10 Things to Leave Behind in 2018.

Every year we make the same old promise to ourselves: new year, new me. We vow to get fit, seek out old friends, try new things – you know the drill. By about January 8th, our enthusiasm from a week ago has dwindled and slowly but surely we slump back into old habits. Not this year! It’s time to do what you always promised yourself you would do.

Create a better you by leaving these ten bad habits firmly stuck in 2018:

1. Wasting Your Time on Toxic RelationshipS.

As hard as it is to do, sometimes you need to put an end to a relationship that’s dragging you down. If someone doesn’t make you feel good or if you dread having to spend time with them, these are red flags. Whether this person is a friend or a significant other, it’s time to stop wasting your precious time with them ASAP. Go ahead and leave them behind in 2018 with male rompers.

2. Being a Pushover.

Ask your boss for a pay raise. Tell your colleague you’re not going to work over time to help him out. Let your partner know you actually hate the way they make your tea. Make 2019 the year you stand up for yourself and speak your mind! You can’t please everyone and that’s totally ok.

3. mindless scrolling.

Do you ever find yourself scrolling through Instagram and thinking, why am I wasting my time doing this? But, at the same time, you’re worried you might miss something? We don’t need to be connected all the time. Disconnect for at least a few hours every day and watch your stress evaporate. It’s definitely easier said than done, but it’s a must for your well-being.

4. Being Mean to Yourself.

You need to be your number one fan. When you feel comfortable within yourself you give off the best kind of energy. Stop picking out your faults and flaws and start complimenting yourself on what an awesome job you’re doing.

5. Saying No.

If you’re one of those people who would rather gauge their eyes out than step out of their comfort zone – this one is for you. In 2019, say yes. Go to events you’d normally avoid, try food that looks weird, go on a blind date – you never know what might happen!

6. Spending Your Whole PayCheck. 

There is nothing particularly glam about saving money, but future you will love you for it. When I was working at a corporate job that I hated, I spent the last few months saving up to build my safety net so I could leave if and when I wanted to. It was one of the best decisions I could have made! While money doesn’t buy happiness, it does buy you freedom which is invaluable. You don’t need to be saving specifically for a car or house. Just put a little away each month – you never know when you might need it!

7. Living in Chaos.

It’s about time that we start organizing the space around us. After all, clutter does nothing for our mental wellbeing. If your bedroom or desk at work is a mess, you’ll be less productive, even if you don’t realize it. Keep your spaces tidy and watch your efficiency grow!

8. Buying New Clothes.

I love shopping as much as the next girl (this is obviously an understatement, ha!), but this is definitely something we can leave behind a bit in 2018. Let’s make 2019 the year that we Start shopping second-hand more often and the year that we have more fun in our own closets. You’ll do your bit for the planet and probably find some sweet deals while you’re at it. That, my friends, is a win-win.

9. Holding Grudges.

Seriously, do not waste a single second of your energy holding a grudge. Forgive and forget and then put that extra space in your brain to much better use. Someone once told me, “Holding grudges is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” I couldn’t agree more. Just let it go.

10. Procrastinating.

We all do it. Mid-task we get bored, check Facebook, and before we know it, we’re stalking our ex’s sister’s holiday photos from 2012. If something needs doing, get it done. Then, you can tick it off your mental list and move on with your life. I follow the OHIO rule (Only Handle It Once) and tackle small tasks immediately instead of putting them off. This rule in itself has saved me so much time in the long run!

What are you the most excited to leave behind in 2018? What are you most excited for in the new year?