My personal rants during pandemic

The word ‘pandemic’ comes from “pan-”, “all” + “demos- ,” “people” . I hope I witness another one that infects the entire humanity with humour and joy. Wonder where can this ‘huma-vi-rous’ come from 🤔

In 2010, I packed my bags, left my parents’ home, and headed to Bangalore to study design — little did I know it would shape not just my career, but my whole outlook on life. Ten years ago felt like the start of something big, and here I am in 2020, feeling the same vibes. This time though, I’m graduating as the user, designer, researcher, and manager of… myself.

This year has been a roller coaster of emotions. On one hand, I found comfort in the clean air, the ease of working in pyjamas, and the occasional Netflix binge. On the other, I struggled with anxiety over my family’s safety, missed the closeness of friends, and longed for my routine at the gym. However, one of my key takeaways from this year has been a deeper awareness of how we communicate at work, including the subtle nuances of using different emojis to convey emotions in a digital space.

👩‍🏫 2020 update

Late last year, I reached a point, where I did not know how to advance to the next level in my career. I was looking for guidance and so I joined WoMentorship 9–5 program early this year, hoping to unlock opportunities and learn more of my natural interests. I thoroughly enjoyed the program, met many talented women and men and developed a deeper self awareness. Later I joined a life skills training program, which I had always wanted to for many years now. Thanks to my remote first company, Obvious, I was not only able to make time for it, but also apply it at many work situations.

The conversations between Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger in this book opened my eyes to a powerful truth: avoiding fatal mistakes and embracing simplicity, consistently, can be more than enough for a successful career. Instead of chasing brilliance with every decision, I now focus on simply avoiding bad ones. As I head into 2021, I’m excited to keep growing in these areas and see where this mindset takes me.

1. First principles approach to problem solving

Reasoning by first principles is a superpower in today’s world, and yes, Aristotle and Elon Musk have nailed it. I get the philosophy, but let’s be real — constraints like time, budget, proven formulas, risk aversion, and even gut instincts can sometimes block us from challenging the basics. Still, with enough practice, I’m confident it’ll become second nature to me.

2. Making conscious choices

Billions of years ago, some cosmic event decided we’d have 24 hours in a day — thanks for that! Growing up, time was always a big deal. Whether it was rushing through school exams or, more awkwardly, being the first to show up at every family function (way before the hosts were ready), I found it pretty embarrassing!

As my aspirations grow, I recognize that true progress comes from mastering how I spend my time. My goal is to prioritize with intention, so I can focus on what truly matters and dive into deep, purposeful work that drives real impact every day.

3. Digital well being

The Social Dilemma highlights the impact of the digital age on mental health, and honestly, I’m no exception. Most mornings, I catch myself reaching for my phone before I even brush my teeth, often getting lost in the endless scroll.

As a professional in the tech world focused on designing habit-forming digital products, I often find myself caught in the web of distractions. Technology has certainly brought us closer — like chatting with my 65-year-old mom on WhatsApp — but sometimes, it feels like we’re a bit too close (no offense to WhatsApp 😉). This year, I’m embracing the necessity of a digital presence while also recognizing the importance of regulating my inputs and practicing digital minimalism.

After a decade of working with both big and small companies, I’ve come to a brilliant conclusion: everything is relative! The seller wants to charge more, the buyer wants to pay less, and you can bet that the Honda City owner is eyeing a Mercedes while the rickshaw driver dreams of owning a taxi. It’s a classic case of “someone gains, someone loses,” and sometimes the “loser” walks away feeling like a champ, while the perpetual winner sulks, wishing for even more glory. It’s all about our frame of reference, which is usually just a little voice in our heads. Since we all see the world through our own quirky lenses, is it really worth stressing over a bad day?

Think differently? Or Similarly? Let’s chat!

Write to me at pragati2506@gmail.com