25 Things I’m Leaving Behind In 2025

It’s that time of year where I talk about all the baggage I’m not dragging into 2026. This tradition was born out of a family ritual we used to do where we’d shower to wash off the year’s grime, gather around and scribble down everything we wanted to leave behind on scraps of paper and ceremoniously burn them all.

These are the 25 physical things and bad habits I’m leaving behind in 2025. Good riddance! 

1. Rushing for No Reason
The constant low-level panic when there’s literally nowhere I need to be. Time to slow down and slowly head to where I need to be.

2. FOMO Over Events I Wouldn’t Actually Enjoy
Feeling bad about missing something I would have hated anyway. If it’s not for me, it’s not for me.

3. Waiting in Line for a Pop-Up
If I have to queue for 45 minutes for mediocre food in a shipping container or a special edition release, it’s not worth it for me. I usually am not bothered with pop-ups, but tried the Ghibli Maison one on a last minute impulse and was not a fan. 

4. Believing That Productivity Equals Worth
My value isn’t measured by my output. I’m enough just existing, not just when I’m producing something.

5. Making Myself Small to Make Others Comfortable
Downplaying achievements, dimming my personality, softening my opinions. Not anymore.

6. Toxic Productivity
Pushing back against glorifying overwork and constant hustle and I’m not going to try and keep up with it. 

7. Superhero Movie Fatigue
Declining interest in repetitive superhero franchise content. How many multiverses do we really need?

8. Nostalgia Reboots
Growing tired of endless remakes and unoriginal content (okay…maybe giving The Mummy 4 a chance when that gets released in a few years).

9. Believing I Need to Be an Expert Before Sharing Anything
Imposter syndrome can stay in 2025. I know enough to contribute, even if I don’t know everything.

10. Starting to collate this list in mid-November
Not having a dedicated folder for a “leaving behind” list to collate throughout the year is out for me. Starting that properly in 2026.

11. TikTok Trap Restaurants
Putting an end to mediocre and overpriced small plate eateries that look better on camera than they taste.

12. Chain Coffee Shops
Blank Street had me in Q1 and Q2, but I’ve ended that cycle. Back to supporting independent, local cafés. I’m also moving office to a location without a lot of chains so that will help me. 

13. Buying Face Care Products
Every year I fall for a skincare routine for “just in case” situations. My skin does not appreciate this attack of new products and I really need to stop doing that. 

14. Uncomfortable Clothes
I have a rule that I have to wear an item at least 30 times and if they’re uncomfortable, those really add up, so I need to stop doing that to myself.

15. That Screen Time
You know the one. The mindless scrolling that adds nothing but takes everything.

16. Saying “We Should Meet Up” Without Following Through
Either make the plan or stop saying it. It’s one of my bad British habits and it should stay here in 2025.

17. Fortitude Bakery
I’ve given it four chances and they’ve all been very lukewarm, so I’d better spend my money at some of the other places.

18. Not Finishing a Notebook Before Starting a New One
The stack of half-filled notebooks is getting ridiculous. Finish one, then move on.

19. Taking On Other People’s Stress as My Own
Their emergency isn’t automatically my emergency. I can be supportive without absorbing their chaos.

20. Being a Creature of Habit
Sticking to what I know because it’s easier than trying something new. But easy doesn’t always mean better so I will have to start making those changes. 

21. Watching Shows/Films That Stress Me Out
If it’s making me anxious or stressed or bored, I’m allowed to turn it off. Entertainment should be enjoyable.

22. Buying Books Faster Than I Can Read Them
The TBR pile is already out of control. Time to actually read what I own before adding more to the collection.

23. Not Asking for More of What I Want
Whether it’s extra time, clearer communication or just asking for help. 

24. Saving Screenshots Without Looking at Them
The camera roll graveyard of recipes I’ll never make and places I’ll never go. Delete or use them.

25. Keeping Clothes for a Past Me
The “going-out tops for a lifestyle I’ve outgrown” pile, the “when I have that kind of life” pieces. If it doesn’t fit now, it goes.