Personal Growth: 20 Things to Leave Behind in 2020
LLet’s be real—2020 was one for the books. It was a wild ride full of unexpected twists, global chaos, and personal challenges that tested us all in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Whether it was dealing with uncertainty, loss, or just the day-to-day overwhelm, each of us faced moments that pushed our limits. But the important thing is this: despite all the ups and downs, you made it through.
And now? It’s time to hit the reset button.
A new year is more than just flipping a calendar page—it’s a chance to press pause on what’s been holding you back and create a fresh start with intention and clarity. If you’re serious about leveling up in life—whether that means growing emotionally, building better habits, or finally chasing those dreams—you’ve got to understand one crucial truth:
Personal growth isn’t just about what you add to your life. It’s equally about what you decide to leave behind.
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t starting something new—it’s letting go of the old things that no longer serve you. Old habits, toxic mindsets, energy-draining relationships, and negative self-talk—they all pile up and weigh you down, even if you don’t realize it.
So before you jump headfirst into your goals and plans for this year, take a moment to look backward with purpose. What are the things you’re ready to drop? What mental clutter, emotional baggage, or limiting beliefs will you finally say goodbye to? Because clearing out that space is what makes room for the new energy, opportunities, and growth to flow in.
This isn’t just about motivation—it’s about transformation.
So let’s dive in. Here’s a list of habits, thought patterns, and energy-zapping behaviors that it’s time to leave behind if you want to truly step into your best self in 2021.
1. Negative Self-Talk
Stop being your own worst critic. That little voice in your head that constantly tells you you’re not good enough? Yeah, it’s holding you back. Replace it with affirmations, self-compassion, and realistic positivity.
2. Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparison is a thief. Social media makes it so easy to fall into the trap of feeling behind. But guess what? Everyone’s timeline is different. Focus on your own growth and stop measuring your life against someone else’s highlight reel.
3. Toxic Relationships
If someone consistently drains your energy, they don’t belong in your life. It doesn’t matter if it’s a friend, family member, or partner—if the relationship is rooted in manipulation, guilt, or disrespect, it’s time to let go.
4. Living in the Past
You can’t change what happened, but you can change how you move forward. Whether it’s regret, old mistakes, or heartbreak, don’t let the past dictate your present. Heal, learn, and grow.
5. Overcommitting
Saying yes to everything will burn you out. 2021 is about intentional energy. Prioritize your peace over pleasing others. Your time is valuable—use it wisely.
6. Procrastination
Waiting for the “right time” is just fear in disguise. If something matters to you, start now. Progress is better than perfection, and momentum comes from action.
7. Fear of Failure
Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. Every successful person has failed (many times). Use your mistakes as stepping stones, not stop signs.
8. Perfectionism
Chasing perfection is exhausting and unrealistic. It stops you from finishing things, taking risks, and being human. Strive for excellence, not flawlessness.
9. Ignoring Your Mental Health
Your mind deserves care just like your body. Therapy, journaling, boundaries, rest—it’s not indulgent, it’s necessary. Make your mental well-being a top priority.
10. Saying “I’m Fine” When You’re Not
Vulnerability is strength. It’s okay to not be okay. Lean on people. Speak your truth. You don’t have to carry everything alone.
11. Clutter (Physical + Emotional)
Mess creates stress. Clean out your space, your inbox, your heart. Let go of the stuff (and feelings) that aren’t serving you.
12. Playing Small
Stop shrinking to make others comfortable. Own your talents. Speak up. Go for the big goals. You were made for more than “just getting by.”
13. Settling for Less Than You Deserve
You don’t have to accept crumbs in love, career, or life. Want more? Go after more. You’re allowed to expect respect, growth, and fulfillment.
14. Scrolling Mindlessly
Your time and attention are precious. Set app limits. Replace doom-scrolling with reading, walking, or just being. Mindful time > wasted time.
15. Overanalyzing Everything
Not everything needs to be dissected. Sometimes, things just are. Trust your gut more. Let go of the need to control every outcome.
16. Avoiding Hard Conversations
Growth lives in discomfort. Whether it’s setting a boundary, apologizing, or asking for clarity—face it head-on. Mature communication is powerful.
17. Chasing External Validation
If you’re always chasing likes, compliments, or approval—you’ll never feel full. Learn to validate yourself first. Your worth doesn’t depend on others.
18. Staying in Your Comfort Zone
Comfort = safe, but it also = stagnant. Say yes to things that scare you a little. That’s where the magic lives—right outside your comfort bubble.
19. Neglecting Your Body
Your body is your home. Move it. Nourish it. Rest it. Whether it’s stretching daily or eating more veggies—treat it with the love it deserves.
20. Waiting for the “Right” Moment to Start Fresh
Spoiler: There is no perfect moment. Start messy. Start scared. Just start. Your future self will thank you.
How to Actually Let Go (And Mean It)
Leaving things behind doesn’t mean pretending they never existed. It means:
- Acknowledging what’s not working
- Accepting that it’s time to grow
- Actively choosing a new path
It takes courage. It takes self-awareness. But it’s the only way to step into who you’re truly meant to become.
Mini Practices for a Fresh Start
Here are some simple ways to support your personal growth this year:
- Daily journaling – even just 5 minutes to reflect
- Meditation or breathwork – calm your nervous system
- Weekly digital detox – reclaim your focus
- Monthly goal check-ins – stay aligned with your vision
- Declutter one thing per week – physical or emotional
Consistency beats intensity. Small changes stack up to create big shifts.
Table of Contents
FAQs: Personal Growth & Letting Go
Q1: How do I know what I need to let go of?
Start by checking in with how things make you feel. If something leaves you feeling anxious, drained, stuck, or resentful—it’s likely worth reevaluating.
Q2: What if I’m scared to let go of certain relationships or habits?
That’s normal. Change can feel terrifying. But fear doesn’t mean stop—it means pay attention. Lean into the fear, not away from it. Letting go often creates space for something far better.
Q3: What’s the difference between giving up and letting go?
Giving up is rooted in defeat. Letting go is an act of self-respect. One is passive; the other is powerful.
Q4: Can I still work on these things even if I slip up sometimes?
Absolutely. Progress is not linear. What matters is that you keep coming back to your intention. Growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up again and again.
Q5: How long does it take to really change a habit or mindset?
Science says around 66 days on average. But honestly? It depends on how deep the pattern runs and how committed you are. Be patient with yourself—it’s a process, not a sprint.
Final Thoughts: Leave It Behind, Step Into Your Power
2020 taught us a lot—about resilience, uncertainty, and what really matters. And while some of those lessons were hard, they also paved the way for something better.
2021 is your clean slate. Your invitation to evolve. Your chance to step into alignment with your truest self.
But first? You’ve got to leave some stuff behind.
So here’s your challenge:
Pick 3 things from this list and start there.
Write them down. Name them out loud. Commit to releasing them.
You don’t need permission. You don’t need to wait.
You just need to decide.