The new year has now come upon us again and everyone comes up with ridiculous and most likely impossible resolutions to ring in the new year. "New Year, New Me" is often a popular phrase amongst the people. Instead of coming up with resolutions no one can actually keep, I came up with things to stop doing to help you become a better you, however way you do it.
1. Stop judging people
The less you judge people the more you'll notice how others don't really judge you.
2. Stop comparing yourself to others
In the physical, mental and emotional sense, you're you and that means that you shouldn't be caring about what others are doing. If it takes you more time to finish a project or reach a goal, then that's fine. No matter if it's for school or in real life situations, try to be you and not someone else
3. Stop thinking only about yourself
At some point or another you kind of need to wake up and realize that not everything is about you, not everyone's looking at you, and not to be mean but, you're not that special. Be a little more selfless and maybe do some random acts of kindness, even something as simple and cliche as holding a door open for someone
4. Stop trying to butt into people's business
If you're like me, it's very hard to not want to know everything about everyone. I've learned that most people don't like people that are nosey. Keep to yourself and keep your mouth shut even if you do happen to hear someone's conversation.
5. Stop letting people take advantage of you
If you're not happy about something, speak up and don't let things you don't want come your way. If you're in an uncomfortable situation, don't overthink and try to get out of it.
6. Stop complaining about things that are easily fixable
If you complain that you're broke but all you do is spend your paycheck on things, maybe it'll help if you saved a little bit of it this way you can make use for it for an emergency; or make a savings fund with a percentage of your paycheck and then use the rest. Another example is complaining that you never have plans. Maybe it'll help to contact some of your friends to make plans. If none are available, hang with your parents. Believe it or not, they're cool.
7. Stop putting things off
Procrastination is definitely one of my weaknesses and during 2018, I'm going to start things sooner than the last minute. If you have to do something uncomfortable or even if you don't like talking on the phone to the Chinese food guy, rip off the band-aid and do it.
8. Stop spending so much money on unnecessary things
Do you really need to order take-out for the 3rd night in a row? Maybe buy a cookbook or look up a recipe online and impress your significant other- or if you're single make it for a friend or your mom- or yourself if you don't have anyone to cook for: Impress yourself.
9. (But also) Stop feeling guilty about treating yourself
Treating yourself doesn't always mean breaking open the piggy bank and spending all your money. Try looking for deals. There's a huge chance that you can find a coupon or deal somewhere (cough cough Nordstrom Rack is great for that).
10. Stop using texting as the only form of contact between you and someone you love.
It's 2018 and if you seriously think that texting is how to keep any relationship alive, then you have to check yourself. Start calling people, or better- facetime them. You get to see their reactions to things instead of typing "I'm dead" with a little huff out of your nose when they say something funny.
11. Stop holding back your feelings
If it's one thing I've learned from past experiences, it's so much better and healthier to let out your feelings even if it may be hard. I don't just mean if you have feelings for a special girl or boy, I mean that if you aren't the vulnerable type, try letting go, or if you're shy, speak up.
12. Stop using your phone as a buffer for social situations.
If you're ever stuck in a silent situation and you see yourself and the others present reaching for your phone's, try saying something that makes everyone feel bad about being on their phones such as something sarcastic like "we're all being extremely rude" or "why are we even hanging out if we're all on our phones?"
13. Stop obsessing over your physical flaws.
There's a huge chance that you're the only one that notices it so if you do want to fix it, it's better to try to do it for yourself than for other people.
14. Stop being ungrateful
Stop, look around, and realize that you're here. I know it's cliche but just think of everything you have and everyone you have in your life. Think about how life would be if you didn't have that someone or something.
15. Stop listening to the same music
I know you love that song even though you have listened to it so many times you know how to replicate the guitar riffs with your mouth- sounds exactly, but there's other music out there- maybe even better music. Spotify and Apple Music are just two ways to discover new music you may not even know existed- even though they do cost a couple of bucks (or more) a month.
16. Stop avoiding family time
Yet another cliche, family time should be cherished and you should realize that no matter how long you've known a friend, you'll never know anyone longer than your family. They have no choice but to love you and you, them. The next time you're with your family and you're making fun of something your dad said or how smelly your brother's fart is, remember that this is the only family you've got and you can't replace them contrary to what you might have said when you were 7.
17. Stop abusing your body
Whatever you may be doing to it; not getting enough sleep, not getting enough exercise, not eating right, drinking too much alcohol. Whatever it is, ask yourself if it's really benefitting your body or your self- worth.
