Things I’m Letting Go of This Year (So I Can Create, Breathe, and Actually Enjoy Life)
Every year, I try to do the same thing: fix myself. Be better. Do more. Stay consistent. Don’t mess up. Don’t waste time. Don’t fall behind. And every year, that mindset quietly builds the exact environment that makes creating harder: pressure, clutter, burnout, and a constant feeling of “not enough.”
So this year I’m doing something different.
This is my list of things I’m letting go of—not because I’m giving up, but because I’m making room. For better work. Better energy. More peace. More play and finally more real progress.
If you can relate, hopefully this list can help you as well.
So without further ado…Here’s what I’m letting go of this year.
1) Perfectionism: The Need to Be Flawless to Be Worth Something
Perfectionism is sneaky because it pretends to be “high standards.”
But in real life, it’s usually fear wearing a fancy hat.
What this means in real life:
If I only feel “good enough” when everything is perfect, I’ll avoid starting altogether… or I’ll finish nothing because it never feels “good enough” to be done.
Mind Shift: My worth isn’t a performance review. Progress counts even when it’s messy.
2) Overbuying: The Myth That One More Art Supply Will Save Me
Buying art supplies is fun. It feels like momentum. It feels like potential.
But sometimes it’s just procrastination with free shipping.
What this means in real life:
If I keep hunting for the “perfect tool,” I don’t have to face the real thing that grows skill: practice (and the occasional ugly attempt).
Mind Shift: The supply I need most is dedicated time at the table. Even if it’s only 15 to 20 minutes a day, I need to set aside a dedicated slot of time to either practice or learn.
3) The Hustle Myth: The Fear That Slowing Down Means Falling Behind
Hustle culture teaches that rest is a reward you earn… after you’ve drained yourself.
Um… No thanks.
What this means in real life:
If I’m always rushing, my brain stays loud, my body stays tense, and creativity turns into survival mode.
Mind Shift: Slowing down isn’t quitting. It’s essential maintenance for every creative.
4) Rigid Consistency: The Lie That Consistency Must Look Identical Every Day
Consistency is helpful… until it becomes a cage.
What this means in real life:
If I miss one day, I act like I “ruined everything,” then I spiral, and usually come to a complete stop.
Mind Shift: Consistency can be flexible. Showing up counts—even if it looks different.
5) Burnout Blindness: Ignoring the First Whispers of Burnout
Burnout rarely starts with a dramatic collapse. It starts with tiny signals, which result in less patience. Less joy. More “ugh.” More brain fog. and ultimately avoidance.
What this means in real life:
If I ignore early burnout signs, my body eventually forces rest in a way I don’t get to control.
Mind Shift: Rest is part of the work. It’s not the enemy of productivity but rather a firm pillar for it.
6) Waste Thinking: Believing Unfinished or “Failed” Work Is Wasted
I used to treat unfinished pieces of art like proof of failure or inconsistency. But that is simply a lie.
What this means in real life:
If I think unfinished work is wasted, I’ll avoid experimenting—and that is where true growth lives.
Mind Shift: When trying new things or even working on old projects, no time is wasted. Every project (even the “bad” ones) are opportunities to learn and grow our creative minds and skills.
7) Play Neglect: Treating Play Like an Optional Extra
Play isn’t childish. It’s fuel.
What this means in real life:
If play is always “after everything else,” it never happens—because everything else is endless.
Mind Shift: Play belongs on the schedule like breathing. Sometimes you need to try new things and just step out of your comfort zone to explore. This helps ground you as well as free you in your creative process.
8) Unneeded Clutter: Mess That Steals My Time, Space, and Attention
Clutter isn’t just stuff. It’s often obstacles that you need to tackle before getting to your craft.
What this means in real life:
If my space is chaotic, my brain is also. Thus, my creative time gets eaten by searching, sorting, moving piles, and eventually feeling guilty for my “lack” of productivity.
Mind Shift: Less clutter = fewer chaotic meltdowns and more creative energy.
9) “Struggle = Success”: The Idea That Harder Always Means Better
Struggle can mean you’re growing… or it can mean you’re forcing the wrong approach.
What this means in real life:
If I believe struggle guarantees success, I’ll keep pushing a method that’s burning me out, just to prove I’m “disciplined.”
Mind Shift: Sometimes, struggle is a sign I need to take a different approach, not steamroll through with more willpower.
10) Fixed Mindset: The Illusion That I Already Know Enough
Fixed mindset doesn’t always look like arrogance.
Sometimes it looks like quiet boredom. Stale routines. Less curiosity. Less wonder.
What this means in real life:
If I assume I already know enough, I stop learning—and my work starts becoming repetitive.
Mind Shift: Curiosity is a skill. And it keeps life and art alive. This means being open to learning a different way or even different mediums of art.
What I’m Making Room For Instead
Letting go has to be intentional for progress to be made. So here’s a short list of what I am doing this year…
I’m making room for:
- More practice, less pressure
- More rest, less guilt
- More play, less “earn it” energy
- More learning, less proving
- More spaciousness—on my desk and in my head
Because I don’t want a life that looks impressive but feels exhausting.
I want a life that feels like mine. Thanks for reading and stopping by my little corner of the internet!
No Comments