5 Habits to Break in 2017

breaking-bad-habits

This time of year, I’m particularly reflective as I think back on the resolutions I made, the resolutions I kept and the choices I’ve made over the course of the last 12 months. Through the good, the bad and the ugly, I’ve identify a lot to celebrate…but also areas to improve. They say old habits die hard, but I think some are worth the good fight. Here are five habits that I’m determined to break in 2017.

Overuse of the word, “When”

I’m all for goal setting and having a point of focus to work towards, but I’m actively challenge myself to stop thinking, “I’ll be happy when…{fill in the blank}.” I’ll be happy when

I lose the last 3 pounds.

I have greater definition in my arms.

I’m just a bit leaner.

Sound familiar? Ever notice how you never find the happiness you promised yourself once you achieved “it”? There’s always something else to nitpick. It’s very annoying. Why is it that’s it’s so easy to stand in front of your own happiness? While happiness is a very fickle emotion, it shouldn’t be determined by external factors, it should come from within, and it absolutely should NOT be withheld.

Using Time as an Excuse

In and out of the gym, I’ve officially decided it’s about time I stopped using time (or lack thereof) as an excuse to not having what I want because it’s quite possibly the biggest cop out. I don’t usually have an issue getting to the gym, but I’ll use lack of time as my excuse for other tasks. Those (unfortunately) included, meal prep, laundry, a personal phone call to my friends and family, or simply relaxing with my husband. I think he’d pretty much die shock if he had an hour on the couch without hearing the tapping of my laptop keyboard because I don’t have time to shut down. Right now, I have more time than I ever will. No pets. No kids. There are so many small habits I can break (like scrolling Instagram multiple times a day) to buy an extra hour of my time back, so why not do it? Identify where your time sucks are and cut them out.

Comparing Myself to Others

I’m by far my worst critic, how is it that it’s so easy to be horrible to yourself, and so nice to those around you?! Self-deprecation, self-sabotage and putting others on a pedestal is the least product use of time. They say, the grass is greener on the other side, but I think by now we all can agree the grass is greener where you water it. It’s a huge thing for me to actively Focus on MYSELF, my actions and my daily progress. After all, it’s the only thing I can control.

Getting off on Being Busy

Sadly, it’s become my default response when asked by anyone how I’m doing to say: “Busy!” “So busy.” “Crazy busy.” And even more sadly, the default response I receive, “That’s a good problem to have, right? Better than not!” The worst part of all, my “busyness” is completely self-imposed…although I will say that a decade spent working in advertising may have something to do with that. My version of busy doesn’t steam from a lifesaving job, kids or anything important, but because of my own ambition or drive or anxiety. I’m addicted to it. If I’m not busy, I feel lazy. Um what? How f*cked up is that?! Busy isn’t a status symbol. Relaxing isn’t a sign of laziness. Self-care isn’t selfish. Note to self: take time to unplug, unwind, and enjoy the company of those around you. Please and thanks.

Multi-tasking

A nice Segway to my final bad habit, multi-tasking. I’m confident that by trying to do everything at once, I’m only drawing out each task and making it that much longer. Like, if I could calm down and finish one task at a time, with 100% focus I’m sure that would be more productive, beneficial and allow me to do things with more accuracy. After really thinking about it, I’m convinced that multi-tasking doesn’t even exist. It’s not a thing, just an ADHD enabler.

What about you? Any thoughts to the habits you’ll make or break in 2017?

Cover image via Boss Fight.

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