It’s Mid-February – Time to Think Differently About 2025

How’s it going so far? A little chaotic? If you’ve barely had two minutes to think about what you wanted out of 2025, don’t panic—you’re not behind. There’s still plenty of time to hit the reset button. But here’s the twist—this isn’t about adding more to your plate or lengthening that to-do list you’ve been ignoring since January. No, this is about removing a couple of things instead.

Before we get into it, though, can I just take a moment to say thank you? Seriously. Thank you. If you’re reading this, it means you care about living a purposeful life. You’re here because you believe there’s more to discover, more to grow into, and more to give to yourself and others. And that’s awesome.

Okay, now back to the main thing. You’ve probably heard all the hype about adding resolutions and habits to make your year more productive. But here’s the thing—sometimes we don’t need more goals. Sometimes, we need less of the stuff that’s weighing us down.

What if, instead of a list full of “must-dos,” we created a removal list? A list of what you’re not going to tolerate anymore. A list of things you’re letting go of for good. Sounds liberating, right? Grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine—I don’t judge), and stay with me.

1) Release Recurring Negative Thoughts

We all have them. You know, the soundtrack that loops in your head with all the insecurities, fears, and self-judgments. Sometimes it’s as small as, “I’m terrible at this,” and other times it’s as loud as someone else’s voice telling you you’re not enough.

But here’s a trick to help you with that. Imagine that your inner critic is just an overworked employee pressing all the wrong buttons. Would you listen? Or would you laugh and hit mute?

Free yourself from that mental baggage. Those things someone said or did to you last year? The ones that stung? Breathe them out. They don’t get to set the tone anymore.

Before you push ahead towards big goals, take your foot off the metaphorical brake. Stop letting the negative thoughts constantly slow you down.

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” – William James

2) Break Subtle Negative Habits

When we think about negative habits, we focus on the usual things that fill New Year resolutions lists, but sometimes, negative habits that limit us are more subtle. Like always staying quiet when you really should speak up about how you feel. Oof, that one hits, right? Last year, were there moments when you dimmed your light, avoided standing your ground, or hid your big ideas because you were worried how others would react?

Here’s the deal—2025 could be the year you stop doing that. And while we’re at it, how did you deal with discouragement last year? Did you lean into distractions like bingeing Netflix or “just one more” scroll through TikTok? When you combine discouragement with distraction, it’s this giant loop that keeps you stuck. Time to break that cycle.

"Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes." – Maggie Kuhn

3) Ditch What Doesn’t Bring You Joy

Ah, Marie Kondo would be so proud of this section. But really—what’s hanging around in your life that just doesn’t spark joy anymore? Is it the pile of sweaters you haven’t worn since 2017? A cluttered inbox that gives you anxiety every Monday? Or (dun dun dun) a relationship or interaction that’s more draining than fulfilling?

Look. Life’s too short to keep lugging unnecessary stuff—physical or emotional baggage—into your future. My advice? Clear it out. If it doesn’t make you feel alive, what’s it doing in your world anyway?

“You can’t reach for anything new if your hands are still full of yesterday’s junk.” – Louise Smith

Here’s the Big Idea: Journal your removal list. What are you done with? What doesn’t belong in your life anymore? Write it down. Name it, feel it, and then—release it.

When you take the time to clear space in your heart and mind, it sets you up for something amazing. It makes room for better habits, stronger connections, and a bigger impact. And honestly, isn’t that what we all want?

2025 is waiting for you. Not the overwhelmed, stressed-out, (slightly hangry on bad days) version of you. The real, vibrant, connected, purposeful you.

Are You With Me?

Here’s to an extraordinary 2025—because you deserve it. If we focus on letting go of what doesn’t serve us, we can build a life that truly matters. Together, we can make personal growth not just something we talk about, but something that changes us and the world around us.

Time to make that list—and make 2025 your year! Cheers to the amazing person you’re becoming.