If you really want to become a better person in 2025, say goodbye to these 8 habits

There’s a massive distinction between who you are now and the person you aspire to be in 2025.

That difference? It’s all about habits.

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a devoted mindfulness enthusiast. I’ve found that to genuinely transform yourself into that better person you envision, you need to kiss goodbye to certain habits that are holding you back.

Ironically, these habits might seem harmless or even beneficial now, but trust me, they’re roadblocks on your path to personal growth.

Ready to take that leap towards a better you in 2025?

Let’s identify those eight pesky habits you need to ditch. Stick with me, and together, we can shape a better version of yourself for the future.

1) Procrastination

We’ve all been there.

You’re faced with a daunting task, and instead of tackling it head-on, you find yourself scrolling through social media or binge-watching your favorite show.

Procrastination is a common habit that many of us struggle with. But if you truly want to become a better person in 2025, it’s time to say goodbye to this habit.

You see, procrastination isn’t just about wasting time. It’s about avoiding the discomfort associated with challenging tasks. And the more you avoid these tasks, the more daunting they become.

Instead of putting off tasks, embrace them. Tackle them head-on and acknowledge the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing them.

2) Neglecting self-care

I’ve noticed something about myself over the years. When things get busy, the first thing I toss out the window is self-care. I’m sure some of you can relate.

There was a time when I was juggling multiple projects at Hack Spirit, and to say I was stressed would be an understatement.

In my bid to get everything done, I stopped taking breaks, started eating poorly and my sleep schedule took a hit.

Guess what happened? My productivity plummeted. I was constantly tired, irritable, and just not at my best.

That’s when it hit me. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

If you want to become a better person in 2025, you need to make self-care a priority. This could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to meditate, getting regular exercise, or ensuring that you’re eating nutritious meals.

Take care of yourself first, and you’ll be in a better position to take care of everything else.

3) Living with a big ego

The ego can be a tricky thing.

On one hand, it can drive us to succeed and achieve our goals. On the other hand, it can lead us to believe we’re better than others, which can damage our relationships and hinder personal growth.

But here’s the thing: living with a big ego is not a path to happiness or success. In fact, it often results in the exact opposite.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into the Buddhist concept of ‘Anatta’, or ‘no-self’.

This concept teaches us that our sense of self is not fixed or permanent, but rather an ever-changing flow of experiences and perceptions.

By letting go of our ego, we open ourselves up to a more genuine connection with others and a clearer understanding of ourselves.

So if you want to become a better person in 2025, it’s time to say goodbye to your big ego.

As the Buddha taught, “Life is a journey. No one is ahead of you or behind you. You are not racing with others, you are racing with yourself.”

4) Avoiding difficult conversations

Let’s be honest—no one looks forward to having difficult conversations. They can be uncomfortable, emotionally taxing, and often involve confrontation.

However, avoiding these conversations can create unresolved issues, harm relationships, and stunt personal growth.

As noted in Psychology Today, our reluctance often stems from the fear of negative outcomes—how the other person might react, the potential for conflict, or even the discomfort of our own emotions.

Yet, when we avoid these discussions, we forfeit opportunities for growth, understanding, and resolution.

Approaching difficult conversations with empathy and an open mind can transform them from a source of anxiety into a path toward stronger relationships and self-improvement.

By setting aside judgment and focusing on the issue rather than the individual, you can navigate these tough conversations with clarity and compassion.

In 2025, commit to tackling these conversations head-on—they’re essential steps toward personal and relational growth.

5) Constantly seeking approval

Now, this might seem a bit counter-intuitive. After all, isn’t it normal to want validation and approval from others?

Sure, it’s entirely natural to seek affirmation and validation.

However, constantly seeking approval from others can be detrimental to your self-esteem and personal growth. It can lead you to make decisions based on what you think others want, rather than what’s best for you.

When you’re constantly seeking approval, you’re essentially placing your self-worth in the hands of others. And let me tell you, that’s a precarious place for it to be.

If you want to become a better person in 2025, it’s time to stop seeking constant approval. Instead, learn to trust your own judgment and make decisions based on your values and beliefs.

So forget about seeking approval and start embracing your authentic self.

6) Living in the past

It’s easy to get caught up in the past. Past mistakes, past relationships, past failures. But constantly living in the past can prevent you from moving forward and becoming the person you want to be.

Dwelling on past events can lead to feelings of regret, guilt, and bitterness. These feelings can consume you, leaving little room for growth or happiness.

If you want to become a better person in 2025, it’s time to let go of the past. Acknowledge it, learn from it, but don’t let it dictate your future.

It is only by letting go of the past that we can truly embrace the present and prepare for a better future.

7) Ignoring the small wins

It’s easy to get caught up in the big goals. The grand achievements that seem to define our success.

But in doing so, we often overlook the small wins—the incremental progress that truly propels us forward.

During a particularly challenging project at Hack Spirit, I found myself constantly stressed and overwhelmed, feeling like I was making no headway.

But when I took a step back and reflected on what I had accomplished, I realized that there were many smaller victories worth celebrating.

These small wins—completing a difficult task, learning a new skill, or simply making it through a challenging day—are just as important as the big achievements.

They provide motivation, build confidence, and remind us that progress isn’t always about making giant leaps; often, it’s about taking small, consistent steps.

8) Comparing yourself to others

In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to compare ourselves to others.

Social media platforms are filled with picture-perfect lifestyles, success stories, and achievements that can often make us feel inadequate.

But the truth is, comparing ourselves to others is a losing battle. We’re often comparing our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.

This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even depression.

If you want to become a better person in 2025, it’s time to stop comparing yourself to others. Instead, focus on your own journey. Celebrate your progress and strive to become the best version of yourself.

As the old saying goes, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” So let’s ditch the comparisons and focus on our own unique paths.

The final takeaway: It’s all about conscious choices

Our behaviors and habits significantly impact who we are and who we become. These nine habits have the potential to hinder our growth and prevent us from becoming better versions of ourselves.

However, the power to change lies in our hands. By consciously choosing to let go of these habits, we take a significant step towards self-improvement and personal growth.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into how conscious choices can lead to personal transformation and self-realization.

Whether it’s saying no to procrastination, embracing difficult conversations, or celebrating small wins, each step you take brings you closer to becoming the person you aspire to be in 2025.