My Struggles with Isolation: Why Networking is My North Star for 2026?

During my year-end analysis, I realized a huge gap lurking in my life. 

For some reason, I hadn’t addressed it. 

It wasn't a big deal—I could grow and succeed without paying it any attention.

But, like the book title What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There, I realized I must fix this gap. otherwise I will be stuck,

That gap is- the lack of a strong network.

I am good with people, and I enjoy being around them. 

But I refused to socialize "unnecessarily."

Unless we were making magic and getting work done, or unless we were on the same wavelength, I wouldn't engage.

and if I engaged, I would withdraw as soon as the work was done.

I developed standards for my time, and as a result, I unintentionally filtered everyone out—neighbors, colleagues, and potential friends.

My personality shifted to "business only."

• In my running club: I would run, chit-chat briefly, and leave.

• At the gym: Headphones on, finish the workout, leave.

• At conferences: I arrived with clear agendas, hated letting random interactions play out. I would get bored quickly.

It has been like this for years. 

When I reflect on the early years of my career, I was social, but I wouldn't spend time with people just for the sake of it. 

It was about respecting my time and engaging so, I could learn or have fun.

Moving to the States hardened this trait.

It helped me succeed tremendously. For a long time.

Books and high-performing individuals became my mentors. 

I learned from them. The Solitary pursuit moved me in the right direction.

Even recently, this has been my default.

But, this isolation eventually began to hurt. 

In my past role, where I was leading the company's growth, it got too lonely.

I had no relationships where I could bounce ideas, share the issues I was facing, or just go grab a drink to decompress.

I discovered I was doing everything alone—training for a marathon, learning music, writing for LinkedIn, creating YouTube videos, and editing. Everything by myself, from my basement.

Looking back across the last few years, I see this was a huge handicap developing.

Being comfortable with yourself is a superpower.

Many people lack the ability to sit with their own thoughts. 

But I have drifted onto an isolated island where no one knows I am here. 

That is borderline harmful.

I realized that in all spheres of life, I need company.

So, my North Star goal for 2026 is to fix this. 

To become a network magnet in my area and activate a strong community.

Here is what I am doing to open myself up to opportunities:

1. Connect locally: Reach out to folks in Naperville on LinkedIn. Offer to meet over coffee.

2. Don't just work—network: Staying in the basement is no longer an option. I need to get out of the house and work from libraries or coffee shops where people actually are.

3. Fix the body language: When working remotely, I need to stop walling myself off with headphones and closed-off posture. I want to be open to meeting people—smiling, saying hello, and signaling that it is okay to talk to me.

4. Give first: Offer to help or do something for others without any agenda and without expecting anything in return.

So far, so good.

Since starting this shift, five days ago, I have worked outside the home several times. 

I have exchanged messages with several people I hadn't touched base with in a long time. 

I’ve even had coffee meetings with a couple of folks right here in Naperville.

The book Never Eat Alone has played a big role in this realization. 

As Keith Ferrazzi says, "Don't build a network when you need it."

I am building an enormous network in 2026 to create a massive breakthrough.

If you read this, and it resonates with you, I would like to hear it from you. 

Comment below, and tell me if you have felt this way too. 

If so, did you overcome it? how? 

If not, do you want to join me in overcoming it?

-Saurabh