As the year-end approaches, many people start setting new goals or New Year's Resolutions they want to accomplish in the coming year to improve and develop themselves into a better version.
However, we don't always need to set the usual New Year's goals. One way to reset life and change ourselves for the better is to determine 'what we will stop doing'—whether bad habits or behaviors that harm our physical and mental health. In English, this type of resolution is called an Anti-resolution.
Before 2026 arrives, Thairath Plus invites everyone to hear the stories of many people who have promised themselves what they will stop doing next year, so they can bring happiness back into their lives and truly appreciate themselves.
Stop being a People Pleaser. Often, we care for others’ feelings, try to keep the atmosphere pleasant, make those around us happy, and ensure everything seems fine, but inside we feel exhausted, empty, and unhappy. We forget to ask ourselves whether what we do is something “they want” or “we want.”
Before losing ourselves even more, we want to spend more time on ourselves, listen to our own needs, recognize our value, and always put ourselves first.
Petchhom, 36 years old
What I will stop doing is staying in a ‘talking’ relationship for a long time, hoping someday they will be clear with me. Next year, I want someone who doesn’t play games, someone sincere and clear about the direction of the relationship, to talk openly without avoiding problems. When I was once in a situation where he acted like a boyfriend but we couldn't truly be lovers, it was toxic because maybe only I was waiting and waiting, loving myself less every day.
Aum, 28 years old
Since late last year after the concert, I found myself spending more time on my phone than usual (mostly watching rock climbing clips), to the point where I started losing focus. Next year, I want to reduce phone time and focus more on my surroundings, read more books, observe the people and scenery around me, and importantly, find more time to go rock climbing when free.
‘Blaming myself repeatedly’ is something I won't continue. Many difficult events happened this year, both physically and mentally. Not to mention the political and social issues that took away much of my own expectations, including nationalism and difficult resistance to conflicts. Though I tried to resist with my limited strength at work, I kept asking myself why I feel so small and what else I can do.
Personal problems piled up all at once—family, work, love—all tangled together. When I couldn’t do anything, I ended up blaming myself constantly until one point when I whispered to myself to just see things as they are, not to feel responsible for saving every world, to do my best but stop blaming myself.
Kahiew, 24 years old
I will stop staying up late and eating unhealthy food because I want to take good care of my health, have energy to do what I love, and realize that health is wealth. Taking care of both body and mind is a lasting richness that helps reduce future expenses.
Ann, 32 years old
I will stop undervaluing myself because I understand everyone has their own path and people have very different soft skills. So, seeing someone else excel in one area doesn’t mean I am inferior to anyone.
Also, I will stop spending too much on material things. It’s not that I won’t buy unnecessary items, but I will think carefully before buying if I truly want it. I don't want shopping to become an unconscious materialistic habit because true value and charm aren’t based only on outward appearances.
Poon Sai, 20 years old
I will stop fearing detailed health checkups. I normally have annual checkups, and since I’m still young, I thought basic tests were enough. But that’s not always true because illnesses don’t choose age or timing. Some diseases hide inside without symptoms for years. Without thorough tests, they won’t be detected. I always think that early detection leads to early treatment. Good health affects all aspects of life, and being disease-free is the greatest blessing.
Prae, 31 years old
I will no longer plant large trees because they shed many leaves, requiring constant sweeping. I’m afraid of snakes and too lazy to water and fertilize. Planting isn’t as fun as when I was younger; I feel burned out, maybe because I’m getting older.
Lek, 68 years old