It can be tough to stick to a new year’s resolution, especially if you’re not truly committed to it. 80% of resolutions fail by February, likely because we’re too hard on ourselves. Previously, I’ve shared 10 Things You Should Do This Year, today I’m putting a new spin on things by sharing my suggestions for what to STOP doing this year.
What I love about these 5 Things is that they don’t require a huge investment or supplies. These 5 Things to Stop Doing This Year simply require your focus. Focus on these bad habits that you’ve created for yourself and focus on the desire to improve. These habits are holding you back from living your best life – from BEING your best SELF.
1| STOP ignoring your health. We’re all given one body, and if we’re lucky it comes with all the parts it needs to run smoothly. Your momma was right – eat your veggies. Have an apple for a snack, every day. Drink half of your weight in ounces of water, every day.
2| STOP living in the past. The beautiful thing about life is all of our experiences – the good AND the bad – make us who we are today. Any changes to that past change how we view things today. Learn from your experiences, but stop dwelling on the past. The future is in front of you, go get it!
3| STOP being busy. Do you find yourself constantly telling others that you’re “too busy” or “don’t have time to XYZ right now”? That may not be entirely true. Are you using your time wisely – or are you binge watching Netflix and wondering why you’re business isn’t growing? Grab a piece of paper, a favorite planner, the notes app on your phone and keep track of EVERYTHING you’re doing over the course of a week. You’ll be surprised how busy you’re not.
4| STOP living beyond your means. January is when all those credit card statements start pouring into mailboxes around the country. And many people have spender’s remorse for how generous they were with holiday gifts. Break this bad habit and establish a budget that works for your family. After looking at your credit card statement, you know that you spent $500 on Christmas gifts – so open a savings account and deposit $50 per month February – November so that you can pay cash for your gifts. Check out these simple budgeting tips for families, they work for us!
5| STOP comparing yourself to others. This is HUGE – and why I saved it for last. Your journey is no one else’s. Remember, what you see on social media is carefully curated. No one has it all together. No one. Once I stopped comparing my life to everyone else’s, I was able to appreciate what I have even more. It’s so easy to take a glimpse into someone else’s life and feel envious, but know that success takes hard work. When you see someone “all of a sudden” become successful, what you don’t see are the sleepless nights, the sandwiches for dinner, and the tears that were shed.
I want for you to take a hard look at the choices you made last year. Were these choices in your best interest? Probably not all of them. There were a lot of “guilty yeses” – hey bake sale, I’m looking at you! Make this year the year that you CHOOSE YOURSELF over others WITHOUT GUILT. STOP saying yes to things that don’t bring you immediate joy or help you achieve your long-term goals.
What are some habits you’re going to stop doing this year?
Hi Emily,
This year I will STOP being very busy and give time to those things and people that really matter. This is a very good reminder for me to be my best this year. Thank you for sharing this list 🙂
Cheers,
Jessica