Lighten Your Load: Leaving These 5 Things Behind in 2023

The end of the year is the perfect time for reflection. As I look back on 2023, I'm feeling called to shed what no longer serves me to make space for new positive habits and mindsets.

More than just setting typical New Year's resolutions, I want to be intentional about the things I choose to leave behind in 2023 as I step into a fresh start.

Letting go allows us to lighten our load, clear our minds, and walk taller into the future. It's liberating!

In this post, I'll share the top 5 things I'm consciously releasing as 2023 winds down, along with the shifts I hope these changes catalyze in the year ahead. I'd love for this to spark your own reflection on what you hope to drop and gain this coming year!

Here are 5 things I’m choosing to leave behind:

1. Burnout-Fueled Hustle

This past year I’ve struggled with burnout and pouring from an empty cup while trying to hustle every single day. I’m leaving behind the habit of grinding myself to exhaustion just to prove I’m being productive and successful.

In 2024, I want to shift my focus to working smarter, not harder. I’ll be listening to my mind and body when they need rest, not overriding them with caffeine and sheer willpower. No more glorifying busy all the time at the cost of health and wellbeing.

It’s time to reset a sustainable pace filled with intentional work and restoration. I will be so much more energized, creative and joyful living this way!

2. Toxic Mindsets

We all carry subconscious internal narratives and thought patterns that hold us back. For me, some core limiting beliefs I’m choosing to drop from my mental storyline in 2024 include “I’m not good enough” and “I’m going to fail, so why try?”.

I’m ready to embrace my full potential by replacing self-doubt with growth mindsets. I AM capable. I can learn, improve and succeed one step at a time. My best is ALWAYS good enough, because it represents me giving my full effort.

With this shift to uplifting personal mantras, I'll be able to take more positive risks by trusting in my inherent abilities. Limiting mindsets will no longer sabotage my progress. Bring on bold goals for 2023!

3. Unhealthy Comparisons

It’s so easy to get stuck endlessly scrolling social media and comparing your life to carefully curated highlights of everyone else. But deep down, I know we’re all on our own journeys!

In 2024, I’m filling my mind with inspirations, not inadequacies. My goal is to appreciate my own path while also celebrating the achievements of others - without letting toxic comparison rob my joy.

There is no competition when we are focused on being the best version of ourselves. I want to admire greatness in others while keeping my eyes locked on my unique goals. Here's to ditching comparison and embracing support!

4. Distracting Noises

We live in an age of nonstop notifications, breaking news and chatter demanding our attention. While useful in small doses, I’ve let these digital noises become all-consuming distractions.

Going into 2024, I want to be more mindful about what voices I tune into. Whether it’s dramatized social media feuds, critical self-talk or constantly consuming stressful headlines, it's time to mute what pulls me from living intentionally.

I aim to focus my time and thoughts on personal growth, creativity and purpose. 2024 will be about tuning out the noise and tuning into my inner wisdom. The most meaningful achievements happen in quietude.

5. Life-Sucking Clutter

If I'm being honest, I’m chronically disorganized. I leave clutter, half-finished projects and unnecessary possessions in my wake. This adds visual and mental noise that I'm ready to clear out.

2024 will be my year to implement tidiness and organization systems to maintain just the things and tasks that I really love or need. It's time for a clean slate!

Out with the expired, unused items. In with open space to think. I dream of a home and schedule that feel tranquil and intentional. Here’s to newfound simplicity allowing me to focus on what matters!

While I’m leaving these 5 things behind, I’m carrying so much beauty into 2024—faith, joy, purpose, presence and deeper connections. Just writing this list feels like a weight lifted!

Now it's your turn: What are you ready to drop or gain this year? I'd love to hear your hopes and reflections on moving into next year lighter and brighter. Comment and let's inspire each other!

Here’s to new adventures ahead. Happy New Year!