Top Tips for Success in 2023

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and so is the opportunity to set the stage for a wonderful year to come. What did you love in 2022? What do you want to change in 2023? You don’t have to make a New Year’s resolution you are likely to break, but being mindful about the year ahead can help you create and realize your goals and dreams and enjoy a year of success and celebration.

Here are some top tips for success in the new year:

• Set goals. And be specific! Rather than, “I hope to grow my small business in 2023,” try “I want to increase sales by 20 percent and add 50 new customers.” The more specific, the better.

• See the glass as half full. Positivity breeds more positivity (and negativity definitely does the same). Not every day will be rainbows and unicorns, but you can still focus on the positive, on what you have accomplished and what you have in your life to remain upbeat.

• Build your skills. What do you want or need to learn to be more successful? Take a class, find a mentor, read more and focus on enhancing your natural skill set.

• Recognize and celebrate others. It’s nice to receive a compliment, but it’s even nicer to give one—the benefits of kindness and generosity are endless. Who in your life could use a little recognition? Celebrate the gifts and strengths of others while building your team along the way.

• Try—and don’t be afraid to fail. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone can learn from their mistakes. Don’t be afraid to try something new, to experiment, to push your boundaries. The lessons you gain will be priceless.

• Use your time wisely. At the same time, make sure you are filling your days with things that matter (this might mean removing a few apps from your phone). Your time is precious so use it well.

• Persevere. Things won’t always be easy, but when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

• Share your dreams. Let others know what you’re intending to accomplish in 2023. Not only will you have a team of cheerleaders checking up on you and supporting you every step of the way, but you will have a better shot of reaching your goals when you share them with others.

• Have fun. What is life if it isn’t fun? Make sure you make some time every day to enjoy your favorite things, experiences and people.

When you set and share and work on your goals, the sky is the limit. Here’s to a new year full of celebration, accomplishment and success!

Making the Most of the Collaboration Economy

“The Collaboration Economy: How to Meet Business, Social, and Environmental Needs and Gain Competitive Advantage” by futurist Eric Lowitt offers a unique model for long-term collaboration among the public, private and civil sectors. With a clear focus on aligning business growth with sustainable development, the book focuses on prosperity for all.

What lessons are in it for all of us?

1. Be humble. The best leaders display humility and focus on their teams and partners, rather than themselves. They are grateful, not arrogant. This is collaboration at its best.

2. Think long term. Successful CEOs aren’t just focused on this month or this year—they know how to strategically think for the long term, crafting goals designed to elevate their companies for decades to come. It also helps to be patient—success does not happen instantly but requires time, fortitude, change and dedication.

3. Remember your mission. Rather than taking your position at work or in life for granted, view it as a privilege, while always keeping your organizational mission, vision and purpose in mind. This also supports ongoing and successful collaboration.

4. Partner up. We are always stronger together than we are alone. Partnerships and collaborations are essential to successful enterprises. Expand your network and expand the possibilities.

5. What keeps you up at night? Stay focused on the competition, on the next phase and on change. When you get complacent, business tends to suffer. Encourage employees to contribute new ideas and welcome constructive criticism as a form of collaboration.

Leadership requires commitment and collaboration. The most effective organizations find a way to work together, to challenge the status quo and engage the collaboration economy for long-term success.