Christmas is over, and 2026 is around the corner. This time of year is the perfect moment to reflect on the past year and think about what you want in the year ahead. Who do you want to be in 2026? What wasn’t really working for you? What went wrong this year? These are a few questions I asked myself. Eventually, I made a list of things I am leaving behind in 2025.
Things I am Leaving Behind In 2025
🥀 Negative self-talk
I started paying attention to what I was actually thinking, and that’s when I realized how negative my thoughts often are. I had negative thoughts about myself and about life in general. I know I won’t change that overnight, but I’m going to do my best to start thinking more positively about myself. I am much more capable than I think. I want to stop being so hard on myself — it’s really not necessary.
🥀 Doomscrolling
Compared to some other people, my screen time wasn’t that bad. My average screen time was around 4 to 5 hours every single day. Even though that might be below average, I still think it’s way too much — especially when I realized that most of that time was spent doomscrolling. It won’t be easy to stop, but I’m going to try. I’m keeping my social media apps because I enjoy creating content, but I’ll only use my phone for content creation or staying in touch with friends and family — not for mindless scrolling.
🥀 Toxic people
I’ve had enough of people who drain my energy. I’ve tried so hard to change them, but this year I finally realized that I never will be able to. What I can control is how I respond. I can walk away from toxic relationships. In 2026, I’m choosing myself. I want to live in peace and surround myself with people who respect me, care about me, and love me. I deserve that.
🥀 Comparing myself to others
Social media can be fun, but it also has its downsides — and comparing yourself to others is one of them. Sometimes I think someone is prettier than me, happier than me, or has something I want, and I feel jealous. But I am already good enough. And just because someone only posts selfies and is always smiling doesn’t mean they’re actually happy. They can still struggle with depression or anxiety.
🥀 Procrastinating
I procrastinated a lot this past year, and I’m done with that. Now that it’s the end of 2025, I’m already making sure I stay focused. I make daily to-do lists and still leave room for fun, because balance is important. But I’m done putting things off — I’m working on my dreams.
🥀 Overconsumption
To be honest, I bought quite a few things this year that I didn’t really need. Some of them were beauty items I never used. Whenever I saw something cute or pretty, I felt the urge to buy it. In 2026, I want to be more mindful. I’ll only buy things I truly love. No impulse buying. If I see something I like, I’ll put it on a wishlist — and if I still want it after weeks or months, then maybe I’ll buy it.
🥀 Trying to change others
Like I mentioned before, I’m someone who wants to help when I see people struggling. But people can only change if they want to. Otherwise, it won’t work. I’m no longer wasting my energy trying to fix others unless they ask for help.