The end of the year is an ideal time for practicing something I call “quitting cleanly.” Often we have a long list of things we feel we should be doing, yet we find ourselves endlessly procrastinating. When we allow ourselves to consciously release these lingering “shoulds,” this frees our energy and focus for more soulaligned pursuits.

Quitting cleanly doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll never decide to do this thing again; it simply means that right now you’re liberating yourself from the energy-draining pressure of “should” so you can start fresh.

On a piece of paper, write down any nagging projects you’re ready to quit cleanly. Roll the paper into a scroll, rolling away from your body, then safely light the paper on fire in a heatproof dish. Feel the energy separating from these commitments, reentering the cosmic cycle, where it can be used for other purposes. Let the ashes cool, then bury them or throw them away with gratitude.