What does the phrase, “Happy New Year,” bring to mind? Are you letting out a sigh of relief to have 2022 behind you? Do you get heart palpitations in anticipation of the unknown that lies ahead? Regardless of your initial response to a brand new year, all of us can agree that it provides an opportunity to reflect on the last year and discern the changes we want to make for the year to come.

Sometimes these changes involve adding some things into our life, like healthy habits or professional and personal goals. For example, Bright Places is adding “40 for You,” a discussion group for cross-industry leaders to exchange ideas and gain insight from each other’s experiences. Our goal is to provide a place where leaders can sharpen other leaders, further developing all involved into the best leaders they can be.

Another important habit to add in is intentional self-care. As leaders, we not only set the tone and pace for our employees (which means our burnout can result in everyone’s burnout), but we also can’t invest in and mentor our teams if we’re running on empty.If necessary, schedule time to take breaks, and seek out ways to regularly incorporate rest every week.

Positive changes can also look like leaving some things behind. Mistakes we made, unhealthy patterns and relationships — these things drag us down and keep us from reaching our full potential. In fact, Forbes writer Svetlana Whitener wrote that regret not only weighs us down, but can come with physiological consequences as well. In this new year, let’s cling to what we learned from past mistakes, and give ourselves permission to ditch the rest of the emotional baggage.

Want to learn more?

5 Big Leadership Regrets – How to Avoid Them, Inc.com

Regret can seriously damage your mental health – here’s how to leave it behind, The Guardian