In late 2025 I put together a list of things I would dump in 2026. Three months of the year are done, so how have I been getting on? A mixed bag:

• ‘social’ media – down to one social media platform, using mastodon via social.hysted.com. I like the feel of it, and enjoy the eclectic mix of people on there. X is now beyond saving in my opinion. Bluesky seems to be similar, I have this feeling it is being built for an exit.
• snickers duo – trickier, mainly kept this one under control, but those moments when you just have to reach for something then a snickers duo it is – only happened twice so going to cut myself some slack on this one.
• changing blog platforms – was on WordPress, had a short dalliance with another platform but back to WordPress. It lives on the hosting server I use, is quite capable and seems speedy enough.
• the second cup of coffee – going to take the win here. I have quit the second cup of coffee, and the first one too. Feeling much calmer, although did have to tolerate a week’s worth of nagging headaches. Cold turkey IS NOT the way to quit caffeine!
• the news – apart from grabbing a look at the headlines in the morning I’m managing to avoid getting caught up in the news. Not missing it one bit.
• carbs – a lifelong challenge, I think I’ll be quitting carbs forever.
• the Apple Watch I never use – not used it, might try it for the gym but if that doesn’t really work it will be sold.
• some old shirts I never wear – these are ready for the next run to the charity shops. I must buy some new shirts (am I doing minimalism right)?
• work backpack – cancelling this one. I have tried both my backpack and briefcase on a few commutes into London. The backpack just wins, more comfortable, easier at train and underground gates, can carry a wet umbrella outside the pack which is a useful function when you like on the UK.
• pretending to journal – hmmm, trying to get to grips with mixing an electronic and analogue world together. Concerted effort required to choose the tool that will be my ‘main’ journal and use my iPhone for capturing whilst out and about. Admitting that I won’t carry a pen and paper everywhere seemed to help resolve how I could work in a hybrid way.
• podcasts that just interview people with a new book to sell – done, not missing anything.
• eating whilst walking – mainly done. When thinking about this one I started noticing others eating whilst walking, it is never a good look.
• desk lunch – I think the spring will be a good incentive to get outside, will see how this is going on the next update.