4 Habits to Ditch for a Successful New Year

The new year often brings energy for change, new commitments, and a desire to do better in our personal and professional lives. But perhaps the best way to have our best year isn't just to start new things. It might be about stopping old things that aren't helping us. 

Imagine your best year yet. There are so many things you could do, but you first might have to ditch some old habits that are slowing you down. These habits are like invisible chains, keeping you stuck in the same old ways. 

I'm inviting you to look at things in a new way with me. This isn't about making a list of things to do. It's about finding and stopping certain habits that might help you reach new levels of success and happiness. 

Get ready for a journey that won't just make this year better—it could change your whole life!

STOP Making Decisions Based on Emotions

A big thing to change is making decisions based on feelings. Feelings are a normal human emotion, but they come and go quickly and can be affected by things around us. This makes them not so good for making big choices.

Let's talk about the PAUSE method, a way to make better decisions:

1. P - Proper Time to Respond: Take your time with decisions. Wait an hour, or maybe two days for really big choices. This helps you think clearly and not just react quickly.
2. A - Awareness and Attention: Notice how you feel. Think about if past experiences are affecting your thinking.
3. U - Utilize Data: Look for important information and advice. This might mean doing some research, asking experts, or talking to people you trust to understand things better.
4. S - Set Clear Goals: Make sure your choice helps you reach your big goals. Ask yourself how this decision helps with your bigger plans in life or work.
5. E - Emotionally Regulate: Try calming down by taking deep breaths, meditating, or focusing on something else. This helps you manage your feelings and think clearly.

Using the PAUSE method can improve how you make decisions, leading to choices that are more thoughtful and based on facts.

STOP Being Constantly Distracted

To improve your productivity and focus, it's important to stop letting distractions always get in your way. Today, we often get interrupted by digital stuff like phones and computers. To manage your time better, you can try the Pomodoro Technique. This was created by Francesco Cirillo and is a really easy way to help you concentrate better and get more done.

How to Implement the Pomodoro Technique:

1. Choose a Task: Select a specific task or project.
2. Set a Timer: Use a timer for 25 minutes, known as one Pomodoro.
3. Work: Focus exclusively on the task during this period. Avoid all distractions.
4. Short Break: After the Pomodoro, take a 5-minute break. This is crucial for mental relaxation.
5. Repeat: Continue with another 25-minute work session followed by a short break. After four Pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break.

Benefits of the Pomodoro Technique:

• Enhances Focus: By working in short bursts, your mind remains more focused and alert.
• Reduces Burnout: Regular breaks prevent mental fatigue.
• Improves Time Management: Helps you estimate how much time tasks take.
• Boosts Productivity: Encourages you to work with the time you have, rather than against it.

By using the Pomodoro Technique in your daily schedule, you can cut down on distractions. This makes your work time more effective and helps you stay focused. If you want to learn more about how to be more productive and how to be a better entrepreneur, take a look at my blog posts about building wealth and leading a business successfully.

STOP Caring About What Other People Think

The third habit you should stop is worrying too much about what other people think. This can get in the way of your success. Often, when people judge or criticize, it says more about their problems than about you. It's important to care mostly about the opinions of people who know and love you.

Keep in mind that you don't need to pay attention or respond to every criticism or comment. Use your emotional energy for really important things - like your goals, growing as a person, and what the few people who matter to you think. Stop needing approval from others and instead focus on getting better at managing money and building your business skills.

STOP Negativity in All of Its Forms

Finally, it's important to stop all kinds of negative thoughts and actions. This includes being hard on yourself, talking about others behind their backs, or spending time with people who always see the bad side of things. Negativity takes away your energy and can stop you from moving forward. Try to be around positive things and be kind to yourself. Recognize when negative things are affecting you and try to stay away from them. Also, remember to be thankful for what you have. Changing how you think in this way is important for people who want to build wealth and be successful leaders in business.

Seize The New Year of Growth and Success

As we start 2024, let's make some important changes. Let's:

1. Make choices carefully and thoughtfully.
2. Stay focused and avoid things that distract us.
3. Remember that what we think about ourselves is more important than what others think.
4. Stay away from negative thoughts and actions.

These changes can help us grow, be happier, and succeed. 

I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments of this episode. Please tell your friends about these helpful habits, and remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more tips. If you want to learn even more, especially about making smart money choices, check out my Wall Street Journal bestseller book, "Wealth Habits.”