Talk to your manager before the new year begins to determine which tasks to prioritize in 2018, Karin Hurt writes. Look for processes that can be improved, and commit to having clear agendas at all of your meetings.

Scheduling time to think about things you're grateful for or moments of personal joy before going to sleep at night can improve your sleep and your mood. This type of ritual will also help you enter the next day with a positive mindset, writes Monica Torres.

If co-workers often complain to you, ask them whether they want advice and provide your thoughts if they do, writes Regina Duffey Moravek. Try to offer your unique perspective, and encourage your colleagues to take action to address the problem.

NBC has decided to terminate Matt Lauer as its lead morning news anchor after a woman came forward with a detailed account of sexual harassment. NBC News President Andrew Lack informed staff that Lauer had violated the organization's standards and said he received information suggesting "this may not have been an isolated incident."

If you get a bad feeling from an office environment, the salary offer is too low or you have other reservations about a job opportunity, it may be best to withdraw your candidacy for the position. To do so, simply contact the hiring manager with a brief and courteous message.

Arizona teenager Jamal Hinton was mistakenly invited to Wanda Dench's house for Thanksgiving last year, and she welcomed him even after realizing she had texted the wrong phone number. The two have developed a close relationship, and Hinton attended Thanksgiving dinner at Dench's house again this year.