7 Things to Finally Stop Doing This Year and Forever

As this year draws to a close, what lessons are you taking forward into 2010?

This year seems to have just whizzed past and I wonder just where all the days have gone.

Rather than lamenting the loss of time, focus instead on the lessons you learnt this year. And rather than pondering what you didn’t achieve this year, reflect on how much you learnt from the things you do, how you do them and also most importantly, what you can stop doing.

By seriously looking back on this year, you will see just what it is that you must stop doing from now onwards in all areas of your life.

To help you do just that, here are my 7 things for you to stop doing in 2010 and beyond:-

1. Stop collecting and hoarding clutter

Do you collect hoard stuff and hang on to things just because one day they may be useful?

I cannot emphasis enough just how much your life will improve the moment you stop hoarding and start decluttering.

To start with take my clutter quiz today.

You may even want to use the few remaining days of this year to go around your home and clear out stuff. Why not start the New Year in a de-cluttered home?

For 2010, adopt a minimalist life. Though there are lots of resources on hte net to help you do just that, I suggest you check out Leo Babuanta’s minimalist website.

You can even get his minimalist ebook to get you started rightaway.

You can even get Leo’s minimalist ebook here.

2. Stop Wasting Money

By adopting a minimalist approach to life, you will begin to stop wasting money. Do you really need to buy the latest gizmos and gadgets?

The media is so relentless in hammering into you messages about spending your cash – make 2010 the year you fight back.

To stop wasting money, simply stop buying more stuff. Cut back on your purchases and ask yourself every time if you really need to make that purchase.

Check out the Simple Dollar for umpteen ideas to save money

At the same time stop being wasteful with what you already have. It is shocking how so much of the food we buy in the Western world gets thrown away – estimated at least 20%!

So by being more careful with our food purchasing and eating leftovers in creative ways, we could easily cut our food bill by 20%.

3. Stop wasting your time

This year is about to end, and try as much as we can, we will never get the time that has gone, along with all its opportunities and gifts.

So in 2010 and beyond make the most of your time. Focus on one thing at a time

This is not necessarily about doing less, but about becoming simply productive.

Stop working so hard and stop working all hours. Of course your particular job and career may dictate that you work long hours, but even then look at ways of becoming more effective and efficient.

For example, stop checking your email inbox every few minutes and spending working time on social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter. Though these websites are now clearly a part of our lives it is up to you to be sensible about how you use them.

The point is that whatever you do, see how you can bring more leisure time into your life.

4. Stop Ignoring the key people in your life

Your life is made rich not by the things you have and spend money on, but by the people in your life.

From now onwards, get clear about just what and who is important in your life. Make your family and friends the focus of your life and spend more time with them.

It could be as simple as creating a special occasion once a week or more. Simply stop ignoring your loved ones.

Especially spend more time with your parents and learn what you can, whilst you still can.

Also regularly create a special occassion with your friends.

5. Stop being socially irresponsible

More than ever before, the world needs you to be socially responsible. Learn and accept that how you live your life has an impact on everything and everyone around you, both locally and globally.

Everything you do matters and make’s either a positive or a negative impact on the world. So in 2010, learn more about how you can become personally social responsible.

By cutting down on your purchases, making sensible purchasing choices and recycling your stuff, you will have already started to become more socially responsible.

However, you can begin to do a lot more by becoming much more aware of how your behaviour affects the people around you and how your lifestyle makes a lasting impact on the world.

A socially responsible person will endeavour to have a positive effect on others and enrich his environment. He will strive to make a positive contribution, and will not pollute the atmosphere, both physically and metaphorically.

“Be the Change you wish to see in the world” – Gandhi

6. Stop abusing your body

You only have one body for this life. And yet, just look around and you will see so many people simply abusing their bodies.

There is so much you can do immediately to improve your health. If you been very unfit, even if you start by simply walking 10 minutes a day, that will be a great start to a healthier and fitter you in 2010.

Over the next few days, review just what your health is like and decide on ways of how you can finally stop abusing your body.

For 2010, apply my 14 tips to take total self-care of yourself.

7. Stop being Miserable!

Do you laugh easily or do you take life so seriously that you hardly ever smile anymore?

Take a moment right now, look back on 2009 and see if you can remember when it was that you truly laughed deeply.

Life is too short to be miserable. Remember, laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and no one cries with you!

So what will it take for you to be happy?

A lot of people talk about finding your passion but this could well become a life long pursuit and you may never find it. Instead, why not just find your joy?

Learn to be happy and joyous no matter what your work is. Make 2010 the year you embrace joy as a moral obligation!

What things will you start doing in 2010?

Once you have stopped doing the 7 things above, you naturally get drawn to doing the opposite.

So make 2010, the year you:-

• adopt a minimalist lifestyle
• become prudent with your money
• use your time wisely
• spend quality time with your loved ones
• adopt personal social responsiblity
• become truly fit and healthy
• live a life of joy and laughter

Please add below in the comments section your own ideas of what you will stop and instead start doing instead.

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