Work tips for 2018

As a new year begins, many of us feel a surge of hope and motivation. There's something about a fresh calendar that pushes us to strive for more—whether it’s a commitment to health and wellness, finally achieving a long-standing goal, or landing that well-deserved promotion. And while New Year’s resolutions might feel a little cliché, they serve an important purpose: they remind us that we can always choose to grow and become the best version of ourselves—not just this year, but every year after that.

Here’s the truth: we can aim higher, do better, and feel stronger—physically, mentally, and professionally. But to do that, we need to stop clinging to the messes of the past. Last year may have been a disaster, or maybe it was a breakthrough. Either way, this is a new chapter, and how we plan ahead now can determine whether this year rises above the last—or crashes just as hard. So let’s get into some practical, powerful ways to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success.

Look Back, but Don’t Stare

Reflection is healthy—necessary, even—but overanalyzing the past can keep you stuck. Take stock of what you accomplished last year and where you fell short. Did you miss a deadline? Skip workouts more often than you wanted to? Stay in a job that drained you? Good. That recognition means you're growing. Failures are valuable—often more so than repeated success—because they come with lessons, humility, and direction. If thinking about your past mistakes makes you uncomfortable, that’s a sign they mattered. Don’t bury them. Use them as the fuel you need to become more focused and intentional this year.

Master the Art of Time Management

Now that you’ve reflected, it’s time to act. And nothing supports action more than time management. Start by ditching the endless to-do list. Yes, it helps track tasks, but it often becomes a cluttered brain-dump that leaves you feeling overwhelmed. Instead, try time-blocking—a method where you assign specific hours to specific tasks.

For example:

• 9:00–10:00 AM: Respond to emails

• 10:00–11:30 AM: Focused project work

• 1:00–2:00 PM: Team meeting

This method encourages focus, helps you stay realistic about your time, and builds structure into your day. Bonus tip: block off a few “buffer zones” in your schedule to catch up if things run over.

Take Breaks That Actually Reboot You

When’s the last time you had a real break? Not just scrolling on your phone or eating lunch in front of your laptop. We mean an actual pause—a walk, some deep breathing, or time spent away from screens. If you treat breaks like part of your to-do list, you’re more likely to take them seriously. And your body and mind need them. Overworking yourself into exhaustion is not noble—it’s unsustainable.

Try walking around the block after lunch or stretching for five minutes every hour. Not only does this boost productivity, but it also sparks creativity. You’re more likely to have a breakthrough idea when your brain gets a moment to breathe.

Apply the Five-Minute Rule

Small tasks add up, and they often get pushed aside because we underestimate their impact. The five-minute rule is simple: if a task takes five minutes or less, do it immediately. This eliminates clutter—both mental and physical—and helps you maintain momentum throughout the day. Filing a document, replying to a short email, clearing your desktop—these are the quick wins that, done consistently, keep your day flowing smoothly.

To Sugar or Not to Sugar?

Let’s talk energy—and not the spiritual kind, but the mid-afternoon slump kind. There's some debate over whether a little sugar can help get you through the day. Scientifically, the taste of sugar (particularly glucose) can give your brain a short-term energy boost. But that doesn’t mean you should reach for a doughnut every time you're tired.

Think of it as a tool, not a crutch. For quick boosts, consider healthier options like fruit or dark chocolate. Pair that with a nutritious lunch, and you’ll feel more stable throughout the day. Ultimately, energy comes from balance—sleep, movement, nutrition, and mindset.

Energize with a Sit-Stand Desk

One of the most overlooked productivity tools in your workplace is the standing desk. Long hours of sitting are tied to a higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal problems. By switching between sitting and standing throughout the day, you can improve posture, reduce fatigue, and stay mentally alert.

Add an anti-fatigue mat under your desk for more comfort, and you’ll likely notice better focus and fewer energy dips. Want to really level up? Pair your standing desk routine with micro-exercises like squats, calf raises, or yoga stretches during breaks.

Add a Little Feng Shui to Your Desk

Once you’ve got your health and schedule under control, it’s time to add one more important ingredient: your environment. The vibe of your workspace matters more than you think. Enter: plants. Greenery—especially air-purifying plants like the peace lily—does more than just look nice. It improves air quality, promotes calm, and lifts your mood. NASA even listed the peace lily as one of the top 10 air-cleaning plants.

The best part? Peace lilies are low maintenance and can thrive even in low-light conditions. Adding one to your desk could help ground your energy and create a space you actually enjoy working in.

Your Year, Your Move

Success this year isn’t about becoming a different person. It’s about making intentional shifts in your daily habits and environment. Whether it’s managing your time better, standing more, reflecting more deeply, or simply adding a plant to your desk—small changes can have massive ripple effects.

So what are you waiting for? The year is yours to define. Step into it with purpose.

You’ve got this.