Leaving it in 2025
Readers share bad habits they are ditching for the new year
Published:Friday | January 2, 2026 | 12:05 AM
For many, celebrating the new year means making way for new beginnings and endless possibilities. But, in order to move forward, one must be able to examine the actions of the past. Living asked a few readers about the bad habits they plan on leaving behind in 2025. Here is what they had to say.
“The bad habit I’m leaving behind in 2025 is putting work before my health and personal relationships. I’ve realised that constantly prioritising work may look productive from the outside, but it comes at a real cost. Creativity, leadership, and care for others only function sustainably when I also take care of myself and the people around me. In 2026, I want my work to be driven by balance rather than burnout.”
• Adrian Wanliss, 37, arts and cultural manager/consultant.
“The one [thing] that came to mind is leaving behind other people’s definition of how I should live my life. I’m not known to be one to follow others, but I know there are certain situations or scenarios [where] I lean on other people’s thoughts and critiques versus what feels right to me. So I think that’s the biggest one.”
• Lori-Ann McDonald, 36, registered social worker.
“I’m definitely leaving self-doubt behind. I need to stop doubting myself. I need to hold myself at a much higher standard. I need to believe in myself and love myself more. I’ve already begun to practise this at the tail end of this year. And, so far, I’ve seen changes: I’ve been calmer, happier and more relaxed. So, [now in] 2026, I need to do more self-affirmations. I’m leaving all the negativity in 2025 and going forward on a more positive note.”
• Andre Murray, 37, entrepreneur.
“In 2026, I’m letting go of the habits that held me back in 2025: skipping the gym for work, staying up too late because I’m still up baking or decorating cakes for my business, and putting everything and everyone else first. I want to remind myself that I am a priority. I deserve rest, movement, and care. For 2026, I’m committing to showing up for myself consistently, rebuilding the discipline I once had, and making healthier choices so I can lose the 20 pounds I gained from stress, lack of sleep, and inconsistent routines. I’m choosing balance, wellness, and a lifestyle that supports a healthier version of me.”
• Jascene Dunkley, 41, communications specialist and cake artist.
“Imposter syndrome is a concept I’d like to address in the new year. When the internal drive is met with self-doubt, it manifests itself as imposter syndrome. And, while it could be read as humility, it can also be seen as an insecurity, intent on holding you back. [Last] year, I’ve been able to jump at new opportunities, like personal training, which is something I never saw myself pursuing. But I’m qualified, and I love helping others on their wellness journey. So, for 2026, I’d like to improve on being able to identify what role I need to play in order to present the best version of myself.”
• Shaun Smith, 33, personal trainer.
“Self-doubt is definitely something I need to leave in 2025. It leads to procrastination. Now that I am in my 40s, I find that it is easier to purge and be very clear in what [I’m] trying to achieve. I need to stop thinking about things, say that I’m going to do it and just lock in on doing what is necessary for progress and career advancement.”