Carrying over into the new year is exciting. New years are filled with many new experiences, traditions, and fresh starts. It is common for people to set a goal for themselves in the new year, also known as: New Year’s resolution. This exact saying is why the new year is so refreshing. People get to erase their past and focus on their future. You might hear people say “leave him in ‘25” or “that was so last year.” This is because when January hits, December is forgotten; and for the next 12 months, all you have is a clear path of indecision. This new year, some may be leaving memories or people behind in 2025, but I am making a list. An In’s and Out’s list, and I think you should too.
An In’s and Out’s list can be thought of as similar to the classic pros and cons. However, in’s are known to be healthy habits, while out’s are unhealthy habits. What are the particular healthy habits, you might ask? There can be a very wide range of healthy habits that people want to start and never do. Therefore, I have made my in’s substantially helpful while also pursuable. My first “in” is: changing up your appearance. No, I do not mean you need to start investing in a so-called glow up. I mean you need to switch out of the uniform you wear everyday, not literally. You need to stop putting on the same pair of leggings in a different color, and stop picking one of your 20 hoodies, and stop wearing one of the same three hairstyles you always attempt. Changing up your appearance makes you feel fresh. Wear those jeans every once and awhile, and wear your hair in a bun even though a ponytail is easier. You get to play dress-up and you get to get to personalize yourself, so make it fun instead of viewing it as a chore. My second “in” is: more time to yourself. This means canceling your plans with friends every now and then, and keeping a Saturday night to yourself just because you feel like it. It’s okay to relax and want to be alone after a long week, and it’s actually recommended that you do so to keep an even balance of down time in your life.
Switching to the “outs,” my main out is no surprise, negativity. This pertains more specifically to fear. Holding back and being shy is the main source of a block when it comes to personal growth. With this being said, it’s important to put yourself in situations you feel uncomfortable in. As stressful as this may sound, being out of your comfort bubble is crucial to growth of knowledge, experience, and maturity. Another big “out” of mine is: inconsistent sleeping schedules. Obviously I can say I’m going to bed at nine every night for a week, but when it comes down to it I don’t follow through. Demanding more sleep needs to be a priority in this new year. With more sleep, your body is more fueled, you have more brainpower, energy, and a significantly more positive mindset. Shifting to my next “out,” my main no-go for this year is procrastination. Procrastination is the stunt of all of my messiness and feelings of anxiety. Having a to-do list with every item checked off is beyond refreshing. So, why procrastinate when it is the stunt of your peace? In this new year I am bringing cleanliness, organization, and dedication.
Furthermore, prioritizing the changes of the new year are crucial to growth and change. Knowing the negatives and positives to your life are the first step to making change. Why stay the same when you get the opportunity to start over?
