2025 Ins & Outs

By: Fiona Wagner

A new year always feels like a blank canvas, inviting us to paint fresh and colorful dreams and resolutions. As we step into 2025, now is a perfect time to shed old habits and embrace a new you! Creating an “ins and outs” list is a great way to take a temperature check on what we no longer feel is quite right for us, and what we want to bring with us into the new year. Here are some of my 2025 “ins and outs” to help you start the year on the right foot. 

INs

Being Yourself

This sounds like a simple one, but it’s really important to stay true to yourself. The age of social media comes with high expectations: often getting caught up in comparisons of yourself to others and insecurities. It’s important to remember that what you see online is not always true and that it’s best to just be yourself. Being yourself is an act of self-love that is vital to creating genuine happiness. At the end of the day, no one is quite like you and that’s what makes you special.

Thrifting/Saving Money

I know, we all say we are going to stop our shopping habits, but we never really do. 2025 is going to be the year of saving money- no more buying things you really don’t need after a second thought! If you’re like me and love shopping, I suggest you try thrifting. Not only does it save you money, but it allows you to express your style in a one-of-a-kind way. Thrifting is also better for the environment! 

Journaling

Journaling is like giving your thoughts a safe and cozy home. You can pour out your feelings, express your thoughts and be yourself without the worry of anyone seeing it. I recently started journaling at the end of 2024 and it is definitely a habit I want to continue. Journaling invites you to slow down, connect with yourself and reflect. I highly recommend giving it a try and bringing this habit into 2025. 

OUTs

People-Pleasing

People-pleasing might seem like a way to keep everyone happy, but really it just causes you to feel drained and exhausted. I would be lying if I said I didn’t have this issue, so in 2025 my goal is to put myself first, and you should too. I’m not saying to be selfish or rude, but sometimes it’s okay to speak your mind and express your feelings. People-pleasing might give you temporary comfort, but it quietly dims your own light, and you don’t deserve that. 

Negativity 

Being negative and surrounding yourself with negative people is draining!! We all have moments of struggle, and that is okay, but when we stay in a constant state of pessimism, it becomes a problem.  Constantly being around people who complain or see the world in a glass-half-empty kind of way is exhausting. In 2025, it’s important to let go of toxic, negative energy. Choose to be around people who lift you up, inspire you and remind you that life is something to be grateful for. 

High Screen Time

A huge goal of mine this year is to reduce my screen time and hours spent on my phone. For most, this is very difficult, especially because we grew up with the development of technology, but I think it’s necessary. High screen time can be draining for your mind and body, and leaves you feeling overwhelmed. Less time on your phone means more time for the little things that make your life full. Instead of scrolling through social media, try picking up a book or sparking a new conversation with a friend. 

I hope my list of “ins and outs” inspired you to make your own. Now is the perfect time for a fresh start and to make this year your best yet!