Things I Need To Stop Doing in 2023

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So I want to start 2023 off positively so let me get some of my negatives out of the way as the year comes to a close. These are some habits that I really need to break in the upcoming trip around the sun.

Stop Rewatching Old Movies

I really struggled this year to commit to watching new films. All too often, I’d waste a bunch of time looking through the various streaming services for something to watch, even though there were a bunch of films I allegedly was interested in watching on my queues. Eventually, I’d often end up watching something I’d already seen and half pay attention, maybe scrolling through Tik Tok instead of watching the show.

Now, one way I’ve already moved towards fixing this problem is ditching most of my streaming services. Netflix and HBO Max are on the chopping block. I might end up dumping Disney/Hulu/ESPN but that bundle is worth the money. And I have Prime Video because I always re-up my Amazon Prime subscription anyway.

Still, I want to do a better job of committing myself to new films and to headier stuff. I make no apologies for my favorite entertainment of the year being Ghosts on CBS but I can dive into some art films in the new year.

A bonus movie stoppage is Stop Putting on Movies When I Go To Bed. I’ve almost gotten to the point where I need to have something on TV for me to go to sleep. It’s a complete waste of electricity and just a bad habit to be stuck in.

Stop Skipping Breakfast

I haven’t been a committed breakfast eater for a long time now and I feel like quarantine and remote work has made it even worse. But the remote work adds into the mix the possibility of me raiding my snack shelf at 10am and calling that a meal. Or often, eating so many snacks that I count it as brunch and don’t eat a real lunch either.

My best stretch of weight loss was when I broke out my snacks into tupperware - one serving or so per container and I’d only allow myself one per day. I need to get back to that. Not only does it keep me from chowing down but it also reminds me to enjoy the food. Instead of just throwing a handful of crackers into my mouth, I take my time and relish each bite when I have fewer at my disposal.

During this stretch, I was also making eggs every day, which was great, but if I want to keep it up this time, I need to vary up my options than simply another egg white omelet every day.

Stop Staying Out Past Midnight

At my age, I probably shouldn’t be going out much anyway but I certainly shouldn’t be staying out until the new day begins. There’s really no upside to it.

Stop Being A Hater

There’s a great quote that my art teachers had on their wall in middle school: “Great minds discuss idea. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.” I feel like I spend too much time talking about people. I definitely spend too much time complaining. My ability to chat has definitely atrophied over the quarantine years so I need to make a concerted effort to be more engaged aka listening and interacting. I feel like, more and more, I have a small set of stories that I work into every convo. Or I go out with something in my mind and seem hell-bent on working it into whatever we’re talking about. And more often than not, the something on my mind is a complaint or pet peeve.

Stop Procrastinating

I’ve gotten better with this but I’m the king of putting things off. Everything from the projects that I’ve had on my To Do list for years to simply picking up something I shot at the trash and missed. This is one reason why I’m starting this blog now; don’t push it off until January 1st. I can do it now so do it now!

Anyway, my goal is to tackle this upcoming year in quarters so I feel like this is a good list for the first three months of the year. If I can kick these off, maybe I’ll be a little less frustrated (incorporaaaaaated!)