Many of us will have made a new year’s resolution for 2019. Perhaps we want to learn a new language, get in shape or spend more time with our family. The start of a new year is also a good time to decide what you’re not going to do in the office this year.

Stop trying to get your inbox to zero

The entire concept of getting your inbox to zero unread messages assumes that email is your top priority and therefore you should strive to do it perfectly. Email is only a tool. Your top priority should be creating and executing your business objectives, looking after your customers and growing profitability.

 

When it comes to managing your email, you should scan through your inbox a few times a day, pick out the priority emails and deal with those as soon as you have time to do so. It can be helpful to schedule “email time” in the morning and afternoon in order to keep your day free to deal with your meetings and other priorities.

 

Stop fighting your internal clock

Some people are early birds and others are night owls. Rather than fight with your body, work with it. If you are more productive in the morning, get up early and start work. Equally, if you are a night owl, then start late and finish late. You don’t need to be seen to stay late and work all night in the office. If you want to be really successful, focus on getting things done rather than being seen to work long hours.

 

Stop managing and start leading

Managers focus on doing things right. That has its place in any business. However, if you want to be a business leader, then stop managing and start leading. Leaders focus on doing the right things, and then involve the managers in order to ensure those things are done properly.

 

Stop snacking on unhealthy things in the office

Snacking on sugary treats will give you sugar highs and lows throughout the day and won’t do much for your health.  Replace cakes and sugary biscuits with fruit, nuts and healthy snacks like yoghurt.  If you can reduce your sugar intake you can kiss goodbye to the “3 o’clock slump.” Remember – a healthy body goes hand in hand with a healthy mind. Healthy minds tend to be the most successful and productive minds.