Forget new year’s resolutions. Here are five attitudes that will help you make the most of 2022

Instead of setting overly ambitious goals for the new year, let us focus on the way we approach things in our professional lives. Here are five attitudes I am cultivating in 2022. I would love to hear yours.

1. Finding the fun in uncertainty

The pandemic has been disrupting everything for nearly two years now. It is not a pleasant feeling, but outside of the comfort zone is where all the learning happens. So why not embrace the uncertainty and look for the adventure in all of your endeavours? After all, if anything can happen, anything can happen.

2. Drowning is a poor strategy, try swimming instead

It is very human to feel paralysed by all that is happening around us. The best antidote for overwhelm is action. Stuck with an impossibly long to do list? Start by doing the first item. Unable to choose between three options? Pick the first one. It can be that simple. Being active is the best way to snap out of paralysis.

3. Always assume positive intent

It is not hard to be annoyed by other people. When the heat is on, we have a tendency to show less empathy. But it is kindness and understanding that will help you through most of today’s struggles. What is the most positive assumption you can make about other people’s actions? Go with that one.

4. Less social media, more conversation

There is nothing social about an algorithm that decides what you get to read and who reads your replies. Treat socials as necessary evils and take conversations off the platforms as quickly as possible (“Interesting point, shall we set up a Zoom call to discuss this further?”). Directly subscribe to newsletters from organisations you like (and start your own!). And why not make 2022 the year you finally delete that toxic Facebook account?

5. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together

Invest more in collaborations. It doesn’t have to be ambitious. In times of crisis, it is tempting to fall back on familiar networks and roles. But that is how you get tunnel vision. In 2022 ask yourself “Who is working on a similar problem?” and meet up with them over coffee and/or video call.