With the new year just around the corner, it’s tempting to wait until January to start working on new resolutions or goals. But why delay when you can act now? Not only will you wrap up 2024 with a sense of pride, but you will also start 2025 even stronger. By developing healthy work habits now, you can already make valuable progress that will equip you with everything you need to face challenges in the coming year with confidence.

It’s easier said than done, but with small intentional steps, you can create positive changes that will help increase your productivity, build better working relationships, and achieve more career milestones. Here are four work habits you can start building today for long-term growth.

Less Screen Time

Did you know that the average screen time per day in the United States is 7 hours and 3 minutes? While using your phone, computer, or tablet is inevitable, especially when you’re working, too much screen time can cause sleeping problems, headaches, neck and back pain, anxiety, mood changes, and addiction. To protect your physical and mental well-being, reduce your screen time by taking regular breaks for some stretching or meditation. Staying away from your computer lets you fully enjoy your snack time as well.

During meetings, avoid using your phone unless necessary. This will help you avoid distractions while showing respect to your colleagues. Research also shows that writing on paper results in better memory recall. So if you’re taking notes, consider using a pen and paper instead of your laptop to spark your creativity. Refraining from checking your emails outside of work hours puts a healthy boundary between work and your personal life, too.

Given that technology is part of your daily routine, why not use apps that tell you how much screen time you’ve already consumed? You can set limits on your app usage so you can disconnect and focus on other activities, such as walking, reading books, journaling, and simply talking with others. These practices not only reduce the urge to use your gadgets but also lead to a better work-life balance.

Active Listening

Hearing what your colleagues, supervisors, and clients are saying is one thing, but actively listening requires conscious effort. How about giving your full attention to speakers during meetings or workshops? Show your interest and encourage them to continue sharing their ideas by making eye contact, keeping your posture open, nodding, or smiling at them. Instead of interrupting your manager or colleague, focus on the present and raise your questions only after their discussion.

To avoid misunderstanding and demonstrate that you value your colleagues’ thoughts, paraphrase what they said. If your teammate is struggling with a certain task, practice empathy by using expressions like “I totally understand” and “Let’s figure it out together.” By offering solutions and welcoming constructive criticism at the same time, you help cultivate an environment of trust and collaboration.

Learning Something New

Develop the habit of exploring opportunities to acquire new skills. Why not use your spare time to read books, listen to educational podcasts, or watch videos from experts in the industry? Upskilling doesn’t necessarily mean going back to school. Take advantage of free online courses or tutorials on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or even YouTube.

From copywriting and graphic design to data analytics and programming, trying different fields can help you gain a competitive advantage. Do not hesitate to ask for help from your colleagues and supervisors. Seek feedback to learn techniques and other useful resources.

Continuously challenge yourself and set realistic goals. For instance, before the year ends, commit to finishing two short online courses. Then, apply what you’ve learned by leading a workshop or suggesting new activities during team meetings. This way, everyone in the team will feel empowered to expand their skill sets.

Practicing Gratitude

Sometimes, when you feel overwhelmed by your tasks and deadlines, you forget to pause and thank everyone who has been there for you. Show your appreciation for that colleague who stayed with you until you hit the submit button, that mentor who believed in your potential, and that friend who always encouraged you. A simple gift or even “Thank you” can already make a difference.

Don’t forget to recognize your own progress, too. Whether it’s closing an important deal, delivering an impressive presentation, or simply getting through a tough day, you deserve to celebrate and be celebrated.

You may feel like there’s not much time left, but you can still achieve many things before you bid goodbye to 2024. Focus on reducing screen time, practice active listening, keep learning new things, and express gratitude to the people around you, and the rest will follow. Cheers to a better you!