The Secret to Better Habits in 2025⁠↗

Marcus Aurelius would say that doing less “brings a double satisfaction.” You get to do less and you get to do those things better. As we enter 2025, consider what you might need to say “no” to in order to say “yes” to what matters most.

There’s a term for people who not only lack boundaries, but suck others dry with their neediness, their selfishness, their dysfunction, and their drama: energy vampires. This year, don’t be an energy vampire and don’t put up with energy vampires. Be strong enough to keep them at arm’s distance even if they’re beautiful, even if they’re talented, even if they’re family or old friends, even if their helplessness calls to the most empathetic part of yourself. Set boundaries this year. And stick to them.

“Don’t be ashamed to need help. Like a soldier storming a wall, you have a mission to accomplish. And if you’ve been wounded and you need a comrade to pull you up? So what?” I love how Marcus Aurelius delivers that line—with a shrug. So what? There’s no shame in needing help. Whether it’s therapy, asking for advice, or hiring someone to support you, seeking help is often the key to breakthroughs, growth, and success.

No, Sandra liked to point out, is a complete sentence. Say no. Own it. Be polite when you can, but own it. Don’t say maybe. Don’t give a bunch of reasons (which invite an argument). Don’t push it until later. Say NO. Understand: Everything you say “YES” to in this life means saying “NO” to something else.