It’s 2026! and like clockwork, the start of a new year typically comes with the mother of all temporal landmarks: January 1st. It is the ultimate psychological reset button, a moment where the failures of the previous twelve months are filed away under a past self we no longer claim.

There is something profoundly tempting about that clean slate. The idea that time itself has given us permission to pause, reassess, and intentionally decide what no longer deserves a place in our lives.

We spoke to eight Nigerian women about the habits, mindsets, expectations, and struggle cycles they are consciously leaving behind in 2025. Here’s what they are refusing to carry into 2026.

1. “Spending most of the year in bed and being unhappy.”— Bolu*, 28 

I want to throw myself into joyous situations! 

2025 was a very rough year for me, and looking back (while sick all through Christmas and the New Year), I was deeply sad at the fact that I spent most of the year in bed and feeling unhappy. This year, I want to be happy (by force!) and will be taking steps towards that.

Why? It’s easier for happy people to be optimistic, it’s easier for optimistic people to create, and I want to remain a creative till I die.

2. “All the talk, all the making plans, all the words without action.”— Bree* 25 

I want to leave behind all the words and procrastination. Procrastination is pretty self-explanatory, so the words I’m leaving behind are all the talk, all the making plans, all the words without action. I want to think about it and act in 2026.

I also want to leave behind fear: fear of what people think, fear of taking risks, because high risk is high reward (calculated risk, of course).

In 2026, I want all the action, all the money, all the activities. I want to build a better social circle filled with confident and ambitious friends, expand my business network, and leave behind negative thoughts.

3. “I want to leave behind uncertainty.”— Lola* 25

I want to leave behind uncertainty. I want to be sure of myself, my work, and my relationships.

My finances.

The year before, I had multiple income streams. I was working for people I genuinely enjoyed and doing work that felt impactful and aligned. But I had to let all of that go because I couldn’t juggle it alongside law school. My parents had given their final word—law school was not a choice or a suggestion, it was non-negotiable.

Now that that chapter is done, I’m actively looking to rebuild everything I lost financially, and even more. I want to return to working in ways that feel meaningful, sustainable, and affirming. I want back the sense of independence and stability that came with earning well and doing work I believed in.

I want clarity about my place in the world and my place in the lives of the people I care about. I don’t want to keep second-guessing where I stand or questioning whether I’m doing enough or being enough. I want stability that feels grounding, not restrictive, confidence that lets me move with intention instead of doubt.

4. “Inherited beliefs that no longer serve me.” — Kassidy* 26

I want to leave behind carrying too many ideas, beliefs, and expectations that I was basically born into without ever questioning them. So much of what we think is “normal” or “right” is actually just passed down from family, culture, school, or society.

Over time, you realise that some of these ideas don’t really fit who you are or who you want to become. I want to stop letting these inherited beliefs control me, decide for me, or weigh me down. Holding onto all of this can make life feel confusing; it slows you down and sometimes causes you to lose sight of what truly matters to you.

By leaving them behind, I can focus on thinking for myself, making choices that align with my values, and being more present in my life. 2026 is about freedom of thought, trusting my own perspective, and letting go of anything that doesn’t serve me. It’s about simplifying my mind and making space for growth and clarity.

5. “An unhealthy relationship with my body.” — Jola* 30

I’m dumping my unhealthy body in 2025 and welcoming my healthy body in 2026.

For years, the phrase “gym body” has been a loyal resident on my vision board, but it somehow never materialised in real life. I always had an excuse: work, time, life. You name it.

This year, no excuses. Even if it means setting up a home gym, buying equipment, and making food choices that don’t sabotage my goals, I’m doing it. In fact, I’ve already started.

I’m also prayerfully hoping my partner proposes this year, and I need my body to understand the assignment. The pictures and videos must be nice. The body must be fire.

I want to look back at 2026 and proudly say, “Yeah, I did that. I showed up for my body.” And honestly, I can’t wait.

Also Read: “My home was never a safe space” — 5 Nigerian Women on Living in Dysfunctional Homes

6. “Doubting myself before I even try.” — Ndidi* 27

In 2025, I realized that there were many things I had always wanted to try but never did, because I had told myself I wasn’t good at them. For example, I had always wanted to learn how to do my own makeup. One day, I just started walking into stores, buying products, asking questions, and figuring out what worked for me. I really enjoyed the experience.

I also bought lots of clothes and found that I genuinely enjoyed dressing up and doing fun things. I used to think I wouldn’t enjoy it or that I’d be terrible at it, but once I started, I realised I actually loved matching outfits and expressing myself.

I’m not great at my makeup yet, but I’m having fun with it and that matters.

The same shift happened with work. I became more confident by reminding myself that I’ve been doing this for a while, that I have good ideas, and that I should trust myself more. A lot of the anxiety around my performance disappeared when I realised that everyone struggles with imposter syndrome, not just me.

Going into 2026, I don’t want to change much; I want to build on the foundation I’ve already laid. I want to do brilliant work, take courses, learn from people who really know their stuff, and expand my knowledge in my field.

I also want to take better care of my body: go to the gym more consistently, rebuild my skincare routine, take walks, and feel good physically. My friends and I are planning to go out more, because I’ve realised that having a good day out improves my mood for the entire week.

7. “Anxiety over things I cannot control.” — Nimi* 58

The things I want to leave behind in 2025 are anxiety over things I cannot control, procrastination, accommodating people who do not deserve my attention, and talking too much.

I want peace of mind, which anxiety takes away, so I’m choosing to build my faith in God Almighty and rely on Him totally. I’m also committing to being more proactive in my attitude, practising self-love, creating more time for myself, and learning to bridle my tongue so I can remove myself from unnecessary drama and misrepresentation.

8. “Burning myself out trying to do everything at once.” — Kevwe* 19 

Every new year, I sit down to calculate what to leave behind and what to carry forward. I’ve always seen a new year as a golden opportunity to express my ambition and chase my goals, but I now realise that I push myself too hard.

I overwork, overstimulate, and overwhelm myself because I act like there’s a time limit on success. I want to make my family proud, get the bag, build myself in this entertainment industry, and be happy, all at once. But I’ve seen the downsides of that mindset.

That’s what I want to leave behind in 2025. In 2026, I want to be patient. I want to take things slowly and gradually, prioritise my wellbeing, and stop overthinking everything. I don’t want to crash and burn as I did before.

All good things come with time, and that’s the energy I’m carrying forward. Slow and steady really does win the race.

9. “Losing focus, faith, and my sense of direction” — Tare*, 50

In all things, I strive to put God first, prayerfully seeking His divine direction and guidance, and making Him my primary focus. I believe that is the foundation for succeeding and accomplishing greater heights in every area of my life.

I also want to leave behind relationships that add no value or positivity to my life. I am choosing to stay away from people who do not contribute anything good to my growth.

In 2026, I want to set clear priorities for myself and work towards achieving them with total focus, without giving room for distractions or procrastination.

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