There are habits that prevent us from being the being the best version of ourselves. In my case, it is Maladaptive daydreaming, procrastination and comparison. In the past few years, I have been able to analyze myself to recognize my shortcomings and the limiting traits that I possess. I acknowledge these traits and worked on them and have been growing more than I ever had.

I would day dream all day long and procrastinate without having any plan or direction. The outcome or end goals of my desires consumed me, I never enjoyed the process. This left me feeling stagnant, depressed and constantly overwhelmed.

There are certaing habits that lead to our own destruction, we sabotage ourselves with our bad little habits thinking they don’t add up. But trust me, they do.

Every New Year brings the promise of a fresh start a chance to reset and embrace better habits that align with our goals.

However, before diving into resolutions, it’s crucial to identify and quit the habits that may be holding you back. Here are 10 common habits you should work to ditch before the clock strikes 12:00am on New Year’s Eve.

1. Procrastination

Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles to personal and professional success. Whether it’s putting off important tasks or delaying decisions, procrastination can lead to stress, missed opportunities, and poor performance. Procrastination might not inherently be a problem if you eventually get to perform all the postponed tasks well and on time, it becomes a problem when you constantly put tasks away forgetting or getting lazy to do them at the end of the day.
How to quit:

• Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Set deadlines and prioritize tasks using tools like to-do lists or productivity apps (I recomment the “Focus to do” on App store).
• Use techniques like the Pomodoro method to stay focused.

2. Negative Self-Talk

Your inner dialogue has a powerful impact on your self-esteem and motivation. Constantly doubting yourself or focusing on your flaws can sabotage your confidence and prevent growth.
How to quit:

• Practice self-compassion and mindfulness.
• Avoid using negative words or phrases when it comes to you, it is better to stay quiet.
• Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you and avoid the ones who do the opposite.

3. Overcommitment

Saying “yes” to everything can lead to burnout and prevent you from focusing on what truly matters. Overcommitting spreads you too thin, leaving little room for self-care or pursuing personal goals.
How to quit:

• Learn to say “no” politely but firmly.
• Prioritize tasks and commitments that align with your long-term objectives.
• Schedule downtime and stick to it.

4. Living in the Past

Dwelling on past mistakes, regrets, or missed opportunities can prevent you from enjoying the present and planning for the future. When i started my blog, I made a big mistake which cost me a lot of growth, although my blog started picking up really fast after that silly mistake. The regret still hunted me months after It happened, this affected my mood and productivity. This is how I worked to quit living in the past;
How to quit:

• Focus on what you can control in the present.
• Reflect on lessons learned rather than dwelling on mistakes.
• Journaling or therapy to work through unresolved feelings.

5. Unhealthy Eating Habits

Overindulging in junk food, skipping meals, or not staying hydrated can negatively impact your energy levels and overall health.
How to quit:

• Plan balanced meals with whole foods.
• Keep healthy snacks handy to avoid impulsive junk food choices.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

6. Overspending

I know! there are so many things you want to have or experience in life that requires money. Financial stress can be a major source of anxiety and that is why it has to be avoided. Impulse and unimportant purchases, unnecessary subscriptions, and poor budgeting habits can keep you from reaching your financial goals.
How to quit:

• Create a budget and stick to it.
• Use apps to track your spending and savings.
• Adopt a “48-hour rule” for non-essential purchases: wait two days before buying to see if you still want it.
• Click the link below for better understanding of money management

How to make a money management plan

7. Excessive Screen Time

Spending too much time on your phone, computer, or TV can take away from meaningful activities, such as hobbies, exercise, or quality time with loved ones. I have also struggled with this social media addiction so I use an application called “Burnout buddy”, This app blocks all my distracting social media apps and only lets me in if I complete a series of hard and annoying tasks. it is available on Appstore if you are using an iphone.
How to quit:

• Set daily limits for screen time.
• Turn off non-essential notifications.
• Replace screen time with activities like reading, exercising, or spending time outdoors.

8. Ignoring Your Health

Neglecting physical or mental health can lead to long-term issues. Skipping doctor appointments, avoiding exercise, or dismissing signs of stress are habits to break immediately. Your health matter more than anything, sickness makes you realize that everything else is vanity and if you don’t want such reminders then you have to take care of your health.
How to quit:

• Schedule regular check-ups and health screenings.
• Make exercise a part of your daily routine.
• Practice stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
• Eat home cooked meals and less processed foods.
• Rest well

9. Holding Grudges

Carrying resentment can weigh you down emotionally and strain your relationships. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting, but it helps you move on. It also helps when you correct people immediately they offend you, right there and then.
How to quit:

• Reflect on how grudges affect your peace of mind.
• Practice empathy and try to see the situation from another perspective.
• Seek closure by having honest conversations or writing down your feelings.

10. Lack of Gratitude

There is this trend going around “Oh how lucky and bless i am …”. That trend teaches us to appreciate the little things in life. How lucky I am to worry about the clothes to wear or driving to school. Taking things for granted can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Gratitude makes it easier to appreciate the progress you’ve, the people around you or the little things you have.
How to quit:

• Keep a gratitude journal to note three things you’re thankful for each day.
• Express appreciation to loved ones regularly.
• Focus on the positives in challenging situations.

Final Thoughts

Quitting these 10 habits before the New Year will set the stage for a healthier, more productive, and fulfilling year ahead. Start small by focusing on one or two habits at a time, and celebrate your progress along the way. Remember, every small change brings you closer to becoming the best version of yourself.

Take this opportunity to reflect, reset, and embrace the possibilities that the New Year holds. Have a bless year!