2016 was quite a year and I think to an extent we are all happy to see it go. The only way to make sure that 2017 does not follow in the footsteps is to change our ways, right? Around this time every year we make resolutions, most of which we never end up holding true to. Try to make this year different, here are 17 things you should stop doing in 2017.
1. Stop caring about what other people think.
Your life is too short to care so much about other people's opinions. Is this their life that you are living? Nope, it is yours. So go out there and live it the way you want to. The only opinion that should matter is your own.
2. Stop complaining so much.
Stop focusing on the pointless negativities in your life, like accidentally overcooking dinner or being stuck in traffic for an extra 25 minutes. Embrace the positive things instead.
3. Stop saying yes when you want to say no.
Stop letting people walk all over you. Stop agreeing just to make someone else happy. Do what you want to do, not what others want. Tell the truth and don't be afraid to use the word no. People appreciate honesty more than you think.
4. Stop worrying about the future.
You don't know where you see yourself in 3 years? You don't know if you want kids? You aren't dating someone yet and all of your friends are engaged? Who cares. Stop worrying about the future. Take each day as it comes, everything will fall into place eventually.
5. Stop talking to your ex.
Leave him in 2016, he isn't worth another year, let alone minute, of your life.
6. Stop ignoring your gut.
If you feel like something is wrong in your life, change it. If you feel like someone isn't the one for you, dump them. If you think your job isn't a good fit for you, pack up your things and find a new one. Listen to your gut feelings, don't ignore them.
7. Stop ignoring your physical and mental health.
Eat a little healthier, spend a few days here and there at the gym. Talk to a therapist if you feel like you are going through something, don't ignore it. Start putting yourself first.
8. Stop worrying about things that you can't change.
Why waste time worrying about something that you can't go back and change? Stop putting so much energy into wishing you could take back the past and focus on each day as they come.
9. Stop neglecting your family and good friends.
Don't ditch your parents for a night out with people you won't be friends with once you graduate. Spend your extra money on plane tickets to visit your grandparents and best friends instead of on alcohol at the bar. Don't neglect the relationships that have always been there for you, because one day they might not be.
10. Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
Don't feel sorry for yourself if you failed the exam you spent all night studying for. Don't feel sorry for yourself if you don't have a boyfriend yet. Instead of spending time wallowing in your own self pity, work harder. Do better and be better.
11. Stop lowering your dating standards.
With every guy that rejects or ignores you, you have a habit of lowering your standards for the next guy who comes around. You deserve the best, you deserve your dream guy. Don't settle for less.
12. Stop spending so much money.
Make dinners at home. Drink more before you go out and limit yourself to one drink at the bar. Ask a friend to pick you up instead of an Uber. Save your money for the future or for a fancy vacation. You deserve it.
13. Stop prioritizing people who don't prioritize you.
Those friends from high school you always reach out to when you're home, the guys you're way too into that don't seem to reciprocate the same level of feelings, or even some childhood friends. Stop being the only one reaching out, the phone works both ways.
14. Stop settling.
Whether it's with who you're dating, the job you currently have, or the expectations you've always had for your future - stop settling for something other than what you've always wanted just because it might not be readily available or it might be challenging to achieve.
15. Stop putting more than 5 minutes into anything that won't matter in 5 years.
Better known as the 5 minute rule. If it won't matter in 5 years, why waste more than 5 minutes on it? It seems like a simple concept, but it can be very easily forgotten.
16. Stop giving up.
If you don't continue to work hard for something you really want then how will you ever get it? Stop giving up so easily when things don't go your way. Make this year all about getting things you've always wanted, not giving them up.
17. Stop putting yourself last.
Put yourself first. Do what you want to do. Get a new haircut, spend the extra money on better wine, give yourself some much needed time at a spa. 2017 should be all about you.
