy to be at. Without them, I don’t think I would be where I am today.
#2 : There is nothing too urgent. All problems can be solved.
While its normal to be busy and rushing everywhere.. clearing work.. these days I’ve learnt to take my time. There is nothing too urgent than my own health and mental state. Stress is essential, it exists. Its never to eliminate it.
All problems can be solved. This is what I think — if one lacks of money, rebuild your life. If one lacks of happiness, ask yourself what makes you happy. Doing a little a day at a time is better than rushing into perfection.
#3 : Comparison steals joy
I know I will never be the smartest nor the prettiest in the room. Neither will I always be smart-er or pretti-er than someone else. Even if I was, I can be overtaken if I stopped growing. So the focus is to keep growing and doing better in my own terms.
If someone was smarter or prettier, I would want to be their friend. They would share tips on how they got to where they are and how I can also practice certain habits that they have to help me to become more successful and driven.
#4 : Learn to say “no”
Personal boundaries are important. When I don’t feel like doing something even when the crowd is doing it, I am entitled to feel the way I do. I seldom suffer from FOMO. Sometimes, some friends require us to bend our backs. We’re afraid of being judged and want to be in everyone’s good shoes but at the end of the day, this could be at your expense. Are you happy? Are you going to be okay? If the answer is no, perhaps the right thing is to say no. I always feel the right friends will understand and they will stay. If they choose to defriend me, then I guess.. its just not it. Accept it and move on.
#5 : Opportunities come from people, not job ads
People help people. This is what I think and believe. Its true not everyone will choose to jump in to help. But have you asked? Have you tried finding your value? Opportunities come from people you know. As the saying goes, your network is your net-worth. Its not about making use of people or milking someone, value is a shared proposition between 2. There is no one perfect person that can do all. The greatest idea can come from someone, the execution may need many great heads together.
Stay curious. Wanting to always learn will help you to move up the ladder. Most importantly, positivity is the most crucial factor.
Of course I have hard days.. hard moments.. hard times. But its always about picking myself up again and again & life is always full of surprises. 🙂
Save this if it serves you well as a daily reminder!
From my personal experience adopting these five habits, I've found they offer not only guidance but a transformative approach to everyday life challenges. Firstly, surrounding yourself with the right people truly shapes your growth. Early in my career, I was often stuck with peers who shared similar perspectives, which limited my vision. Once I began seeking mentors and friends who had diverse and richer life experiences, my mindset expanded exponentially. Their advice and outlook helped me anticipate challenges and opportunities differently. Regarding urgency and stress, shifting my mindset to see problems as solvable rather than urgent emergencies greatly reduced anxiety. Instead of rushing through tasks, I learned to prioritize my health and mental well-being. This gradual, steady approach helped me build resilience and confidence in managing setbacks. The habit of avoiding comparison has been liberating. Social media often fuels a relentless cycle of measuring myself against others, leading to discontent. Focusing on personal growth and celebrating others' strengths as inspiration rather than competition fosters a healthier self-view. Learning to say "no" was initially difficult but incredibly freeing. Setting boundaries protects energy and priorities. I've noticed that genuine friends respect these boundaries, and it improved my relationships by creating honest connections. Finally, networking has opened doors I never imagined. I realized opportunities rarely come from job ads alone; instead, they arise from cultivated relationships. Sharing value and being curious about others' journeys built a supportive network that propelled my career. Incorporating these habits isn’t a quick fix but an ongoing practice. On tough days, returning to these principles helped me reset and keep moving forward. Embracing patience, positivity, and a growth mindset has truly enriched my life journey.
