Insights from my journey

Sunsets at Red Rocks

Now that I am in my 30s and having met thousands of people, lived in multiple cities and countries, and experienced various stages of life (and continuing to do so), I can't help but reflect on how few things in life are truly important (non-negotiable). I would love to share this with someone as confused as I was in my early 20s, to help guide them. 

1. Importance of workouts and physical fitness: This is THE most important thing in life. I think, everything else—money, power, fame, love, etc. (not in order)—comes after this. Unless you have good health and follow a sustainable fitness regime, not just to lose a few kilos now and then, but to incorporate it into your everyday lifestyle as a permanent habit, you can't enjoy other aspects of life fully. What you do in your early 20s and 30s will have a direct impact on your later life. I remember how my professor once told me that taking care of his health in his early years by playing tennis, hiking, flossing his teeth, and so on has allowed him to live a comfortable life in his 80s, unlike many of his peers. Also, drink water. 
2.  Freedom to explore your life in the early years: I've seen that parents who imposed strictness on their kids during their formative years often led those kids to explore freedom in not-so-good ways when they finally got the opportunity. It's like if you restrict yourself from doing something for a long time, you might do it in the worst possible way if given the chance. For example, I remember when I used to diet and avoid eating a piece of cake or cookie, I would often fail miserably and end up eating a whole box at 1 a.m., then cry and blame my friend who left their snack box at my home by mistake. So, do not restrict your kids too much. Some form of restriction should be there, though. 
3. Go out, travel, and meet/interact with people: This is another important aspect of life that nobody talks about enough. I have had the privilege of being a military brat, so traveling and moving were part of my life. But I can't emphasize enough its importance in the real world. I have lived on totally opposite sides of the hemispheres alone, but I did a pretty decent job of surviving it with pride. I think this came from my experience of changing schools every 2 years and living in different states of India with varying languages and cultural backgrounds. This really helped me adjust myself in different groups and enhanced my tolerance. It taught me that it is normal and that you have to get through it. 
4. Pursuing continuous learning and growth: Never stop learning. Whether through formal education, reading, or acquiring new skills, continuous learning keeps you intellectually engaged and opens up new opportunities when you expect it the least. 
5. Financial literacy and planning: Understanding money management and planning for the future is so essential. In my early years, I didn't pay much attention to saving or investing, but as I grew older, I realized the importance of financial stability and freedom that comes after. Learning about budgeting, investing, and saving has given me a sense of security and freedom to make life choices without financial stress. It has also taught me the essesnce of responsibility. As a youngest kid in the family, I was the last person to be considered responsible (becuase of my track records) but now I take pride in telling people that atleast few people in my life (my family, of course) have started taking me seriously and consider me responsible. 😊
6. Follow this when joining a new workplace: When you join a new workplace, be proactive. Arrive early and make it a habit, as your initial actions can set lasting patterns. Participate in activities and meetings, ask questions, and never shy away from voicing your opinions. Taking these steps will help you integrate quickly and make a positive impression. Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to new opportunities and learning experiences. Volunteer for challenging projects, propose innovative ideas, and don't be afraid to suggest changes that could improve processes. I believe what you do in the first six months sets a lasting impression about you as a person and colleague in people's minds. If you cut slack after six months, it won't change anything. However, if you are clumsy and boring at the start, no matter how hard you try to change people's perception of you after six months, it will never change.
7. Take risks: I am a huge supporter of taking risks (with some caveats of course)*. It's like stepping onto a new path without knowing exactly where it leads. It's exciting and a bit scary, but it's how we grow and achieve amazing things. Before making important risky decisions, my mantra in life is to first calm myself down by thinking, 'Hey, what's the worst thing that can happen?' I imagine the worst-case scenario and weigh it against the fact that I would still be alive and have my job/family. I believe that if you've already considered the worst-case scenario of your risk decision, you'll be at ease with accepting the outcome afterward. At least, that approach has worked out for me. (* you should always have a plan B and don't get too risky, you know. Always take calculated risks).