Best Things I Quit

All cards on the table, I have quit a lot of things in life. Things that I ended up regretting walking away from too soon or thinking I wasn’t good enough before I really tried.

But there’s another side to quitting. The act of quitting habits or thought patterns that hold you back. There’s something empowering about quitting things that no longer serve you.

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Here are some of the best things I quit:

1. Doubting Myself.

You can picture me super excited to tackle a new project or take that first step toward a long-held goal. And then, out of nowhere but right on time, you're not good enough.

That little gremlin on my shoulder, whispering negativity only I can hear, constantly undermining my confidence.

Self-doubt is the ultimate dream killer. It keeps you stuck in your comfort zone, afraid to take risks or seize opportunities.

How to quit self-doubt: It takes time to cultivate self-compassion and confidence. A road that’s worth traveling though.

Start by reminding yourself of past successes and strengths. Small or big, private or public. Anywhere you can say I did that and feel proud of it, that’s what builds your confidence.

Practicing positive affirmations can help grow your self-compassion, something that feels much better than self-doubt. And, when you can, surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up.

2. Losing Sleep.

Burning the midnight oil on a passion project is one thing. But staying awake trying to account for every little thing I’ve done wrong and every mistake that I need to learn from in that moment, that’s a whole other beast to take down.

Sacrificing sleep not only impacts your physical health but also takes a toll on your mental well-being. Those late-night Netflix binges or scrolling through social media might feel important at the time, but it comes at a cost.

You can’t catch up on sleep. It’s not serving you to stay up later if staying up later means getting less of it.

How to take back your sleep: Number one: prioritize it. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine like washing your face, maybe include some gentle stretching. Limit screen time before bed, opt for journaling or reading instead. And create a comfortable sleep environment for yourself. Think: dark and cool. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

3. Trying to Control Everything.

Raise your hand if you're a control freak. This was me for years, and I never understood the weight I was putting on myself because of it. Micromanaging every detail to avoid surprises or chaos.

But here's what I learned. Control is an illusion. Life is unpredictable, and trying to control every aspect only leads to frustration and anxiety.

How to stop trying to control life: Practice letting go. Easier said than done but worth moving in that direction. For starters, focus on what you can control, like your emotions and reactions to things that happen. Surrender the rest to the universe.

The other part of this is embracing flexibility and learning to adapt to changes even when you didn’t choose them. Know that sometimes the best outcomes come from going with the flow.

4. Planning for Every Potential Outcome. (aka Control’s Twin Sister)

Planning is important, but over-planning can be paralyzing. This is how I spent my thirties after wasting my twenties chasing boys.

I spent hours agonizing over every possible scenario in every plan I came up with for a better life. It was, to say the least, exhausting and incredibly counterproductive.

It took me a long time to realize that life rarely follows a linear path, and trying to anticipate every twist and turn only leads to analysis paralysis.

How to tame your over-planner: Think of it first like letting go of control. Pulling back from over-planning goes one step further by asking you to embrace spontaneity and uncertainty. Do this by trusting in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.

Instead of having the whole path planned down to the tiniest detail, set broad goals and be actively open to detours along the way. I’ve learned that the journey is often more rewarding than the destination.

5. Punishing Myself.

My inner critic used to steal the show every time. That voice never wasted an opportunity to point out my flaws and mistakes. This got me nowhere.

Beating yourself up over past failures or fumbles only keeps you stuck in a cycle of negativity and self-loathing. You deserve better.

How to quit punishing yourself: It’s almost the same as with self-doubt. Start by practicing self-compassion and then add a bit of forgiveness. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend.

Take some time to reflect and see what you can learn from your mistakes. Instead of using that to punish yourself, use it as an opportunity for growth. Remember that imperfection is part of the human experience.

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I’ve learned that quitting isn't always a bad thing. In some cases, it can be the key to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Try it. Dare to let go of what no longer serves you and make room for growth and possibility. Your future self will thank you for it.