The habit shift: lead smarter in 2025

As leaders, the start of a new year is a natural time to reflect, recalibrate, and set the tone for the months ahead. Yet, amidst the excitement of planning new strategies and achieving ambitious goals, many executives unintentionally fall into a familiar trap: setting unsustainable habits that can lead us to be fatigued and on a track to burnout.

What if this year could be different? Do you want this year to be different?

Neuroscience tells us that habits aren’t just about willpower or discipline; they’re deeply rooted in our neural pathways. Each habit we form strengthens a network of neurons, making actions automatic over time. This is good news because it means we can intentionally rewire our brains to create healthier, more sustainable habits.

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight, it’s the cumulative result of unsustainable habits. Long hours, constant multitasking, and or neglecting self-care compound over time, draining your energy and mental clarity. Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman highlights that habits formed under stress often prioritise short-term survival over long-term growth.

As leaders and executives, we thrive in high-pressure environments, but our brains crave balance. Chronic stress floods the brain with cortisol, impairing decision-making and creativity, the very skills leaders need most. The challenge is to create habits that not only boost productivity but also protect your well-being.

The Brain-Friendly Formula for Lasting Habits

To transform habits effectively, we need to align your actions with how the brain learns best. Here’s a neuroscience-backed framework:

1. Start Small and Specific

The basal ganglia, a part of your brain responsible for habit formation, thrives on repetition. Instead of overhauling your entire routine, focus on micro-changes. For example, commit to shutting down your laptop at 6 PM three days a week or practicing mindfulness for 5 minutes daily. Small, specific actions are easier for your brain to encode as automatic behaviour.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

Dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, plays a key role in habit formation. Celebrate small wins to create a positive feedback loop. Did you protect your morning routine or take a real lunch break? Acknowledge it. These moments reinforce your new neural pathways.

3. Design Your Environment for Success

Your environment significantly influences your habits. Create cues that nudge your brain toward desired behaviours. For example, set a calendar reminder to take a mid-day walk or place a water bottle on your desk to encourage hydration. The fewer decisions your brain has to make, the more energy you’ll have for leadership.

4. Prioritise Recovery

High performance requires regular recovery. Neuroscience shows that the prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions like decision-making and focus, operates best when you balance stress with rest. Build habits that support recovery, such as practicing gratitude, prioritizing sleep, or delegating non-critical tasks.

Through reflection and down time we've been inspired by the idea of habit transformation and are asking ourselves, what do you want to do differently this year?

As you step into the new year, we challenge you to think about this and find one thing you want to do differently this year. You may wish to consider:

• Which habits are serving you well and which are not?

• What one small, brain-friendly change can you commit to today that will have a ripple effect in your personal and professional life?

Here is to a great year ahead!

~ Toniele