Let’s face it: we all have toxic habits and could always be a little kinder to ourselves.
From picking at our appearances to putting ourselves down because we stumbled over our words during a work or school presentation, we’re often our own worst critics.
But this ends today.
Eliminate the following 10 toxic habits and you’ll live a happier, healthier life in 2020.
1. Trying to Please Everyone
Firstly, no matter how hard you try, it’s literally impossible to please everyone.
I mean, you could be one of the most exemplary human beings in the world, but there will still be someone who thinks you’re a class-A jerk. That’s just the way it goes.
The idea of perfection doesn’t exist, even though social media leads us to believe that it does, so there’s no need to try so hard to meet societal expectations in 2020.
Instead, just do you and be you for you—and the rest will fall into place.
2. Overthinking
Another toxic habit we all have is believing our negative self-talk when we should just take real-life scenarios at face value.
After all, these intrusive thoughts are not real.
Sometimes anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders get involved and try to make us believe that we’re something that we’re not. In this case, it’s important not to listen.
The bottom line is we’re strong, we’re invincible and we’re more than capable than anything that we set our minds to.
Often, the only person who is holding us back is ourselves—and it’s about time that we break free from our own confining chains.
3. Living in the Past
It goes without saying that you’re never going to get anywhere in life if you’re hung up on the past.
Sure, everyone goes through difficult times and it’s always challenging to process things that have affected you badly both mentally and physically.
But how about you cut yourself some slack and give yourself the necessary amount of time you need to heal?
And don’t forget that you can’t change what happens to you sometimes – but you can change how you react to it and move forward.
4. Fearing Change
One of the most common toxic habits we tend to have is fearing the unknown or unfamiliar.
I mean, a lot of us spend years being too afraid of pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones. This then results in leading an ordinary, unfulfilling life.
But it’s important to remember that life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
Don’t hold yourself back in 2020. It’s time to start living, not existing.
5. Being There for Others Who Aren’t There For You
Another important thing to remember is that relationships are a two-way street.
If your best friend or significant other can’t match your efforts, they might not be worth the hassle.
Why? Well, relationships are meant to be equal and you’re meant to work together not against each other.
Is there a loved one in your life who doesn’t truly value you? If so, perhaps it’s time to say goodbye.
6. Thinking That You’re Flawed
Newsflash: you’re a perfect mess of a human – and that’s OK.
From a young age, we’re all taught that we’re flawed as human beings and we need to fix ourselves. We’re “too messy,” “too smart,” “too boring,” or “too average” but, in fact, these aren’t problems at all.
We’re all perfectly imperfect in our own special way and we need to embrace our quirks as they’re what makes us individual.
7. Comparing Yourself to Others
Whether you’re judging strangers on social media for the way that they look or feeling jealous that your best friend got engaged before you, we all like to play the comparison game from time to time.
But do you know what? It just isn’t healthy. Focus on yourself and your own personal development in 2020 and you’ll be a lot happier. Trust me.
8. Sacrificing Your Dreams for the Happiness of Others
Similarly, did you know that it’s more than acceptable to put yourself first in life?
After all, you’re the hero of your own life story and nobody is going to live it for you.
If you have dreams, go get ‘em. The people around you should be nothing but supportive, even if it means you have to distance yourself for a while or they have to slot into your new way of life.
9. Being So Impatient
Speaking of chasing your dreams, keep in mind that things often don’t happen overnight—they take a lot of time and hard work.
That said, if you put your heart and soul into building a career or saving money to go travelling, it’s only a matter of time before you achieve your goals.
You just have to persevere and be persistent in reaching your final destination and you will get there eventually.
10. Being Afraid to Be Different
Finally, remember to celebrate your individuality in 2020.
How come, you ask? Well, how boring would the world be if we were all the same person?
Being you is your superpower, so you should use it to your advantage.
Never let anyone else make you feel inferior because you are more than what you know. And you deserve happiness just like everybody else.
Toxic Habits Quit in 2020: The Time is Now
Don’t wait until 2021 to make positive changes in your life. The time is now.
After all, you never know what’s around the corner. Be grateful for life and embrace it while you can because you don’t want to look back when you’re old and grey and have regrets.
You want to be able to look back and smile at all the amazing memories you made and feel proud of the awesome human being you became. And it starts today.
Short Bio
Katie Davies is a British freelance writer who has built a career creating lifestyle content that caters to the modern woman. When she’s not sipping coffee, shopping or exploring a new city, you’ll probably find her blogging about her fashion and travel adventures at https://trendytourist.co.uk. You can also find her on Instagram @trendytouristuk.
