Habits our team is leaving behind in 2025 

Hannah Forbes, Digital Designer 

I’ve decided 2025 is the year I finally retire from professional people-pleasing and step boldly into my villain era – where “no” comes with a capital ‘N’ and ‘O’. I’m trading apologies for authenticity, because the only energy I’m entertaining now is from people who love me exactly as I am. If that means fewer favours and more boundaries? Perfect. Consider me officially ghosting my inner doormat. 

Emma Mbuthuma, Writer 

As I reflect on what I aim to leave behind in 2025, it’s not just the lingering habits or worn-out routines that I’ve outgrown, but a mindset that once clouded my judgment. The tendency to view people and situations through rose-coloured glasses, to see what I wanted to see rather than what truly was.  

Next year, I’m choosing to shed the delusion of idealising others and instead, meet people where they are, with all their complexities and contradictions. I’m letting go of the need to sugarcoat or distort reality to fit my own narrative, and instead, I’m embracing the beauty of authenticity, even when it’s uncomfortable. This shift is about recognising that true connections are built on mutual understanding, respect, and acceptance, rather than on illusions or false pretences. As I move forward, I’m excited to see the depth and richness that this newfound clarity brings to my relationships and experiences. 

Shantel Peskin, Account Manager 

As I step out of 2025, I leave behind the (delicious) chocolate brownies that kept me calm during hectic work periods. Plus, I am dusting off my exercise weights by setting fitness goals for 2026. And the frown when colleagues ask me the oddest questions? That one, I’m definitely leaving in 2025! 

Andisiwe Yali, Traffic Manager 

In 2025, the main habit I plan to leave behind is procrastination. I’ve struggled with putting things off frequently, which has held me back significantly this year. Whether it’s losing weight or going on more solo dates, there’s always been that mindset of “I’ll do it next week” or “I’ll start next month,” and somehow these plans just never happen. In 2026, my goal is to become more motivated and disciplined so I can finally accomplish what I’ve set out for myself. 

Liam Marinus, Key Account Manager 

Something that’s been haunting my mornings, stealing my peace, and dragging me into consciousness long before I’m ready to face the world. I’ve tiptoed around it for years, pretending it wasn’t a problem for far too long, but 2026 is the year of freedom. So, for 2025 I’m officially leaving behind the terrible habit of “waking up before my alarm.” I deserve better. I deserve the full amount of sleep my alarm and I agreed upon. 

Aneliswa Kunene, Writer 

This year, I’m officially ghosting McDonald’s and my inner couch potato. No more McDonald’s after work or dinner, and no more endless scrolling on TikTok while procrastinating. 2026 is all about swapping fries for a salad (maybe) and trading lazy days for a walk or some actual time touching grass to feel human again. Consider this my official break-up letter to fast food and laziness. 

Photography: Freepik