8 top business leaders—from Yelp, Zillow, Dell, and more—on the habits they want to cultivate in 2023

"Burnout is often top of mind for everyone at the end of the year, especially when we reflect on all we accomplished and how hard we worked. As leaders, we often act first to reduce burnout on our teams — and try to convince ourselves and our employees that we're invincible. In 2023, I'm resolving to tackle my own executive burnout, and to be more authentic about it. I'm giving myself the grace and permission to be burnt out and address my needs.

I have to ensure I'm being the best version of myself, because that leader will achieve the best results for her team, company and customers. Our Square sellers probably understand executive burnout better than anyone, as entrepreneurs who are often wearing many hats within their business and don't get to take many days off.

Next year, I'm being more thoughtful about the time I'll take away and mapping that out in advance now. I'm also leaning into my morning routine — time for myself, my family, movement and prayer — so that I'm ready for anything the universe might throw my way on any given day."

"For 2023, I've set out a few goals as part of my well-being action plan for myself and my team: 

1. 'Say No' list:

I'm a yes person and enjoy giving my time to people and projects, but I know that in saying 'yes' to too many things, I'm taking energy and time away from other priorities. My goal is to say 'no' to five asks a week and add more energy to the things that matter most in my professional and personal life.  

2. Journaling:

I meticulously plan the future for the businesses I lead, and I would like to put that same type of intentionality in my personal life. I will commit an hour per week to journaling and creating dreams for the future. 

3. Meditation:

I meditate but I'm inconsistent, mostly doing it reactively when I feel stress. In 2023, I'm committing to meditating 10 minutes per day, five days a week. 

4. Build energy for my teams: 

It's been another long year and the world opening back up has been both wonderful and overwhelming. We concluded this year with an energy week that included structured activities with the themes 'Focus on Me,' 'Focus on We,' 'Focus on Community.' In 2023, we plan to do a few more of these weeks where we pause to reflect and re-prioritize, building energy as we move forward."

"It's a priority next year to help my team unleash their entrepreneurial spirit. In 2023 it will be important to adopt a more people-focused approach to innovation — building our 'community of rebels' where incubation and out-of-the-box thinking is part of the way we work every single day.  

Some of the strategies I see as essential for doing this are:

Within HP and beyond, I've seen how encouraging employee intrapreneurship can help people unlock the joyful, creative experiences they want most in their careers.

Ultimately, entrepreneurial employees have the passion to make the 'new' happen, powering through hurdles, and inspiring real innovation around them."

"In 2023 there are several important habits that I will cultivate to help me and the Nextdoor team succeed. First, I'll live and work with purpose — finding that space where I can work on what I'm good at, what I'm passionate about, and what the world needs. At Nextdoor, that purpose is to cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighborhood they can rely on. This year will bring challenges for many battling recession. Our team has an opportunity to impact communities around the globe by enabling people to discover opportunities nearby, earn and save money, make new connections, and offer help in the neighborhood. Similarly we can help local businesses connect with customers in unique, hyperlocal ways. 

Second, I'll keep leading with empathy and transparency at the forefront. Meeting neighbors in real life helps me understand their needs and wants. And by communicating openly and honestly with our organization I can best lead through the volatility that 2023 will no doubt bring."

"In 2023 I would love to read more books. It's a habit that has dropped off as my days have become more full (of work and family), but it's always incredibly inspiring to read the thoughts of others. Novels help me to be inspired creatively and dream of new ideas; non-fiction inspires me to build a better business and help others at work. 

Coupled with that I would also love to get back into writing more. It was one of the first ways in which I started to explore my field of expertise, start discussions with others, and — perhaps most importantly — build a fantastic network of like-minded people who gave me opportunities in creative technology and entrepreneurship, so it has always been well worth the investment of time."