With only a few days left before we’re plunged into a new year, it’s time to hunker down and reflect on the past 12 months. What are the habits and things you should leave behind in 2023 to be a better person in the coming year?

Setting unrealistic expectations

It’s okay to enter 2024, guns ablaze, with the usual New Year’s resolution (hitting the gym and getting abs by February). If you think you can achieve that, no problem! But wouldn’t it be better to try setting realistic expectations this time? “Light workout thrice a week,” “Finish one book a month,” “Getting 8 hours of sleep every night” — these low-stakes goals are achievable and don’t come with too much pressure to fulfill. By now, you probably know yourself better so set realistic expectations.

Holding on to grudges

We know, it’s infuriating how that person was rude to you that one time but if you let the anger eat you from the inside, that’s just going to ruin your year. It’s a new year—a chance to turn over a new leaf and look at things from different perspectives. Don’t let people dictate your emotions. Confront them, if possible, and forget all about it.

Staying stagnant

This coming 2024, make it a vow to challenge yourself to learn and grow in various aspects of life. It could be anywhere from learning to cook three new dishes to quitting your job to pursue what you truly want. You can’t grow if you’re always cocooned in your comfort zone.

Procrastinating

Statistics say an average person spends 218 minutes a day procrastinating — that’s 55 days a year. Imagine what you could’ve filled those days with! Aside from never getting work done, procrastinating only yields negative emotions. And that’s something you wouldn’t want to taint your 2024.

Giving in to negative self-talk

“They don’t like me. They must be talking about me,” “I can’t do this,” “My success is just luck” — steer clear of these pessimistic and critical thoughts about yourself. Be your own cheerleader! The moment you challenge negative self-talk and reframe it, you’ll get a boost of self-esteem and confidence.

Being in relationships that drain your energy

If you notice how certain people bring you down or have been exuding negativity since you met them, you probably need to step away. Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you, people who build you up but are also not afraid to call you out when needed.

Accumulating material and digital clutter

The minimalism gurus are up to something. Clutter-free spaces make you feel lighter and your mind clearer (Marie Kondo was on to something!). Owning and too much stuff is another thing you can leave behind in 2023. Aside from material items, consider purging your digital life too. You probably have 12k photos on your phone’s photo gallery as we speak. Why not back them up, go through them month by month, and delete photos you don’t need? Trust us, starting a new year with a clean digital slate is one of the best feelings ever.

Mindless scrolling

How many hours have you spent in 2023 switching through social media sites and scrolling through the timeline for hours? It’s a fun activity but not when it affects the rest of your life. This incoming year, make it a goal to be intentional with your online time. You’ll find so many interesting things to keep you preoccupied if you’re not staring down your phone 7 hours a day.

Do you have other things to leave behind in 2023? Share them with us in the comments!

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