New year, new you? 2017 has arrived and it’s the perfect opportunity to make positive changes in your life. As we all look to the future (and at gym memberships and diets), it’s important to reflect on where your career is heading and what you want to achieve this year.

While you settle on new year’s resolutions and goals, if you want to make a change today we have a list of 7 habits that will guarantee your success in 2017.

1. Be healthy

While we can’t all be fitness gods, it is important to find time to exercise to improve both your mental and physical health. Exercise is a great way to re-focus your brain and burn off emotional energy (and a few calories). With a healthy body and a healthy mind, you’ll see an improvement in how you feel and your performance at work!

2. Sleep

Who doesn’t like sleep? The problem is that with such busy lives, many of us do not get enough of it! Try your very best to get at least 7 hours sleep a night and you’ll feel an improvement during the day.

Take a look at our tips on how to sleep better here!

3. Be thankful

Times do get tough, but the moments when we’re at our lowest are also the moments where we need to be grateful for what we have. Many career coaches suggest taking a step back and listing what you are thankful for.

4. Eat frogs in the morning

What on earth are we talking about? Well, we don’t mean literally eat frogs (unless they’re your personal breakfast of choice). We’re talking about getting those tasks you dread out of the way as soon as possible.

What are the worst things on your to-do list today, or this week? By tackling this first you’ll be able to continue your day feeling more positive and being more efficient.

5. Work smart

Success isn’t all about working hard, sometimes it’s better to think about working smart. Working 24 hours a day may help bring you success (although it’s not guaranteed), but it is no way to enjoy your life.

Successful people work smart by making the most of their working time and they also take breaks. Being able to recharge your batteries and enjoy yourself will contribute to your success.

6. Bounce forward

Sometimes things don’t go your way and we all make mistakes. However, it’s important not to punish yourself and dwell on these situations. We’re sure you’ve heard of bouncing back, but we like to think of it more as bouncing forward. By learning from your mistakes and being positive you won’t bounce back to the place you were before, you’ll bounce forward to a better you!

7. Help others

Helping others without expecting anything in return will improve your outlook on life and how you feel. You’ll find that helping others makes you feel empowered – it doesn’t matter how big or small the gesture. You don’t know if or when you will be rewarded, but the world works in mysterious ways…

If you can get into these 7 habits, this time next year you’ll be reflecting on a successful 2017. Have a happy new year!