5 behaviours that will help you thrive in 2023 (& those to leave in 2022)

With 2023 firmly in full swing, many were glad to see 2022 behind them and start the year with the pandemic (hopefully) becoming a distant memory.

Business leaders adjusted to a general feeling of uncertainty becoming the norm, with the inflation crisis causing a dizzying array of new challenges, while Russia’s war in Ukraine, apart from the devastation caused, created a fresh set of challenges to the global economy.

And while we adjust to take hold of new opportunities and changing landscapes, our approach to this new and unknown year starts with our behaviour. After three trying years, it may be time for self-investment, building a better version of yourself that will carry you into the great unknown.

Start your day phone-free

If the first thing you do when your alarm goes off is check your phone, it’s time to stop. Our brain is at its most relaxed and flexible when we wake up, so what we do in this crucial time will likely set the tone for the rest of the day. Rather than scrolling through your feed, start your day with a phone-free hour – if the experts are to be believed, it’ll set you up for a successful day ahead.

Prepare to pivot

If the past three years has taught us nothing else, it’s that plans can change, so make 2023 the year you thrive on adapting to new circumstances. It’s harder than ever to predict what’s to come, so proceed with humility and caution. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make plans but adopting a flexible approach will work in your favour – if you expect disruption, you’ll be ready when it comes!

Separate your home and work life

Nobody has solved the issue that working from home has created, that is blurred lines between our home and work life. And, while we have certainly gotten more used to navigating this new way of working, it is important to be reminded  to set clear boundaries for yourself to structure your day. One key tip experts advocate for is extending schedules to cover family and leisure time. That’s right – schedules do not only have to be dedicated to work but can go a long way in planning structured quality time with loved ones. It’s important, however, that you avoid popping over to your desk during scheduled leisure time at home.

Stop overscheduling

For many business leaders, the global pandemic has meant longer workdays comprising of endless meetings, but while some are essential, an endless number of meetings can result in reduced productivity. Instead of overscheduling your days, set aside specific days and times for meetings within your week – this will keep your from breaking your focus when there’s important work to be done!

Re-connect

Isolation for your health need not mean abandoning your connections, so make time for reaching out to friends and family – even by virtual means. Set yourself weekly meetups where you can chat remotely or follow the same recipe via video call. Finding ways to maintain connections and foster relationships is as important now as it ever was – it’s just the way in which we go about it that differs.