Small Habits to Start Each Week (That Set the Year Up Right)
Big goals are built on small, consistent habits.
January is the perfect month to experiment with simple weekly routines that create focus, energy and momentum – without overwhelming you or your team.
Here are a few small habits managers can introduce each week in January to really get the year moving in the right direction.
1. Start the week with one clear intention
Before Monday fills up, ask yourself:
What’s the one thing that would make this a good week?
Not ten priorities. Not everything on the to-do list.
Just one clear focus.
This helps you lead with intention rather than reaction – and that calm focus is contagious.
2. Check in, not just check progress
Each week in January, build in one meaningful check-in with a team member.
This could be:
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A 10-minute conversation
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A simple “how are things really going?”
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A curiosity-led question rather than a status update
Connection fuels performance far more than constant monitoring.
3. Review energy, not just output
At the end of each week, reflect briefly:
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What gave me energy this week?
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What drained it?
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What do I want to do differently next week?
Managers who understand their own energy are far better placed to support others.
4. Name one small improvement
Instead of chasing transformation, ask:
What’s one small thing we could do better next week?
It might be:
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Clearer meeting agendas
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Better follow-up
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Fewer interruptions
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More ownership
Small shifts, done consistently, lead to big change.
5. Celebrate something every week
January can feel long and quiet. Progress often goes unnoticed.
Make it a habit to:
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Acknowledge effort
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Thank someone publicly
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Call out a win, however small
Recognition builds momentum faster than pressure ever will.
Strong leadership isn’t built in a single workshop or a bold January resolution.
It’s built in the small, intentional habits managers practise week after week.
At Seventh Wave, this is exactly where we focus – helping managers develop the self-awareness, communication skills and confidence to lead consistently well, not just when motivation is high.
Get January right, and the rest of the year tends to follow.