10 Things I’m Leaving Behind in 2024
As 2024 comes to an end, I’ve been sitting with my 2025 Performance Planner and reflecting on this year—the highs, the lows, and everything in between—before I move into my vision and goals for 2025. Using the Ins, Outs page, I asked myself some honest questions:
What am I ready to leave behind?
What do I want to bring into my life in 2025?
What do I want to keep nurturing?
Reflection isn’t always fun, but it’s so powerful. If I’m honest, there are habits, beliefs, and mindsets I’ve held onto for far too long. Some kept me comfortable, others held me back, but none of them are helping me grow into the person I want to become. I’ve realized that growth doesn’t come from adding more to my plate—it comes from letting go.
As I prepare for 2025, I’m choosing to start with intention. I’ve written down 10 things I’m leaving behind—not just to lighten my load but to make room for clarity, purpose, and the life I truly want. I’m sharing them with you because I know how powerful this kind of reflection can be.
(Oh—and before I reveal my list, make sure you stick around to the end. I’ll be sharing a special offer for our 21-Day Daily Practices Program, designed to help you turn these reflections into real, lasting change. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!)
Jotting down your ‘Ins’ and ‘Outs’ today and make space for what truly matters in 2025
10 Things I’m Leaving Behind in 2024
#10: Avoiding Mistakes
For years, I was stuck in the trap of perfectionism, afraid to take risks or start anything I couldn’t do perfectly. But I’ve learned that mistakes aren’t failures—they’re lessons. The truth is, success comes not from avoiding mistakes but from embracing them. As Thomas Edison said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
In 2025, I’m reframing my mindset. Each mistake is a stepping stone toward growth, an opportunity to learn and improve. Instead of fearing missteps, I’ll celebrate the lessons they bring and take imperfect action. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
#9: Self-Consciousness
I’ve spent so much of my life worrying about what others think—will they judge me, laugh at me, or think I’m not good enough? That fear of judgment held me back from doing so many things and showing up as my authentic self. But I’ve realized something powerful: most people aren’t paying as much attention as we think they are. We aren’t the main character in their story!
In 2025, I’m continuing to let go of self-consciousness. I’m giving myself permission to be imperfectly me, knowing that the right people will connect with my authenticity. The weight of trying to fit into everyone else’s expectations is exhausting, and I’m ready to set it down. This year, I’ll live for me—boldly, unapologetically, and without fear of what others might think.
#8: The Belief That Being Busy Is Good
For so long, I wore my busyness as a badge of honour. I thought that being constantly “on” meant I was doing well, achieving more, and proving my worth. But deep down, I was exhausted and disconnected from what truly mattered.
In 2025, I’m letting go of the glorification of busyness. Productivity isn’t about how much I can cram into a day; it’s about focusing on what truly moves the needle in my life. This year, I’m choosing meaningful action over mindless hustle. By slowing down, I’ll create space for clarity, creativity, and connection—the things that truly bring joy and purpose.
#7: Noise
The world feels louder than ever—constant notifications, endless scrolling, and a million voices telling us what we should be doing. I’ve found myself overwhelmed by the noise, struggling to hear my own thoughts and intuition.
In 2025, I’m committing to more moments of silence. I’m carving out moments of stillness daily to reconnect with myself and my goals. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or simply stepping away from the noise, I’ll prioritize clarity over chaos. Silence isn’t empty—in fact, it’s full of answers.
#6: Comparing Myself to Others
I’ve caught myself scrolling through social media or hearing about a friend’s accomplishment and wondering if I’m “behind” or not good enough. Comparing my journey to someone else’s only leads to anxiety, self-doubt, and a feeling that I’m never quite measuring up. The truth is, everyone’s path is different, and I’ll never fully see the challenges, sacrifices, or nuances of someone else’s life.
In 2025, I’m letting go of the habit of stacking my life against someone else’s highlight reel. Instead, I’ll focus on my own growth, celebrating my progress and learning from my setbacks without the weight of comparison. Each day, I want to run my own race—on my own terms—knowing that true fulfilment comes from being the best version of me, not someone else.
#5: Getting Serious About Light and Dark (Sleep Is Vital!)
Sleep used to be an afterthought for me, something I’d squeeze in when everything else was done. But I’ve learned that how we honour light and dark—our body’s natural rhythms—impacts everything from our focus to our energy.
2025 is about making sleep and rest a priority. I’ll continue to harness the power of the sunrise to energize my day and the darkness of the evening to unwind. Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a foundation for living fully and intentionally.
#4: Leaving Self-Criticism Behind
For years, my inner critic was my loudest voice, constantly telling me I wasn’t good enough, smart enough, or capable enough. It didn’t motivate me—it destroyed my self-belief. If a friend spoke to me the way I spoke to myself, well… we wouldn’t be friends.
2025 is self-compassion over self-criticism. I’ll remind myself that I’m doing my best and that progress—not perfection—is enough. Encouraging myself with kindness will help me build the confidence and resilience I need to grow.
#3: Waiting for the Perfect Time
Spoiler: The perfect time doesn’t exist. How many dreams have I delayed, waiting for the “perfect” time? The truth is, that perfect moment never arrives. I’ve learned that starting is always messy, and that’s okay.
In 2025, I’ll be doing. And the best time to begin is now—even if it’s not perfect, even if it’s uncomfortable. Every small step forward is progress, and progress is all I need.
#2: Accepting Mediocrity
There have been moments when I settled—not because it was what I truly wanted, but because I convinced myself it was all I deserved. It’s easy to get comfortable with “good enough,” to lower the bar and avoid the discomfort of striving for more. But the truth? Mediocrity should never be the goal.
In 2025, I’m refusing to celebrate “average” in my life. I’m raising my standards—not just for what I achieve, but for how I show up every day. Greatness requires effort, courage, and the willingness to demand more from ourselves. I deserve a life that challenges and excites me, one that pushes me to grow beyond my comfort zone. This year, I’m stepping into my potential with boldness, leaving behind excuses and embracing the extraordinary.
#1: Fighting Fate
After my beautiful grandmother passed, I had the Serenity Prayer tattooed on my left wrist: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” These words are more than ink on my skin—they are a daily reminder of the balance between acceptance and action. But for years, I struggled to live by them. I resisted change, clinging to the comfort of the familiar, even when it no longer served me. I fought against the current of life, trying to control what was beyond my grasp, and all it brought me was frustration and exhaustion.
I’ve learned that life flows more easily when I let go and trust the journey. Surrender isn’t giving up; it’s making space for growth, peace, and clarity. In 2025, I’m choosing to embrace the unknown with open hands and an open heart, trusting that everything is unfolding as it should. I’ll focus on what I can control—my actions, mindset, and resilience—while releasing the weight of what I can’t. This year, I’ll navigate life’s twists and turns with grace, leaning into the wisdom of knowing the difference. Because true strength lies in trusting the journey.
And There You Have It…
Those are the 10 things I’m leaving behind in 2024. But this post isn’t about me—it’s about you and the life you want to create in 2025. Have you started jotting down what you’re ready to let go of? There’s something powerful about physically writing these things down, crossing them out, and making space for new possibilities.
If you’re looking for a framework to guide your reflections and intentions (and your new year!), we’ve got you covered. Our 2025 Performance Planner is specifically designed to support an intentional, organised life—and for those who want to dive in deeper or build a strong foundation, we’re offering a 21-Day Daily Practices Program starting on February 3. It’s free for anyone who has purchased the 2025 Performance Planner or Performance Bundle. This program will help you turn your reflections into tangible, lasting habits that will carry you through the year.
What We’ll Cover Over the 21 Days:
Habit-Building Exercises: Transform small daily actions into long-term success habits.
Focused Goal-Setting: Gain clarity on your priorities and map out achievable milestones for 2025.
Daily Journaling Prompts: Reflect, track progress, and stay aligned with your vision each day.
Mindset Shifts: Overcome perfectionism and self-doubt through practical, step-by-step guidance.
Watch this space and our Instagram for more details!
So, if you haven’t already, grab your planner—or treat yourself to one if you don’t have it yet—and start making your own Ins and Outs list.
I can’t wait to hear what you’re letting go of—and to cheer you on as you step into the next chapter of a more intentional, purposeful, and organized life!
With love and gratitude,
Michelle and Martin
P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at how we use our planners to stay aligned with our goals.