It’s been real 2017 and at times really f*cking long. Through all the late nights at the office, happy hours with my best ones, and all the good and bad that has transpired, it has been one hell of a year and I am more than ready for what 2018 will bring and most importantly, what I will do to make it happen.
If you are confident that this year will be your year, as you commit to your New Year’s resolutions and other goals, remember these four things to leave behind 2017.
Your excuses.
Everyone knows that the start of the New Year means a blank slate. Yet when it comes to resolutions, only 8% of people actually keep theirs. Why do so many fail? Because we are quick to forget that Day One can begin any day.
Got a late start on your resolutions? Start today. Already slipped up? Start again. If you ever find yourself making excuses such “I’m too tired” or “I’m too afraid,” for the things you believe matter, try telling yourself “(Fill in the blank) is not a priority” and see if that shifts your perspective.
Every day is a new chance to begin, to retry, and to move forward so leave your excuses behind and get started.
Your ex.
I know – it sucks. The relationship was just so damn good. Maybe it never was. It’s tempting to pick up the phone and call or look them up on social media to see what they are up to now. Remember, they are your ex for a reason. Clinical Psychologist, Melanie Greenberg Ph.D explains the best way to get over a break-up is to change your mindset.
Research shows those with a “fixed mindset,” attribute the failure of their relationship to traits they believe are unchangeable or “fixed” about their self, such as thinking they are too needy or not pretty enough, often endure lingering effects of romantic rejection such as constantly wondering what went wrong and fear of being rejected again. Those with a “growth mindset” take a break-up as a learning opportunity and are hopeful for the future. Instead of fixating on why it failed, they focus on what they can improve on for the next time such as being less controlling or less jealous.
The longest relationship you are ever going to have is the one with yourself. Take relish in the fact this year is about YOU. Use this time to learn more about yourself and remember you deserve only the best in all aspects of your life. Allow yourself to let go so you can move forward.
Toxic people.
Don’t pollute the start of your year with toxic people and negative energy. When you are having to constantly deal with the Sour Sally or the Gossiper, their negative energy can not only squash your positive vibes but can also drain you emotionally and mentality, putting severe stress on your brain according to this recent study.
Reset and recharge by being the energy you hope to attract. Surround yourself with people who support you and reconnect with the things that matter most to you.
Impatience.
What I personally learned about impatience is how insensitive and careless I could be at times. When I look back at all the times I hoped a conversation I was having with a friend would end just so I could get back to doing whatever I thought was more important, I forgot to express gratitude that they were taking the time out of their day to talk to me because they cared.
While it’s easy to cut off a slow driver or wonder why all the things you hoped for have not happened yet, step back from the situation and be mindful. Maybe that driver is lost and is being cautious. Even if your journey might be taking longer than someone else’s, realize you’re taking the necessary steps to get where you want to go. “Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.”
As you embark on this New Year, what are your top things you are leaving behind? Tell me below!
Beth
January 5, 2018 at 7:36 amLove all of these, Katrina! In 2018 I’m leaving behind the attitude that I “can’t” do something. There’s always a way to try and if I fail, at least I know I gave it a go!! Cheers xoxo
Katrina H.
January 6, 2018 at 10:48 amThanks Beth! And that’s what I like to hear! Trying is the first step toward success.
Jasmin N
January 5, 2018 at 11:00 amI don’t know what things I’d leave behind, but I’m bringing in this whole getting my shit together thing so I guess that’s something haha.
Katrina H.
January 6, 2018 at 10:46 amHi Jasmin! Haha so true. I think that’s pretty much everyone this year including myself
Angela Tolsma
January 6, 2018 at 11:23 amImpatience is definitely one thing I want to leave behind. I am thankful to have left toxic people behind ages ago and I’ve no exs to worry about. But I definitely need to work on my patience.
Katrina H.
January 8, 2018 at 10:56 amThat’s actually my number one! I never realized how impatient I have with even the smallest things. It’s so bad!
Rose
January 6, 2018 at 12:33 pmI agree some things need to be left in the past. I like the tocix people suggestion. We need to surround ourself with people that encourage and support us.
Katrina H.
January 12, 2018 at 11:40 pmSo true Rose. Nothing better than being surrounded by these who lift you up and encourage you to keep going.
Shell
January 6, 2018 at 3:42 pmI totally love this post and everything you have to say! Heck yes to leaving that all behind!! I’m totally with you on this!!!
Katrina H.
January 8, 2018 at 10:57 amThanks so much Shell! Wishing you the best New Year 🙂
Marjie Mare
January 6, 2018 at 6:51 pmI am definitely leaving excuses behind with 2017. I am still working on being more patient. This year, my motto is to be accountable for everything I do, therefore no excuses, just do the right thing.
Katrina H.
January 8, 2018 at 10:58 amJust read your post Marjie and I love the simplicity of your mantra. Totally living it this year!
Violeta León
January 7, 2018 at 9:15 amI totally agree with you! We must left behind toxic people, they have a problem to every solution; gets you down anytime you feel you can achieve a goal and that just isnt what we need in order to grow in life. More happy and positive people is what we must surround with.
Katrina H.
January 8, 2018 at 2:07 pmIt took me a while to finally convince myself to let go of all he toxicity in my life and so happy I have now!
Ashley
January 7, 2018 at 11:28 amGreat post!! Last year was my year to leave behind toxic people. This year I’m focusing on not making excuses so I can become who I want to be
Katrina H.
January 8, 2018 at 2:09 pmI’m so happy to hear that Ashley! And I’m sure you’re well on your way
Stephanie
January 7, 2018 at 3:31 pmOh my gosh, the impatience hits home for me. I can be so impatient sometimes, especially with my boys, which I later regret. I need to work on giving them my full attention when talking with them.
Katrina H.
January 8, 2018 at 2:10 pmGah I know it can be so tough! I really had to step back and tell myself I was turning into a person I didn’t want to become. I’m sure you do fine and glad to hear you’re able to realize that about yourself and want to change it
Ray Ruzzo
January 7, 2018 at 3:51 pmYES! To all of these!!! I’ve been working on getting rid of my excuses since 2016 and now I’m working on the toxic people.
Katrina H.
January 8, 2018 at 2:11 pmYou go Ray! I think we are all trying to do the same and slowly but surely we will 🙂
Tonya
January 7, 2018 at 7:46 pmYes! These are ALL awesome! I love this sort of candid post! TOXIC PEOPLE!! Leave them behind! It was hard for me to do this at first, but it has changed my life for the better! Onward and upward!
Katrina H.
January 8, 2018 at 2:13 pmOnward and upward – I love it. Exactly! It was a struggle for me at first as well but once I did it really felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders
April
January 7, 2018 at 8:20 pmAll great things to leave behind! I left behind negativity and doubt!
April | http://www.thebluehydrangeas.com
Katrina H.
January 8, 2018 at 2:14 pmDoubt is such an important point. Of all the times I doubted myself and was my biggest obstacle – I had to learn to get over my fear of fear. Thanks for reading!
Melissa
January 8, 2018 at 1:56 pmImpatience…I would definitely love to leave that behind. With young kids that often aren’t very focused, it is easy to lose your patience!!!
Katrina H.
January 12, 2018 at 11:42 pmHaha kids and drive you to the end! I’ve learned a lot of patience from children. Their innocence and their willingness to just do the things they want and be fearless is something I value and often forget to keep in mind
Ariel
January 8, 2018 at 4:32 pmThese are all great things to leave behind and “start over”. My motto for this year is new year, new me. I have done well but when I am tired it’s hard to get out of the funk that overcomes me. I am working on impatience and learning to put my past in the past.
Katrina H.
January 5, 2019 at 2:22 amTotally get you! Especially when tired, so easy to let those goals slip. But it’s okay; 365 chances right? 🙂
Sarah
January 8, 2018 at 6:53 pmI am totally eliminating toxic people from my life. I realized I spent a lot of 2017 dealing with “crazy” people. This year I am surrounding myself with positivity and people who have the same passion as I do for loving life!
Ilka Elise
January 9, 2018 at 7:38 amAbsolutely! I’m also leaving self-doubt behind in 2018. And plan on working hard on myself and brand, so that I can achieve my goals. xx
Mel
January 9, 2018 at 8:41 am100% agree with toxic people. I’ve left so many behind in 2017 and already the weight has lifted off. Its a wonderful feeling x
Florence
January 9, 2018 at 12:25 pmA true about toxic people! Here’s to a happy and positive 2018 x
Katrina H.
January 12, 2018 at 11:38 pmSending you good vibes Florence!
Joa
January 9, 2018 at 2:54 pmLoveeee this post! Also gave me some ideas for my Let go post that Ill be sharing soon. Im leaving behind Procrastination! is not something I always do but sometimes I do leave things until the last minute…
Katrina H.
January 12, 2018 at 11:37 pmThanks so much Joa! Haha I know the feeling. I usually procrastinate by choosing to take naps instead of writing. Napping is so good though!
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com
January 9, 2018 at 3:53 pmYES TO ALL OF THESE! Especially the toxic people part and the impatience!! Great post 🙂
Laetitia
January 9, 2018 at 4:20 pmOuch, I can really see myself in the impatient section. I need to work on it cause sometimes I know I am rude with people 🙁
Lauren Cecora
January 9, 2018 at 4:29 pmThis is great!! 2018 is my year! Im going to use these tips and make it my year!!
Ashley
January 10, 2018 at 1:05 amLove this! A very unexpected list, and one I’ve stuck to for several years now. 🙂
Jennifer
January 10, 2018 at 8:31 amOkay now, it’s funny you mention Impatience! That’s a difficult one for me, but I am trying and taking it one day at a time. Thank u for the tip!