Habits I’m Unlearning as I Transition to My Late Twenties

Is turning 27 considered part of the late twenties club? If so, then I suppose it’s time to welcome myself with the fact that I am indeed maturing and growing wiser. Over the past decade, I’ve collected both good and bad habits—some worth keeping, others worth unlearning as I prepare for my thirties. And because habits take time to reshape, I want to start early, so that the future version of me can live with more ease and intention.

1. Perfectionism

Perfectionism is a double-edged sword, and I’ve been bleeding from it for years. It pushes me to excel, but it also drains me when nothing ever feels “good enough.” I remember being 13, idealistic and obsessive about every detail. Back then, it felt like discipline; now, I see how it robs me of joy and spontaneity. I’m learning that progress matters more than perfection, and that “done” is often better than “flawless.”

2. Procrastination

Procrastination has been my silent companion—sometimes disguised as “waiting for the right moment.” But the truth is, waiting often means missing opportunities. I’m unlearning the habit of delaying tasks until urgency forces me into action. Instead, I’m practicing small, consistent steps, reminding myself that momentum builds confidence.

3. Impulsive Spending

Though I save diligently, indulgence often sneaks in. A coffee here, a gadget there, a “reward” for surviving the week. I’m unlearning the idea that comfort always needs to be purchased. Joy can be found in simple rituals like sunset walks, cooking at home, or reading by a lamplight, without swiping a card.

4. Thinking I’m Running Out of Time

I am not running out of time. That anxious voice comes from comparison, doom scrolling, and the illusion that milestones must happen by a certain age. Last year, I replaced endless scrolling with audiobooks while doing chores, and it reminded me: growth doesn’t follow a stopwatch. Life unfolds in seasons, and mine is just beginning and that I have a LOT of time to do my bucket list.

5. Neglecting Rest

For years, I equated productivity with worth. Rest felt like laziness, something to earn only after exhaustion. i can't even sleep peacefully because all I think about was work, school, and my thesis. But I’m unlearning that mindset. Rest is not a reward, it’s a necessity. It’s the pause that makes the music, the silence that allows ideas to bloom. My late twenties are teaching me that slowing down is not falling behind.

6. Overcommitting

I used to say “yes” to everything: projects, favors, invitations, thinking it made me dependable. But overcommitting only left me drained and resentful. I’m unlearning the idea that my worth is tied to how much I can carry. Boundaries are not selfish; they’re a form of self-respect.

7. Comparing My Journey to Others

Scrolling through social media often made me feel behind, as if everyone else had life figured out. But comparison is a thief of joy. I’m unlearning the habit of measuring my path against someone else’s highlight reel. My timeline is mine alone, and it deserves to be honored without judgment.

8. Equating Busyness with Productivity

For years, I thought being busy meant being successful. But busyness is often just noise. I’m unlearning the glorification of hustle culture and choosing to value meaningful work over endless tasks. Productivity isn’t about how much I do—it’s about how aligned my actions are with my values.

9. Being Chronically Online

Spending too much time online has shaped the way I think, compare, and even measure my worth. Doom scrolling, endless feeds, and constant notifications made me feel like I was always behind, or missing out. I’m unlearning the habit of living through a screen and reminding myself that real life happens offline, through conversations, routines, and quiet moments that don’t need to be posted. Being present matters more than being updated. I still enjoy posting on Instagram and TikTok, but I’m learning to set limits so I don’t waste hours scrolling or overstimulate myself.

10. Ignoring My Body’s Signals

Late nights and skipping meals, my twenties often ran on borrowed energy. I’m unlearning the habit of dismissing my body’s needs. Rest, nourishment, and movement aren’t luxuries; they’re foundations. Listening to my body is listening to myself.

Unlearning these habits isn’t easy, but it feels necessary. My late twenties are not about rushing to meet arbitrary milestones, they’re about creating space for healthier patterns, intentional choices, and a kinder relationship with myself.

E.