The New Year is the perfect time to let go of anything that doesn’t positively impact your life. I know the thought of losing something can be scary, but what you gain can be so much more rewarding.

Start changing now, not just on January 1st. Developing new habits early on helps ensure success. Whether you want to live healthier, be more productive, improve relationships, or grow personally, adopting new habits can greatly improve your success. Start developing these habits before the New Year to stay motivated and committed. Seeing early progress will boost your determination to continue on a positive path.

Consider your time management when developing daily habits. Lots of people spend excessive time on their phones or computers, which can be counterproductive and take away from more meaningful activities. Set a clear limit, like 30 minutes a day for social media, to regain control over your time and focus on what truly matters.

If you want to develop habits of successful people, dedicate at least 15 minutes each day to personal growth. Successful people understand the importance of lifelong learning and self-improvement. Spend time reading a book, listening to a podcast, or engaging in reflective journaling to invest in your mental health.

Establishing a morning routine is a powerful habit in setting your day’s tone. Wake up early and dedicate time to activities like meditation, exercise, or planning. Starting your day with intention and purpose will boost your productivity and mindset.

When developing positive habits, consider both short-term and long-term benefits. Some habits offer immediate gratification, like completing tasks, while others, like healthy lifestyle choices, take longer to show results. Consistency is key, and small actions add to significant improvements.

Create a list of good and bad habits to stay accountable and track your progress. Prioritize them based on their importance in your life. Reflect on negative habits, recognize negative patterns, and replace them with positive choices for personal growth.

Pay attention to your thoughts and mindset. Negative thoughts can hinder your progress. Develop a positive mindset, challenge negative self-talk, and surround yourself with a support system. Replace negative thoughts with positive and empowering ones for personal growth.

To develop new habits, it can be helpful to release certain things that no longer serve us. Here, I present a list of 10 habits that you might consider letting go of as you embark on a fresh start in the new year, paving the way for embracing new and positive habits.

1. Self-doubt

Self-doubt is a common struggle many people face. It’s when we doubt our abilities and feel uncertain. It can hold us back from going after our goals and lead to negative thoughts and low self-esteem.

However, we can overcome self-doubt by challenging negative thoughts, setting realistic goals, taking small steps, and seeking support from others. Remember, overcoming self-doubt takes time, but you are capable of greatness.

One way to overcome self-doubt is to realize that a mistake does not mean failure. Rather, it can be a learning experience that will help you in the long run.

2. Procrastination

Procrastination is when you delay tasks. Many people experience this. It happens when you lack motivation, fear failure, or feel overwhelmed. Procrastinating leads to less productivity and more stress.

To overcome procrastination, break tasks into smaller parts. This makes it easier to work on each part. Eliminate distractions like social media or entertainment to stay focused.

Have a positive mindset and remember that progress is important, not perfection. Celebrate small victories and keep in mind the benefits of completing your tasks.

3. Blame

Blaming others is a common human habit. It lets people avoid taking responsibility for their actions. But it also keeps us from growing and improving ourselves. When we blame others, we don’t learn from our mistakes or make positive changes.

Taking ownership of our actions is important. It helps us learn, grow, and become better versions of ourselves. So, let’s stop blaming others and take responsibility for our lives and choices.

4. Playing it safe

Staying safe means protecting ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Playing it safe, on the other hand, is about sticking to what’s familiar and avoiding risks. While it’s important to be cautious, always playing it safe can limit your growth.

Life offers us opportunities to grow. When we take these chances, we can have amazing experiences. Find a balance between caution and boldness to step outside your comfort zone and pursue your passions. Life is too short to hold back.

5. Engaging with toxic people and situations

Negative people are everywhere, but you don’t have to engage with them. Instead, surround yourself with supportive and motivating people. Toxic people can make you feel confused, anxious, frustrated, and stressed.

It’s important to set boundaries and clearly communicate what you will and will not accept. Drama tends to follow toxic people, and it can be tempting to get involved. However, it’s best to avoid getting caught up in their chaos and only engage with them when necessary.

6. Living in the past

Learn from the past but don't dwell there.

Living in the past is pointless. We can’t change it, only learn from it. Instead of dwelling on it, focus on creating a new narrative for your future. Your past is what brought you to where you are now, so let go of any embarrassment and concentrate on moving forward.

How to let go of the past: To let go of the past, you need to do some soul work. This involves forgiving those who have hurt you, including yourself. Use your negative experiences as lessons. Reflect on them and write them down to get them out of your mind. Embrace the present by staying active, learning new things, or simply being.

7. People Pleasing

When you try too hard to make others happy, it can be tiring and stressful. Seeking approval from others is a never-ending loop. Instead, focus on being confident in yourself and accepting who you are.

Set boundaries, speak up for yourself, and make choices that line up with what you believe in. Embrace yourself, and don’t be afraid to say “no” when necessary. Take care of yourself first, and authentic connections will naturally come.

8. Comparing yourself to others

Comparison is like trying to run a marathon in stilettos— pointless and likely not going to end well! So stop with all the distractions and focus on our own unique talents and dreams. Who needs to be someone else when we can be the best version of ourselves?

Embrace your inner superstar and let the world bask in your fabulousness. Remember, the only competition worth having is with the snooze button in the morning!

9. Constantly complaining

If you’re not part of the solution, don’t be that annoying person who complains about everything under the sun. Seriously, it’s so annoying. But hey, I get it; we all need to vent sometimes. Just don’t let venting become the only thing you do.

Complaining too much can ruin your relationships. Instead of constantly whining, try focusing on the positives. It can be tough, but looking for solutions and being understanding can make a difference. Empathy is key.

Be the change you want to see and take small steps towards a more positive life. Remember, there’s always a silver lining; you might just need to squint a little bit to see it.

10. Gaslighting

Now that we know what it is, it’s time to leave it in the past. If you don’t know, gaslighting is a means to manipulate another person into doubting their own perceptions, experiences, or understanding of events.

Someone who is gaslighting you may use the following phrases:

• “You’re being paranoid.” …
• “You’re overreacting.” …
• “That never happened.” …
• “You are making that up.” …
• “You have always been crazy.” …
• “I don’t know what you want me to say.” …
• “It’s your fault.” …
• “Everyone agrees with me.”
• “There is something seriously wrong with you.”
• “The Bible commands you to ….”
• “You’re not perfect, either.”
• “Stop exaggerating.”
• “Don’t blame me, I never meant to hurt you.”
• “Let’s forgive and forget.”
• “Why are you always bringing up the past?”
• “This is how you treat me after everything I’ve done for you?”

Gaslighters distort facts, deny their actions, and question the victim’s memory or sanity. It’s important to recognize gaslighting and its tactics so we can protect ourselves. If you find yourself gaslighting others, reflect on your behavior and seek help to grow and build healthier relationships. Let’s create a supportive and respectful environment for everyone’s well-being.

Instead of waiting for January 1st to start this journey, begin today. Every day gives us a chance to redefine ourselves and make conscious choices that align with our goals and aspirations.

So, don’t wait for a specific date on the calendar to make a change. Start today, right now, by committing to your personal growth and self-improvement. Remember, it’s never too late to start; the best time to begin is always now.