What are you bringing into 2025?

ins and outs from a burnt out twenty-five year old in corporate

Jan 13, 2025

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“If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail. Aim to be you. Aim to look and act and think like you. Aim to be the truest version of you. Embrace that you-ness. Endorse it. Love it. Work hard at it. And don't give a second thought when people mock it or ridicule it. Most gossip is envy in disguise.” - Matt Haig

Opening Note

Last year was a whirlwind, to say the least. I wrapped up my first year in a marketing role, embarked on a semi-solo adventure across Europe, hit burnout at work, had a few emotional meltdowns, and marked my 25th birthday (hello, quarter-life crisis!).

This year, I’m striving for something different—building intentional habits that help me avoid burnout and allow me to be more present with myself and the people I care about. With that in mind, this week’s post is all about my ins and outs for the year. I’ll also share what I’m excited about in 2025, plus some useful resources (think articles, books, and media recommendations) to inspire you.

Last week, I shared a sneak peek of my ins for 2025, and the response was amazing—thank you to everyone who reached out! So here’s the full list of habits, mindsets, and shifts I’m bringing into the new year.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). This is one of the ways I can continue to write free content for you.

2025 Ins 🫶🏼

kids read GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY — Matilda (1996)

Reading before bed - This year, I’m aiming to read 60 books, and carving out at least 30 minutes before bed has been a game-changer. Not only is it helping me reach my goal, but it’s also curbing my doom-scrolling habit, which always left me restless at night.
Spending more time outside - Last year, I jokingly called myself a "corporate prawn"—working 9 to 5 in social media and spending too much time indoors. While I’m grateful for the flexibility of working from home, it made getting outside a challenge. This year, I’m committing to daily walks and soaking up more sunshine. (My parents even tease me about being a vampire because of how pale I’ve become!)
Setting achievable goals - I’m leaning into SMART goals this year—clear, actionable, and realistic—so I can actually follow through.
Making time for my people - Spending quality time with the people who matter most is a priority.
Long-form articles: Along with reading books, I’m diversifying into long-form content. Social media’s fast pace has shortened my attention span, so exploring thought-provoking articles is my antidote to “brain rot.” (I’ve shared a few recommendations below!)
Investing more consistently - I only started investing last year, but I’ve learned it’s never too late to begin. If you’re curious about starting, I’ve included a list of resources to help you take the first step near the end of this newsletter.
Not following trends - Both online and in life, I’m stepping away from trends. As much as I need to stay updated for work, I’m setting boundaries in my personal life—no more fast fashion or jumping on fleeting bandwagons.
Unfollowing accounts that don’t inspire me - This year, I’m removing negative influences (things that encourage bad habits like overconsumption or people that don’t align with my values) by unfollowing accounts that don’t bring inspiration or joy. Overconsumption, be gone!
Sustainable shopping - I’m embracing the “one in, one out” rule and prioritising secondhand finds.
Rediscovering a love for childhood interests or hobbies - Turning 25 reminded me of the joy of revisiting things I loved as a kid. I’m rekindling my love for reading, swimming, journaling, and scrapbooking.
Paperback books from my favourite authors - To curb my book-buying obsession, I’m limiting physical purchases to authors I love and sticking to my Kobo e-reader. for the rest.
Reading more while I commute: Commuting is the perfect time to read or listen to audiobooks. It’s a much better way to start and end the day than mindlessly scrolling.
Handwriting notes and letters: There’s something so heartfelt about handwritten notes. One of my most treasured gifts is a letter from a friend before he moved abroad. This year, I want to bring more of that old-school charm into my life.
Set a night routine every day: Last year, my sleep routine was chaotic. This year, I’m creating a nightly “wind-down” ritual with set bedtimes, reading, and no doom scrolling.
Journalling: In last week’s post I admitted to being an overthinker and also struggling with anxiety. This year I’ve prioritised journalling as a cathartic exercise to organise my thoughts and also track my habits.
Saying “no” to things I cannot afford or don’t ‘need’: I’m committing to a “low-buy year” and practising sustainable shopping. If you haven’t already, check out Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy—it’s a game-changer.
Intentional collection of trinkets or souvenirs: I’ve started collecting unique, meaningful souvenirs. On my last Europe trip, I brought back vintage postcards with handwritten notes and paintings from local artists. I hope to continue this on future trips this year.
Voice messages and long phone calls with friends: One of the hardest things about making friends when you’re living abroad is staying in touch with them after they’ve left the country. These past years I’ve prioritised sending voice messages and organising calls with them each month. These moments are often one of the highlights of my month filled with hours of yapping, chatter and laughter.
Buying things secondhand: Part of my goal of doing a low buy year is first checking if I can buy a certain item secondhand. I highly recommend checking out beni which is a resource that helps you find an item second-hand online.
Organising and backing up my photos: If you’ve been following me for a while you’ll know I’m one of those people who take photos of everything. I’m one of those friends who will randomly stop and take a photo of something that I might find cute, or a unique lighting in a landscape. Here are a few of my favourite photos from Korea and Switzerland. **
Saying “no” to things that drain me: I’m learning to set more boundaries with my personal time. As an INFJ my social battery tends to drain quite quickly, especially when I’m meeting new people.
Drinking a cup of tea when I wake up: I’m not a coffee person, but my day always starts with a cup of tea—usually English breakfast or berry. It’s my little non-negotiable for starting my day.

2025 Outs 🙅🏻‍♀️

TV & FILM GIFs — stars-bean: Twilight (2008) dir. Catherine... — Twilight (2008)

Not asking for help: As an only child and eldest daughter, I’ve grown up being fiercely independent, often refusing help even when I need it. This year, I’m learning to let go of the guilt and embrace the support others offer—it’s okay to not figure everything out on my own.
Mindless scrolling on my phone: Burnout from social media and content creation hit hard last year. This year, I’m cutting down on phone time to combat that “brain rot” feeling. Instead, I’m swapping doom scrolling for reading and more mindful habits.
Saving outfits for ‘special’ occasions: I’ve realised that many pieces in my wardrobe rarely see the light of day because I’m saving them for a “better” occasion. This year, I’m wearing those outfits unapologetically—after all, I paid for them, and every day deserves to feel a little special.
Staying up late - As much as I love being a night owl, consistently going to bed at 1 a.m. isn’t sustainable. Prioritising better sleep routines is high on my list.
Looking up spoilers - Whether it’s books, movies, or shows, I have an odd habit of seeking spoilers just to prepare myself for what’s coming. This year, I’m embracing the element of surprise—it’s part of the joy.
Overpriced tea - I’m officially done paying $7 for tea at cafes when I can easily make my own. Unless it’s a special occasion, my tea habit is staying homemade.
People pleasing - Self-explanatory but it’s a hard habit to break for me.
Imposter syndrome - Feeling like I don’t know what I’m doing—especially in my career—is a constant struggle. This year, I’m reminding myself that life isn’t a race, and every journey is unique.
Superficial friendships - I’m focusing on friendships that are reciprocal and meaningful. No more maintaining relationships out of obligation or nostalgia. This year is about intentional connections that bring joy and support.
Impulse purchases - Impulse buying has been a wallet-drainer. As part of my low-buy year, I’m waiting 30 days before purchasing anything. It’s a simple way to reflect on whether I truly need or want it.
Overthinking everything - As a chronic overthinker, my mind is often a mess of spiralling thoughts. Journaling will be my go-to tool this year to organise and declutter my mental space.
Perfectionism - Trying to make everything “perfect” has held me back for too long. My mantra for the year: “Done is better than perfect.”
Clutter (physical & mental) - When I’m overwhelmed, my space tends to mirror my state of mind—clothes pile up, and my downloads folder overflows. This year, I’m committing to regular decluttering habits to maintain a sense of calm and order.
Bed rotting - There’s nothing worse than that drained, aimless feeling of lying in bed for hours. This year, I’m making an effort to get up and move, even on low-energy days.
Comparing Myself to Social Media - Comparing my life to the curated perfection online has been a toxic habit. Unfollowing accounts that don’t inspire or align with my values is my first step toward letting this go.
Letting people walk over me - Seriously grow a backbone, Kelly.
Online shopping - Sales are my weakness, but this year I’m focusing on intentional spending rather than chasing discounts.
Expensive subscriptions - I’ve wasted so much money on streaming services and subscriptions I barely use. Tracking my expenses monthly will help me cut out the unnecessary.