65 Self-Sabotaging Things NOT To Do in 2025
As the calendar turns and a fresh year begins, it’s natural to feel inspired by the possibilities ahead. New Year’s resolutions often focus on what we want to add to our lives—new habits, goals, adventures, and aspirations. But just as important as what we embrace is what we choose to let go of.
Sometimes, the greatest transformations come not from doing more but from leaving behind the behaviors and mindsets that hold us back.
This year, instead of piling on more to your to-do list, consider releasing unproductive habits, self-sabotaging patterns, and limiting beliefs that no longer serve you. By shedding these burdens, you’ll create space for growth, joy, and meaningful progress.
In this article, we’ll explore 65 things to quit in the new year—small but impactful shifts that can help you align your life with your goals and values. Let’s make this year about stepping fully into your power and building the life you truly deserve.
Plan and achieve your goals with the New Year Align and Focus journal and planner, with 17 pages of activities to help you create your best year.
65 Self-Sabotaging Behaviors to Stop Doing in the New Year
1. Hiding your authentic self and dimming your light.
When you hide your authentic self, you deny the world the unique gifts only you can offer. Dimming your light to fit in or avoid judgment not only suppresses your happiness but also deprives those around you of the opportunity to connect with the real you.
Embracing your authenticity can inspire others to do the same, creating more genuine and fulfilling relationships.
In what ways are you not being yourself, and how can you change that?
2. Doubting yourself and your capabilities.
Self-doubt is a sneaky form of self-sabotage that keeps you from stepping into your potential. When you consistently question your abilities, you limit your growth and miss opportunities that could lead to success. Trusting yourself, even in the face of uncertainty, can unlock strengths and skills you didn’t realize you had.
3. Making decisions out of fear.
Fear-based decisions often lead to regret and missed opportunities. When fear dictates your choices, you shrink from taking risks that could bring growth and fulfillment.
Learning to acknowledge fear but act from a place of courage allows you to move toward what truly aligns with your goals and values.
4. Being so afraid of failure that you never try.
Failure is not the opposite of success but a stepping stone to it. Avoiding action out of fear of failing only guarantees stagnation. Each attempt, even if it doesn’t go as planned, teaches you valuable lessons and brings you closer to your goals.
5. Begging for anything.
Begging diminishes your self-worth and positions you as powerless. Whether it’s for love, attention, or opportunities, you deserve to receive things willingly given, not coerced or begged for. Stepping into your power means recognizing your value and refusing to settle for less.
6. Forgetting how powerful you are.
You are far more capable and resourceful than you often give yourself credit for. Forgetting your power leaves you vulnerable to feelings of helplessness. Reclaiming that inner strength starts with small steps of self-belief and taking intentional action toward your goals.
7. Staying longer than necessary in unaligned situations.
Holding onto situations, relationships, or jobs that no longer serve you only delays your progress and drains your energy. Trust that letting go of what doesn’t align with your values creates space for opportunities that do.
8. Letting the opinions of others hamper your forward growth.
Caring too much about what others think can hold you back from pursuing what truly matters to you. Their opinions are reflections of their own perspectives, not your potential. Prioritizing your vision over external judgments is an act of self-respect and empowerment.
How to Stop Caring What People Think
9. Focusing on what you don’t have instead of what you do.
When you focus on lack, you perpetuate a cycle of dissatisfaction. It’s proven in studies that our brains seek out more of what we habitually focus on, so giving attention to what we lack actually just create more lack.
Instead, look for what’s good in your life. Gratitude for what you currently have shifts your mindset to abundance, opening your eyes to opportunities and joys already present in your life.
10. Waiting around for validation and approval from others.
Seeking validation from others often delays your progress and leaves you feeling unfulfilled. True confidence comes from within, and taking action based on your values and beliefs builds the self-assurance that external approval never can.
Don’t wait for permission to go after what you want, or approval to like what you like. March to the beat of your own drum.
11. Letting screens dominate too much of your time.
Spending excessive time on screens can disconnect you from the present moment and hinder productivity, relationships, and self-care. Setting boundaries with your devices helps reclaim your time for meaningful activities, personal growth, and connection.
12. Overconsumption of anything that can harm in excess.
Excessive consumption, whether of food, media, or substances, can quickly turn into self-destructive behavior. Moderation is key to maintaining balance and well-being, allowing you to enjoy things without compromising your health or happiness.
13. Stressing over small problems instead of just fixing them.
Have you ever spent weeks or months worrying about a problem, and when you finally just fixed it, it took like 10 minutes?
Fretting over minor issues wastes time and mental energy that could be spent resolving them. Addressing small problems promptly often prevents them from snowballing into bigger ones, bringing peace of mind and efficiency.
14. Inconsistency.
Lack of consistency disrupts progress and weakens your credibility, whether in personal habits or commitments to others. Building discipline and showing up regularly for what matters ensures steady improvement and trustworthiness.
Create a plan that isn’t too overwhelming to follow, and create reminders to help you stay on track. For example, planning to go to the gym 6 days a week might be so daunting that you don’t go at all, but just 3 days a week might feel doable.
15. Procrastinating on important tasks.
Procrastination creates unnecessary stress and often lowers the quality of your work. Tackling important tasks early not only boosts productivity but also gives you the freedom to focus on more enjoyable activities later.
16. Playing small.
When you downplay your potential or avoid stepping into leadership roles, you limit what you can achieve. Owning your skills and aiming high encourages personal growth and inspires others to do the same.
17. Complaining about things instead of fixing them.
Complaining without taking action keeps you stuck in negativity. Focusing on solutions rather than problems empowers you to make meaningful changes and creates a more positive outlook on life.
18. Neglecting your mental or physical well-being.
Your mind and body are your greatest assets, and neglecting them can lead to burnout, illness, and unhappiness. Regular self-care, including exercise, mindfulness, and proper rest, ensures you stay strong and resilient.
10 Habits to Support Your Mental Wellness
19. Letting your mind go down negative spirals without interruption.
Dwelling on negative thoughts can spiral into anxiety and self-doubt. Breaking the cycle with mindfulness, gratitude, or action-oriented thinking helps you regain control and maintain a healthier mindset.
20. Refusing to say NO to what doesn’t feel good.
Saying “yes” to everything depletes your energy and leads to resentment. Learning to say “no” when something doesn’t align with your values or priorities is an essential act of self-respect.
21. Being sedentary and skipping regular exercise.
A sedentary lifestyle negatively impacts your physical and mental health. Incorporating even light activity into your routine boosts energy, reduces stress, and supports overall well-being.
22. Feeling unworthy of what you want.
Believing you don’t deserve happiness, success, or love creates self-imposed barriers. Recognizing your worth allows you to pursue and accept the good things in life unapologetically.
Below is an affirmation video that will help you feel more worthy
23. Refusing to ask for help.
Nobody achieves success or happiness alone, and refusing help out of pride or fear of judgment only isolates you. Asking for support builds connections and often leads to solutions faster than struggling alone.
24. Staying quiet when you need to speak up.
Suppressing your voice to avoid conflict or rejection can leave you feeling unseen and unheard. Speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable, is a powerful act of self-advocacy and ensures your needs are met.
25. Forgetting to be grateful for what you have.
Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s abundant. Regularly acknowledging your blessings creates contentment and opens the door to even more positive experiences.
26. Downplaying your wins, talents, and accomplishments.
Minimizing your achievements diminishes your self-worth and teaches others to do the same. Celebrating your successes, no matter how small, builds confidence and reinforces your capabilities.
27. Comparing yourself to others’ progress or material success.
Comparison is a thief of joy and often overlooks the unique challenges and victories in your own journey. Focusing on your path ensures steady growth and personal fulfillment.
28. Making excuses instead of facing the truth or taking action.
Excuses may provide temporary comfort but keep you stuck in the long term. Owning your reality and taking steps to improve it builds resilience and sets you on the path to success.
29. Blaming other people for your actions or situation.
Blaming others shifts responsibility away from yourself, stalling your growth. Taking accountability empowers you to create the changes needed to improve your circumstances.
30. Being overly self-critical.
While blaming other people for all your problems sabotages you, harsh self-criticism undermines your confidence and success. Balancing self-awareness with compassion allows you to learn from mistakes without damaging your self-esteem.
Join the FREE Self-Love Challenge
31. Expecting others to read your mind.
Assuming people should know what you want or need without clear communication sets you up for disappointment. Expressing yourself openly creates better understanding and stronger relationships.
32. Taking others’ behavior personally when it’s not about you.
People’s actions often reflect their own struggles, not your worth. Letting go of personal interpretations allows you to focus on your growth without unnecessary emotional burdens.
33. Waiting for a hero to come fix your life.
Relying on someone else to change your circumstances keeps you stuck in inaction and gives your power away. Taking ownership of your life empowers you to create the reality you desire, on your own terms.
Also, it feels really damn good to solve your own problems and be your own hero!
34. Taking people for granted.
Neglecting to appreciate the people who support and care for you weakens those relationships. Regularly expressing gratitude strengthens bonds and ensures mutual respect and love.
35. Justifying bad behavior, from yourself or other people.
Making excuses for poor treatment, whether from yourself or others, normalizes toxic patterns. Setting high standards for behavior cultivates healthier dynamics and personal growth.
36. Chasing people who don’t really want to be with you.
Pursuing unreciprocated relationships wastes your time and diminishes your self-worth. Focusing on people who value and respect you creates more fulfilling connections.
If this is your pattern in romantic relationships, I highly recommend following Meral on Instagram because she gives the best advice to men who aren’t showing up how you want them to.
37. Working without regular breaks and burning out.
Constantly pushing yourself without rest leads to exhaustion and reduced productivity. Scheduling regular breaks and time for self-care helps sustain your energy and creativity in the long run.
38. Bottling up emotions instead of addressing them.
Suppressing emotions creates internal stress that can manifest physically and mentally. Acknowledging and processing your feelings, whether through journaling or therapy, promotes emotional healing and resilience.
20 Journal Prompts to Sooth Anxiety
39. Avoiding difficult but necessary conversations.
Shying away from tough discussions delays resolution and builds tension. Addressing issues head-on promotes understanding and strengthens relationships through honesty and vulnerability.
40. Not setting boundaries with others.
Without boundaries, you risk overextending yourself and feeling resentful. Establishing clear limits ensures your needs are met while maintaining respect for yourself and others.
How to Set Boundaries With Toxic People
41. Gossiping or speaking negatively about others.
Speaking poorly of others breeds negativity and damages trust. And, if you wouldn’t want it done to you, don’t do it to others. Focusing on constructive and kind communication creates a more positive environment for everyone involved.
42. Overspending to keep up appearances.
Trying to impress others through material purchases can lead to financial strain and hollow satisfaction. Aligning your spending with your values ensures both stability and authentic happiness.
43. Ignoring the importance of saving or budgeting.
Neglecting financial planning leaves you unprepared for unexpected expenses and future goals. Developing a budget and saving consistently empowers you to achieve long-term financial security.
44. Not tracking where your money goes.
Losing sight of your spending habits can result in financial stress and missed opportunities to save. Monitoring your finances helps you make informed choices and stay in control.
45. Spending impulsively instead of intentionally.
Impulse spending often leads to regret and clutter. Practicing mindful spending ensures your purchases align with your goals and add genuine value to your life. Try waiting a week or two before making a purchase.
46. Relying on credit cards without paying off the balance.
Carrying credit card debt can quickly spiral into financial trouble. Paying off balances each month helps you avoid unnecessary interest and build better financial habits.
47. Ignoring your body’s signals for rest or nourishment.
Pushing through fatigue or hunger disregards your body’s needs and can lead to burnout or illness. Listening to your body ensures you stay healthy and perform at your best.
48. Eating out of stress or boredom instead of hunger.
Using food as an emotional crutch can create unhealthy habits and mask deeper issues. Finding alternative coping strategies supports both emotional and physical health.
49. Joining ridiculous social media trends.
If you own 45 Stanly cups in different colors, or you’ve tried weird juice cleanses, you definitely need to take a break from following silly online trends. Just because someone you follow is doing or buying something, doesn’t mean you need to join in.
50. Postponing decisions that need immediate attention.
While some choices need time to think about, there are others that benefit from a quick decision. Delaying necessary decisions adds stress and can compound problems. Tackling decisions as they arise keeps you proactive and in control of your life.
51. Not delegating tasks when needed.
Trying to do everything yourself can lead to burnout and inefficiency. Delegating tasks to others lightens your load and often produces better results through collaboration.
52. Setting vague goals without clear steps to achieve them.
Goals without specific plans are dreams that often go unfulfilled. Breaking down your objectives into actionable steps ensures steady progress and measurable success.
The Big Goal Action Planner helps you map out the steps to completing your goals.
53. Starting too many projects without finishing any.
Constantly jumping between projects prevents meaningful progress and leaves you feeling scattered. Prioritizing and completing one thing at a time builds confidence and momentum.
54. Spending excessive time on social media.
Mindless scrolling consumes hours that could be spent on more meaningful pursuits. Setting limits on social media use frees up time for hobbies, relationships, and self-care.
55. Multi-tasking instead of focusing on one thing at a time.
Multi-tasking often leads to mistakes and lower-quality outcomes. Focusing fully on one task at a time improves efficiency and the overall quality of your work.
56. Relying on motivation instead of building discipline.
Motivation is fleeting, but discipline ensures consistent progress even on tough days. Building habits and routines that align with your goals creates long-term success.
57. Quitting as soon as challenges arise.
Giving up when things get hard robs you of the chance to grow and achieve. Embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and adapt builds resilience and confidence.
58. Dwelling on past mistakes instead of learning from them.
Reliving past errors without extracting lessons keeps you stuck in regret. Viewing mistakes as stepping stones to improvement helps you move forward with greater wisdom.
59. Ignoring self-reflection or personal evaluation.
Failing to assess your choices and progress leaves you directionless. Regular self-reflection allows you to adjust your path and stay aligned with your goals.
60. Staying in your comfort zone.
Comfort zones may feel safe but hinder growth and opportunity. Pushing yourself to try new things expands your capabilities and enriches your life experiences.
61. Not doing what you want because other people might not like it.
Living for others’ approval stifles your authenticity and happiness. Pursuing what truly fulfills you creates self-respect and a life that reflects your values.
62. Not feeding your mind with knowledge or learning new skills.
Stagnation occurs when you stop challenging yourself intellectually. Investing in continuous learning keeps your mind sharp and opens doors to new opportunities.
12 Life-Changing Personal Growth Books
63. Doing the same thing every single day while complaining that your life is boring.
Repeating the same routine without change prevents excitement or growth. Trying new activities or exploring fresh interests reinvigorates your daily life and sparks joy.
Here are 55 Ways to Refresh Your Routines.
64. Settling for less than what you really want.
Accepting less than you desire teaches you to undervalue yourself. Believing in your worth and striving for your true aspirations ensures a fulfilling and authentic life.
65. Saying you’ll do something but never doing it.
Empty promises erode your confidence and others’ trust in you. Following through on commitments, especially the ones you make to yourself, builds integrity and reinforces your belief in your capabilities.