Quit smoking. Join a gym. Eat better. You know what that means. It’s once again time to reflect on the year gone by and make resolutions for the year ahead. So, why not make 2017 the year you also kick some bad office habits to the curb? You may already have a few areas in mind that need improving. Perhaps you’d like to start packing a lunch? Or, maybe you’d like to dress more professional? Or, improve your public speaking skills? Here are a few other suggestions that you may want to add to your office arsenal in 2017:

Wake Up Earlier

How many times do you hit the snooze button before getting out of bed? You don’t need to admit to that aloud. Waking up early is something that most of us struggle with, but it’s just a matter of getting into a routine. Setting your alarm even 15 minutes earlier will give you time to eat breakfast and make coffee at home, which means no pit stop for a cup of Joe on the way to work, and that can save you a significant amount of dough. You’ll also have more time in the morning for self-grooming, which can help improve your professional image at the workplace.

Don’t Vent

When one person starts complaining about work, it can be easy to get sucked in. Everyone needs a good vent every now and then, but excessive complaining dampers the mood, kills production, and poisons the well. Increasing your productivity can be as easy as associating yourself with productive people.

Take a Vacation

A vacation isn’t just about leaving town. It’s about taking a mental break too. Not checking your emails or making calls while you’re away will give you a much needed break. It can also serve as a reminder of what truly matters in life. Not to mention, you’ll feel recharged – your productivity will skyrocket when you return.

Stay Organized

Your plate is full, your desk shouldn’t be. Less time looking for something, means more time focusing on the task at hand. A workspace that is covered in post-its, crumpled snack wrappers, and old pens is distracting. If you aren’t in the habit of throwing these things out as soon as they are no longer needed, place a wastebasket under your desk.

Boost Morale

Workplace morale tends to plummet during the winter months, and it isn’t hard to see why. Christmas has passed, summer is months away, and it’s cold, dark, and wet. The best way to keep spirits high is by recognizing hard work. Acknowledging dedication, effort, and good ideas will keep staff members motivated.

Closing

Be reasonable about your new year’s resolution, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up once in a while. You’re only human. No matter how lofty your goals may be, stick with it and you’ll come out on top!