We all pick up bad habits throughout our lives. Then, in January, we often set new goals to develop new habits, but still wind up caught in a web of bad habits that destroy our productivity and steal our joy.
Thrive Global asked their readers what habits they planned to give up in the year ahead. Perhaps you could benefit by giving up one or two of these life-crushers as well.
“As we head into 2022, let’s think about the other habits and mindsets we’ll be leaving in the past to make room for new habits that benefit us more,” the article noted. “We asked our Thrive community to share with us which habits they’re leaving behind as we enter the new year. Which of these habits will you leave in 2021?”
Here are some suggestions:
- Letting our jobs define us
- Feeding our negative self-talk
- Saying “yes” to everything
- Using time to measure productivity
- Letting self-doubt hold us back
- People pleasing
- Watching the news mindlessly
- Aiming for perfection
- Buying everyone gifts
- Worrying over things we can’t control
To read the rationale readers expressed in committing to reform their bad habits, visit www.thriveglobal.com.
I know from personal experience that the internet is a powerful tool, wonderful blessing in many ways, and highly addictive in destroying productivity, depriving people of sleep and crushing their spirits. News and social media can be as addictive and just as destructive as consuming online pornography.
Reducing time in those activities would give you back hours of time to pursue truly productive goals or allow you to meet new people and try new things.
Following the election of 2020, I cut back my news consumption considerably. I also used the free FB Purity browser extension to take back control of my Facebook feed so that I don’t even see posts containing key political words. It has greatly improved my Facebook experience by reducing my level of frustration. I might consider adding COVID to that list.
The really big new habit I want to establish for next year is to finish each day by making a list of the Top 3 things I need to accomplish the following day and then working diligently to tackle those priorities first thing the next day.
Whatever you opt to do, may 2022 be one of the most productive, meaningful years of your life!
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.