Something Extra | What are you leaving behind in 2021?

Adjusting to a new normal hasn’t been for the faint of heart. Some have opted to turn possibilities into opportunities while others are still stumbling to find their footing. With talks of new COVID-19 variants, and a new year already here, now is the best time for reflection, introspection and a fresh start. We asked: What are you leaving behind in 2021? This is what some of our readers had to share.

I’m leaving my [risk-averse] self in 2021 and taking more chances this year, calculated risks. Based on the success and lessons that came about as a result of that action, I’m bringing it forward. If you see some soil, plant a flower. And [if] the flower dies, try a different plant before you write off the soil. Opportunities exist. Sometimes it’s the execution that needs tweaking. — Romain Lewis, 31, publishing agent

For 2021, I’m leaving bad spending habits behind. I am usually buying ingredients for my business, but when it comes to fashion and trends, I do way too much online shopping. Breaking that habit means that I can save more, invest more and make the money work for me. I want to treat my money like an asset so that I don’t become a liability. — Audre Wisdom, 29, entrepreneur

I’m leaving behind the thought that no one understands me. Because of that mindset, I usually shut people out, thinking that they don’t. I’m so used to pushing people away. But I’ve found someone who cares and who understand me. So when I say ‘may your story change’, I mean it, even for myself. — Noel Cunningham, 31, chef

I’m leaving procrastination and self-doubt in 2021. Sometimes I doubt my ability to carry out certain tasks, and I begin to procrastinate, to the point where I end up avoiding the task altogether. So leaving those two things behind means getting more done this year. — Jaime-Lee Bingham, 29, restaurant manager

For 2022, I’m leaving behind worry and anxiety back in 2021. No more fretting on what might be. — Ortolan Powell, 38, entrepreneur and social media influencer

I am leaving behind the concept of wanting to do a little of everything but mastering nothing in 2021. I am also leaving my mentality of ‘taking few steps at a time’. I am leaving behind speaking to people harshly, especially males. I’m leaving behind unhealthy eating, especially late at night. Waking up late is definitely staying back into 2021. I will no longer be showing up late, especially when my presence is needed and is of importance. I am working on myself by the day, minutes and seconds now, rather than making improvements annually. — Cheruth Wright, female, 34, entrepreneur