12 Things To Do LESS of and MORE of In 2019

The year is coming to an end and it’s the time where everyone (myself included) is thinking about how the next year will be much better than the previous, things we will do differently, things we will quit and most importantly things we will do more of. Putting things in perspective, regardless of how 2018 has been – the fact that you are still alive, breathing and able to read this, there is a lot to be grateful for. Seriously. These are 14 different aspects of our lives that if we focus on in 2019 can bring about a drastic change in the way 2019 ends.

#1. Less Talking, More Listening.

You might have heard the saying that “God gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason because he wants us to talk less and listen more.” The act of listening to what others have to say whilst being patient, attentive and considerate is one trait that a lot of us lack. I personally have been working on this for a long time. When we listen to what people have to say, we get a sense of what they are feeling, we give them room to express themselves, we learn more about them and when it’s time for us to talk, they will most likely reciprocate the gesture of listening to what we have to say as well. In 2019, I want to listen more and talk less. I want to be attentive, empathic and considerate of other people’s feelings.

#2. Less Planning, More Doing.

Planning can be a good thing but when there’s too much planning and less doing or execution, then planning can be a total waste of time. Execution is key! Look back into 2018, what were the plans you had, what were the things you spent so much time creating plans around, did you execute them? Or because the plan wasn’t well laid out, you kept pushing the execution of it? You need to grab the bull by the horn, drop your pen and paper and actually DO! Execute more in 2019!

#3. Less Complaining, More Encouraging.

Let’s face it, complaining and whining doesn’t really do much, if it does anything at all. Nobody likes a nagger, I personally hate complaints so much that when someone complains around me, it leaves a bad taste and I start distancing myself from them. Instead of complaining, let’s think of finding a solution. Instead of complaining, choose to encourage and seek way outs. There are 100s of things to complain about on a daily basis in our lives, work or relationships, let’s leave all that in 2018. In 2019, spend less or even zero time complaining (because it solves nothing) and spend more time encouraging and looking for way outs / solutions.

#4. Less Worrying, More Hoping.

Worrying is one of the signs of being human, I  get it. We worry about the future, we worry about the past and we worry about what is going to happen right now instead of living in the moment and enjoying the process. Worrying solves nothing, instead it makes things worse because it makes you feel empty and like you are lacking something. On the other hand, hope makes you feel positive. Instead of worrying about the future and how things will turn out, hope for a better future. Envision better things mentally and you will begin to see the difference between worrying and hoping.  In 2019, worry less and hope more!

#5. Less Doubting, More Believing.

Your past and even current situation might make you doubt how good your future will look like. I get it, as humans, our brains work by reflecting on our past experiences and then it anticipates a similar situation for the future. However, you have the power to choose to doubt less and believe more! In this new year, stop doubting your abilities, stop doubting how things will turn out, stop doubting your results and start believing that just like every other person who has achieved what you want to achieve, you too can get it! Do not let the experience from your past cloud your mind and brain, believe and things will begin to work based on your beliefs.

#6. Less Lazing Around, More Working!

We all dream of better situations and things but do we all actually put in the work? Its a fact that you will only get things coming your way if you do things or work towards those things.

In 2019, let’s minimize lazing around and actually spending more time putting in the work, the hustle and the grind.

This is the fastest way to get what you want. Instead of watching so many movies, spending hours on social media looking at memes and funny videos, spending time gossiping or doing things that adds no genuine value to you, you should be spending time working on your goals, yourself and things you want to achieve. Make it a point of duty to do something EACH DAY of 2019 that draws you closer to your dreams and goals and by the end of the year – you will see significant increase.

#7. Less Frowning, More Smiling.

Smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is a long-held belief that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. You know deep down that you look way more handsome or beautiful when you smile, so why not smile more in 2019? It doesn’t only pass signals to your brain that everything is okay but it also makes people perceive you from a far was someone who is happy and approachable. In 2019, let’s smile more and frown less! On the bus, on the train, while at work, whilst in the gym, wherever – just smile more and loosen up! Who would you feel comfortable approaching? Someone who’s smiling or frowning?

#8. Less Insecurity, More Trust.

Almost everyone has something they are insecure about and this brings about lack of confidence both in ourselves and in people. However, in 2019 – the goal and aim is to have more trust in ourselves and in people. Do not let your insecurities hold you back from a better life and experiences.

#9. Less Weakness, More Confidence.

Oh! In 2019, its time to up your confidence game up! No more timidness, no more weaknesses, no more feeling like you are not enough! You are more than enough and it’s time to eradicate any thought or feeling that makes you feel inferior to people and circumstances. Get your confidence game on! Let’s go! Less weakness and more confidence!

#10. Less Ignorance, More Understanding.

What you don’t know is going to cost you, so if it is important to you – get the understanding of it! It’s time to stop saying “I don’t know” and time to start saying “How can I know this”, “How can I learn this”. It’s time. Ignorance is not something to be proud of or an escape. Funny thing is that confidence comes from knowing and understanding, when you know that you know, you feel relaxed and confident in situations where knowing what you know is important.

Read more books, blogs, articles and consume more content that increases your knowledge. There is a big chance that the change you’ve been looking for in your life is out there, somewhere and all you have to do is find it and consume the heck out of it. In 2019, less ignorance and more understanding!

#11. Less Hate, More Love!

The world needs more love and less hate! Make 2019 the year you show more love to people, your environment and to yourself. Distance yourself from hate talks, speeches or gatherings and find more ways to participate in things that brings about love! Hatred is a very toxic thing and cannot only ruin relationships and people but it can steal your joy! Love on the other hand lends it self to freedom, when you love someone or something, you are willing to overlook their short-comings and think beyond the present circumstances. I personally want to love more in 2019. Less hate over here and more LOVE!

#12. Less Ungratefulness, More Gratitude.

Had to save the best for the last. It’s time to be grateful! Be thankful for life, for the air you breath, for what you have currently, for what you will get and begin to notice how you feel on the inside. One of the greatest realities is that whatever you have right now, no matter how little it might seem to you – is actually someone’s prayer! Millions of people are praying and wishing to be in your current position the same way you are wishing and praying to be in someone else’s.

The key thing is to be grateful for where you are and what you have. There is no day I don’t wake up and thank God for life, the opportunity to be alive and for the space that I live in because I know how powerful gratitude is. Being grateful doesn’t only make you feel good but it also brings more things your way! Ungratefulness on the other hand, steals your joy! It makes you steadily complain and compare yourself or life to others! In 2019, let us be more GRATEFUL…for the things we have and for the things that are yet to come!

Rounding Up!

2018 has been a great year. Sit and look back on things that has happened in your life, the ups and downs, the highs and the lows, the good times and the bad times and look back at those times you worried about things that were not even worth your it. Now, look forward into 2019 with a much more positive view, look at it as a new slate, a new beginning to start doing things you’ve always wanted to do.

I know it’s very cliche to say “NEW YEAR, NEW ME” but deep down I want you to determine to do things in a much different way, make yourself go the extra mile for your dreams, goals and people you love and care about! Let’s get it!