Prioritising fun allowed Emma Hogg to think more creatively and try new things in 2023

A Life I Choose Founder Emma Hogg has identified having more fun as a key reason as to why in 2023 she was able to think more creatively and try things she would have never done in the past.

Given the hectic nature of life in business, finding some time for enjoyment and having fun tends to take a backseat. Amidst multiple meetings, worrying about sales and productivity, and having to manage change, fun is probably very far down on many business leaders’ priorities.

Despite this, multiple studies have found that it is essential for individuals to be happy and have a good frame of mind at work, regardless of whether they are C-level executives or regular employees. This helps when it comes to motivation, having a healthy mental well-being, and approaching a workweek with as much energy as possible.

This is one of the goals that Ms Hogg set out to achieve over the course of 2023, being determined to have as much fun as possible. Speaking to MaltaCEOs.mt for our end-of-year series, she said that honouring her commitment to having fun has not only enriched her personal life, but also improved her business.

In 2016, Ms Hogg started A Life I Choose, a self-development agency that guides clients to amplify their strengths and overcome difficulties. For 2024, she is set out on learning as much as possible, while also working to challenge herself to do things she may not be so familiar with.

What 3 words would you use to sum up your 2023? Why?

Fun: Even though 2022 was a very fulfilling year, it wasn’t a very fun year. So, at the start of 2023, I promised myself to have so much fun this year, and I did. I began in my own geeky way of reading “The Power of Fun”, because, obviously, I need to research anything I’m about to do! And that book reminded me of what I find fun, so I scheduled more of that into my days and I did begin to experience a lot more fun.

Experimental: I read and learnt so much this year. I applied a lot of what I learnt, both in business and in my personal life. So, it was definitely a year of experimentation and just doing things differently.

Heartwarming: I shared a lot of playful and meaningful moments with my son, husband, my mum, dad, and my clients.

What personal accomplishment from the past year are you most proud of?

I think honouring my commitment to fun. It didn’t only enrich my personal life, it enriched my business too. I thought more creatively, I tried new things, and I hosted fun events for my clients.

What are you most grateful for this year?

My family, our health, and the fact that we have everything we need.

How are you going to spend the New Year?

I’m a mum to a toddler so probably at home, maybe with family.

But I always do a process of reflection around New Year’s. I answer a series of journal prompts that help me to evaluate how I feel about the year that passed, and set intentions for the year ahead. I love this process. I find it so fulfilling because it empowers me to live intentionally and in alignment with my values.

What are the biggest opportunities and challenges you believe 2024 will bring about?

I want new and different business results in 2024, so I’m going to need to do things differently. Which means, I’m going to need to learn a lot and be okay with doing things I’m not so familiar with.

Is there a particular skill you’d like to develop in the new year?

I’ll be focusing on getting better at my social media game.

Is there something you’d like to change about your daily routine?

I quite like my routine, to be honest. Maybe 15 minutes for myself before my son wakes up…

Where do you see yourself in a year’s time?

Having more fun!