What if the things we cling to the most are the very things that hold us back?
As we approach a new year, I’ve found myself reflecting on the invisible weights I’ve carried for far too long—habits, mindsets, and relationships that have kept me tethered to cycles of dissatisfaction. For years, I thought holding on was the key to success: holding on to more achievements, more validation, more everything. But I’ve come to realize that the more I cling, the more I stagnate.
So, in 2025, I’m choosing a different path: I’m letting go. Here are six things I’m letting go of—and why you should consider doing the same.
1. Old Habits That No Longer Serve Me
We all have habits that started as harmless routines but turned into anchors. For me, grabbing my phone the second I woke up was one of them. What began as a quick scroll turned into a pattern of hijacking my mornings—and my mental clarity.
This year, I’m reclaiming those first and last hours of my day. Instead of scrolling, I’m journaling, reflecting, and creating a nightly routine that helps me decompress. If your habits drain more than they give, it might be time to let them go.
2. The Toxic Cycle of Comparison
Social media makes it so easy to compare our lives to highlight reels of others. I’ve spent countless hours wondering why I wasn’t further along—why someone else’s milestones made my achievements feel small.
But here’s the truth: comparison is a thief of joy. In 2025, I’m committing to focusing on my own journey. Every one of us has a unique timeline, and success isn’t a zero-sum game. Let’s trade comparison for self-celebration.
3. Living for the Weekend
For years, I lived on a countdown—Monday through Friday was just a blur to survive until the weekend. But life isn’t meant to be five days of waiting for two days of living.
Now, my girlfriend and I end each night by sharing the best part of our day and what we’re excited about tomorrow. This simple habit has helped me find joy in the small, ordinary moments. If you’ve been “living for the weekend,” it’s time to start living for today.
4. Negative People and Toxic Relationships
It’s hard to admit, but some relationships just aren’t worth holding on to. I’ve spent too much time trying to support people who drained my energy with their constant negativity and drama.
This year, I’m prioritizing relationships that uplift me and align with my values. It’s not about cutting people off; it’s about creating space for connections that inspire growth. Who you surround yourself with shapes your energy—choose wisely.
5. The All-or-Nothing Mentality
Perfectionism has been my biggest roadblock. If I couldn’t do something perfectly, I’d often give up entirely. A missed gym session or unhealthy meal would derail an entire week.
But success isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. In 2025, I’m embracing progress over perfection. Small, consistent steps will always outweigh a few flawless moments. If you’ve been paralyzed by perfectionism, remember: done is better than perfect.
6. Fear of Failure
For too long, fear of failure kept me stuck—afraid to try, afraid to step into opportunities, afraid to grow. But what I’ve learned is this: failure isn’t the enemy; it’s the teacher.
The people we admire most didn’t avoid failure; they leaned into it. Failure refines us, teaches us, and often redirects us toward something better. So, I’m releasing my fear of failure and replacing it with a fear of not trying.
What Are You Letting Go Of?
These six shifts have already started transforming my mindset and my life. Letting go is hard—it forces us to confront what’s no longer working. But it’s also freeing.
As you step into 2025, ask yourself: What’s holding me back? Whether it’s habits, relationships, or beliefs, letting go might be the first step to creating space for something better.