15 Things to do Instead of Wasting Another Year

Hey, my friend.
Yeah… you. The one who keeps telling yourself, “Next year will be different.”
Listen, I say this with all the love in the world: you don’t need another year of waiting, overthinking, or putting your life on hold. You deserve a year that actually feels like it’s moving forward — a year where you grow, glow, and finally do the things you keep dreaming about.

So I made this list for you. Think of it as your little roadmap. Fifteen simple things you can start doing now — not in January, not “when I’m ready,” but today. And trust me, even small steps can change your whole life.

Let’s go. 💫

Related: Kaizen: The Powerlful Japanese Technique that Will Make You Better

1. Start Showing Up for Yourself

You know that version of you who wakes up early, eats better, works out, prays more, studies harder, or just keeps promises?
Yeah… that version isn’t far away. They’re already inside you.
Start showing up in tiny ways — drink water, make your bed, take a walk. Tiny wins build big confidence.

2. Read One Life-Changing Book

You don’t need 50 books. You just need one good one that shifts your mindset.
Maybe it helps you think better, become calmer, dream bigger, or fix your habits.
Pick one and actually finish it. Your mind will thank you.

3. Learn a Skill That Future You Will Love

Your future self is literally watching you like, “Please learn something that makes our life easier!”
Choose one skill — video editing, graphic design, public speaking, cooking, writing, coding, marketing.
Even 20 minutes a day will make you better than yesterday.

4. Fix Your Relationship With Your Phone

Let me guess…
You check your phone like it’s oxygen.
You scroll even when you’re not enjoying it.
Yeah, same.
But here’s the truth: your phone steals your time before you even notice.
Try this: put it away for one hour. Read. Walk. Think. Do nothing.
You’ll suddenly feel like your brain is alive again.

5. Move Your Body, Even a Little

This isn’t about abs or gym selfies.
It’s about feeling alive.
Walk for 20 minutes. Stretch. Do a 5-minute workout. Dance in your room like nobody is watching.
Your mood will instantly shift — I promise.

6. Say Goodbye to One Bad Habit

Not all of them at once. Just one.
Late-night scrolling
Overthinking
Smoking
Junk food
Negative self-talk
Choose one bad habit and gently work on letting it go.
A lighter, healthier year starts with one tiny step.

7. Make One Bold Decision

You know exactly which one.
The thing you’ve been avoiding?
Apply for the job.
Start the course.
Break the toxic cycle.
Start the business idea you keep thinking about.
One bold choice can rewrite your whole story.

8. Spend Time With People Who Make You Better

Some people drain you, some people grow you.
Choose wisely.
Spend time with people who make you feel calm, inspired, and supported — not judged, drained, or small.
Your environment shapes your future more than you think.

9. Treat Your Mind Like a Garden

Whatever you plant grows.
If you plant fears and negativity, guess what your life will look like?
Try this instead:
• Speak kindly to yourself
• Think hopeful thoughts
• Write down your wins
• Protect your peace
A healthy mind creates a healthy life.

10. Save a Little Money (Even If It’s Small)

You don’t have to save big.
Save something.
Even $1 a day is progress.
It’s not about the amount — it’s about building the habit.
Your future self will be like, “Thank you, finally.”

11. Create a Morning or Night Routine

You don’t need a perfect Pinterest routine.
Just something simple that keeps you grounded:
• A prayer
• A short walk
• A cup of tea
• Journaling
• Stretching
• Planning your day
Consistency beats perfection every single time.

12. Travel Somewhere (Even If It’s Nearby)

New places wake up your brain.
You don’t need an expensive trip.
Visit a nearby beach, park, town, or museum.
Sometimes a small change of scenery gives you a big change of energy.

13. Let Yourself Start Over — Without Guilt

If you stopped working on your goals… start again.
If you messed up… start again.
If you feel lost… still start again.
Life isn’t a straight line.
You’re allowed to reset as many times as you need.

14. Do Something Creative

Paint. Draw. Bake. Write.
Make something — anything.
You don’t have to be perfect at it.
Creativity feeds your soul and makes your year feel fuller, softer, and more fun.

15. Take Care of Your Heart

You can do everything right, but if your heart is tired, it will still feel like something is missing.
So be gentle.
Forgive what hurt you — not for them, but for your own peace.
Love deeply.
Choose kindness.
Set healthy boundaries.
Protect your heart like it’s gold, because it is.

Final Thoughts: This Is Your Year — If You Want It To Be

Look, my friend…
You don’t need a perfect plan.
You don’t need a dramatic transformation.
You just need one thing: movement.

Move a little every day.
Try something new.
Cut one bad habit.
Build one good one.
Speak kindly to yourself.

You’re not behind.
You’re not late.
You’re just getting started — and this year can finally be the one where you feel proud of yourself.

And I’m right here cheering you on. Always. 💛✨