Self Improvement

5 Things To Get Rid of Before 2018

posted on December 5, 2017 | by Chloe Gibson

5 Things To Get Rid of Before 2018

There are a few different ways to look at “things to get rid of” – from emotional baggage to actual physical items. I know I have some of both that I’d like to leave behind in 2017. The new year is probably one of my favorite holidays and time of year because of the whole “fresh start” thing. For some reason, it makes me feel motivated to shed things from my life that are probably overdue – anyone else? Here are a few things we should all kick to the curb before ringing in 2018.

All those clothes that don’t fit

This is something that haunts most women. Maybe you lost some weight, maybe you gained some – either way it’s time to purge that closet and get rid of some things. I tend to hold onto clothes thinking that one day I’ll wear (or fit into) them again, but that day usually never comes. Cleaning out my closet makes me feel rejuvenated, so it’s a perfect thing to do at the end of the year. My rule of thumb (that I try to stick to) is if more than one season has gone by and I didn’t wear it, it’s time to go.

Guilt for not accomplishing all your goals

We all usually write an overwhelmingly long list of goals and resolutions for the new year – most of which we know we won’t actually do, but we write them anyway. If writing them down makes you feel good at the time, do it, but if it leads to you beating yourself up about it at the end of the year, stop. Don’t put energy into worrying about what you didn’t do in 2017. Instead, let it go and only focus on one or two things for 2018.

Bad health habits

This is something I really want to focus on in 2018. Not necessarily the classic “I want to lose weight” resolution, but more so just start taking my health goals more seriously. Whether I like it or not, I’m getting older (ugh), and eventually I have to start taking actions to achieve the health goals I’ve set for myself because right now the journey does not reflect the destination I have in mind, if you know what I mean.

Extra clutter around the house

I don’t even know how I acquire so much stuff throughout the year. There really is something to that whole minimalism movement that’s happening right now, though, because I always feel better when I have less clutter around my house. I guess it’s not only my closet that needs a good cleaning out. Think linen closets, your garage, your desk and paperwork, your makeup drawer, and under that bed!

Envy towards others

This is a big one. Whenever I feel myself letting my envy rear its ugly head I try to reel it in ASAP. Envy seems like something we should be able to suppress as adults, but unfortunately it doesn’t just turn off as soon as we reach a certain age. In fact, I think it can actually become worse the older we get because we find ourselves wanting what our friends and peers have (helloooo keeping up with the Joneses). In this case, it’s important to be mindful and thankful of what you do have. I usually find that talking to my sister – someone who can be brutally honest with me – snaps me right back to reality.

Whether you need to let go of your iPod from 2005 or start prioritizing your health, there’s no denying the new year is the ideal time to make the change.

What will you be getting rid of to start 2018 on the right foot?