Though some of us groan at the thought of making new years’ resolutions, they can be effective starting points for meaningful life change. When you’re in a leadership position, intentionally improving yourself, your relationships, and your business practices will only help you in your role. Great leaders aren’t born, they’re made.
So, this year, take the steps it takes to mold yourself into the kind of leader you wish to be!
9 Worthwhile Resolutions for Leaders
Self-Improvement Resolutions
#1 – Take your vacation days seriously.
How many of us let vacation days stack up? This year, I encourage you to take your vacation time. Unplug. Enjoy it. You’ll prevent burnout, reduce stress, and come back as a more focused and productive person. Similarly, try to better separate work from life. When you’re in a leadership role, you might not feel able to unplug. But trust me, those dinnertime emails can wait. Honor your off time as off time, whether it’s after you clock out or when you hit the beach.
#2 – Read more.
Set a goal to read more books, whether for personal development or leisure. Reading can expand your knowledge, stimulate your mind, and offer an escape from daily stressors. Books will open you up to new perspectives and ideas that will make you a more innovative and insightful leader! Make a reading list or set a goal for how many books you want to read each month or within the next year.
#3 – Set health & wellness goals.
Maybe you’ve been letting your health slip. Maybe you’re just feeling guilty about over-indulging during the holidays. Regardless, now is the time to renew your commitment to meaningful health and wellness goals. This isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about being stronger, healthier, and more capable of handling anything life throws at you.
Think about your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. What new habits cultivate lasting wellness?
Professional Resolutions
#1 – Address company culture pain points.
No workplace is perfect. When we get busy trying to get it all done, we can unintentionally neglect or outright harm company culture. In the new year, consider the pain points that are hurting your team. Foster a positive work environment by promoting collaboration, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose. Recognize and reward employees for their contributions to boost morale.
#2 – Network more.
Unless you’re the extrovert of extroverts and networking with strangers is second nature, you probably don’t feel excited about the idea of networking more. Still, connections matter. Invest time in networking to build valuable connections within your industry. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with peers to exchange ideas and insights. You never knew when these relationships could come in handy.
#3 – Improve time management skills.
Entrepreneurs and business leaders usually have a lot on their plates. Too much, in fact. In the new year, I encourage you to examine your schedule, tasks, and time and start implementing skills to improve your time management. This might involve prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and minimizing distractions to maximize your efficiency.
In 2024, resolve to work smarter, not harder!
Personal Resolutions
#1 – Intentionally invest in personal relationships.
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to be physically present but mentally absent. Resolve to be more present in your interactions by putting away your phone and giving your full attention to the people you're with. Make the time you spend with the people you love meaningful and rich!
#2 – Cultivate gratitude.
Make a conscious effort to express gratitude and appreciation to the important people in your life. Acknowledge their efforts, kindness, and the positive impact they have on you. This goes for your professional team and business partners, your spouse and children, as well as your friends. A grateful heart is good for your relationships and for your spirit.
#3 – Practice forgiveness.
They say that holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to drop dead. Practice forgiveness and the art of offering sincere apologies. Let go of grudges and be willing to move forward with a clean slate. I won’t pretend it’s easy. But ask yourself – is this something worth holding onto? Forgiveness is hard, but letting resentment and anger fester is never healthy.
What resolutions will you be making for 2024? Share what you hope to achieve in the comments!