Every once in a while we need to evaluate our actions and decide what to continue doing or stop doing. Here are some tips on what to stop doing right now to better your business and your morale.

1. Office Gossip. I get it, I really do. I know how addictive and interesting it can be to talk about the other guy (or gal). But, truth be told, office gossip chips away at your integrity. The best business leaders never participate in gossip. You may be wondering what the secret is to keeping your lip zipped while others around you are going to town, talking about someone. Well, just envision that the person being talked about is in the room, listening to every word and seeing every action. Your behavior will change for the better, and people will begin seeing you as a leader with integrity.

2. Upgrading Your Equipment, Not Theirs. There is a natural tendency for the boss to always get the newest and best equipment, and just let the rest of the stuff trickle down. The older stuff ends up going to the junior employees, yet these are the very employees who man the front line. As a result, this philosophy doesn’t make a lot of sense. After all, you wouldn’t give the 5-star general the newest, best machine gun. You would give it to your front-line infantry man. Do the same in your business, when it comes to your equipment. Equip those on the front line with the best equipment, and give yourself what trickles down.

3. Whatever is Not Working. Yes, this may sound obvious, but year after year I see countless entrepreneurs who continue to invest time and money in things that didn’t work during the prior year. Maybe it was the service you offered that wasn’t taking off, or maybe the advertising that isn’t bringing in clients. Whatever “it” is that has not been working, stop doing it in 2012. Instead, focus on what is working, and do more of that!.

4. Playing Into Other People’s Expectations. Did you put that suit on because you really wanted to, or because it is expected of you? Does your voicemail message have the generic “I am sorry I can’t get to the phone right now, but please leave a message and I will call you back as soon as I can. Thank you,” message because it is supposed to, or because that is really you? Are you doing what you do because that is what others expect or because it is the real you? If you want to have the best 2012 possible, be yourself to the fullest. Let your business be an embodiment of who you really are, unabashedly. I promise you will be more satisfied in your business than ever before, and you will probably make more money as a result (a nice side effect).

So start planning your business resolutions. Determine what you can do to make your business more successful this year, not next year. And while you are listing things you will do, don’t forget to add the above things to your list of what you will stop doing. There are always things we can do in business to improve our office, atmosphere, and attitude. Focus on those issues, and your business will thrive as a result.