What to Leave Behind—and How to Start Anew
In the blink of an eye, 2024 has come to an end. Another year has passed by, and it's time again to start thinking about what improvements we want to see and what resolutions we want to make in the upcoming year. But before we dive straight into setting goals, we should also pick out unhealthy habits to let go of. With that said, here are 10 things to leave behind in 2024—and 10 better goals to set as we move forward.
1. People Pleasing
People pleasing can come in many different forms and can be as simple as finding it hard to say "no." While being kind and wanting to help others is a great trait to have, there's a difference between being empathetic and being a pushover. Heading into 2025, if you haven't yet gotten rid of this habit, let this be your sign.
2. Constant Comparison
By now, you should know that comparing yourself to others is an unhealthy mindset to have. Everyone is different, from the way they look to how they live. While you can allow yourself to daydream, don't let those thoughts go so far that they bring you down. Remember: you—and your lifestyle—are unique, and there is no other quite like you.
3. Mindless Scrolling
Social media is likely the number one reason you're forming unhealthy habits. Not only can excessive social media usage affect our self-esteem, but it can also affect our attention span. Plus, the more we stay glued to our screens, the more moments we'll miss out on in the present.
4. Toxic Relationships
Whether it's romantic or platonic, if you're currently holding on to a toxic relationship, it's time to break it off. You might think that this person will change and that you can be the one to help them, but if you've already tried and they didn't respond positively, there is nothing more you can do. Let it go.
5. Negative Self-Talk
While it's normal to be critical of yourself and want to improve, it's an entirely different thing to constantly put yourself down by magnifying all your flaws. We're all imperfect—that's what makes us human. Just as you wouldn't treat a friend by nitpicking all their mistakes, don't do that to yourself.
6. Fear of Failure
If you're finding yourself hesitating to go back to school, apply for a job, take on a new hobby, submit a writing piece to a literary magazine, or whatever else it is, stop letting your fear of failure hold you back. You'll look back years later and wonder why you were so afraid. If you want to live a life without regrets, start by shifting this mindset now.
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7. Unhealthy Lifestyle
With more jobs offering remote work models, it's becoming easier to stay sedentary. And when you're spending long hours at a desk in front of a computer, it's even easier to form unhealthy habits: slouched shoulders, hunched back, sugary or high-calorie snacks. As 2024 comes to a close, challenge yourself to move around every day—and switch your unhealthy snacks out for more nutritious options.
8. Spending More Than You Can Afford
Many of us probably live a life of abundance. It also doesn't help that social media can so easily convince us to buy things we don't need. Before you splurge on an item, ask yourself: "Is this a want or a need?" And: "Do I really want it, or do I just want others to see that I have it?"
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9. Holding Grudges
Sometimes our emotions get the best of us and we end up not wanting to back down. But the longer you hold on to grudges, the more your relationships will become fraught and the unhappier you'll be. Stop letting this type of negativity persist. Communicate your thoughts and work towards a resolution.
10. Overthinking
If your tendency to overthink is causing you to lose sleep at night, it's time to break off this habit. Similar to the previous point about holding grudges, don't bottle up your feelings and throw yourself into an endless, unhealthy cycle. Instead, it's better to communicate your thoughts and ask for clarification if needed.
Now that we've covered the 10 habits you should strive to leave behind in 2024, let's jump into 10 better goals to set for 2025 and onwards.
1. Prioritize Mental Health
While most people often set goals on improving their physical health each new year, mental health is just as—if not more—important. After all, you need to have a healthy, positive mindset before you can work towards building a better lifestyle, and it starts with addressing the state of your mental health.
2. Ensure You Have a Good Work-Life Balance
No matter how important you think your job is, it's not worth sacrificing your health and time with loved ones. You also don't want to stay in a career or line of work that isn't doing you any favors. If you're feeling burnt out, take some time off to focus on self-care. Remember: you should work to live, not live to work.
3. Develop Better Time Management
Similar to ensuring you have a good work-life balance, it'll also help to develop better time management. This could mean waking up earlier so you have more time to do different things every day, or simply planning out how long you want to spend on certain activities. Developing better time management skills will help you be more organized and on top of your other goals.
4. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Is there a new hobby you've wanted to take up but weren't sure you would do well in? Or maybe you want to travel somewhere but don't speak the language? Whatever it is, go for it. Don't limit yourself by what you think you can or cannot do. Stepping outside of your comfort zone will open up new opportunities you might not have otherwise found.
5. Challenge Yourself Every Day
Similar to stepping outside of your comfort zone, try to challenge yourself every day. It could be something as simple as learning a new dish or going for a light jog. The more you get into the habit of trying new things and pushing yourself, the easier it will be to form new—and healthier—mindsets and habits.
6. Adopt a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that you can always work harder towards something to create the change you want to see. It means being open to feedback and new challenges and viewing failures as opportunities to learn and grow. Embracing this mindset allows you to approach things in life with positivity, enthusiasm, and resilience.
7. Be Present
With our days constantly filled with responsibilities, you might find yourself pulling away at the end of it all, choosing to unwind by scrolling on your phone or watching TV. But it's important to be present in the moment. After all, we'll never live the same moment twice, so cherish every second.
8. Build & Strengthen Your Relationships
After you've weeded out any lingering toxic relationships, it's time to shift your focus on building and strengthening the bonds that matter. Is there a friend you haven't reached out to in a while? Send them a quick message to catch up over coffee. It's important to surround yourself with people who love and support you—and to give them the same in return.
9. Declutter
Instead of spending money on items and clothes you don't need, head into 2025 by decluttering and starting anew. Tidying your home allows you to make more space for things that matter. Don't let unnecessary clutter pile up and take up rent when it no longer serves you.
10. Who—and Where—Do You Want to Be in 2026?
It might feel too early to be thinking a year ahead when 2025 hasn't arrived, but it's worth asking yourself periodically: "Who and where do I want to be next year?" What progress do you want to see? What changes? Improvements? Set out some time each month to reflect on whether you're on track to meet your goals—and to consider what the future-you would be proud of.
