Success means different things to different people, but being a hard worker with good habits that help you feel good and productive at work can go a long way toward advancing your career.
Whether you’re brand new to working or to the job, or you’ve established yourself in your work, there are some good, healthy habits that can help give you an edge– mentally and at work. Here are five to get you started.
Start each morning with a to-do list.
There are many benefits of writing lists! It helps organize your day and your thoughts, allows you to clearly establish a list of priorities and it gives you the satisfaction of being able to cross something off when it’s done. It’s also a convenient way to have everything set up in front of you so you know exactly what needs to be done, in what order, and allows you to make quick changes should new priorities pop up. At the end of the day, you can reference the list to see how successful you were in the previous eight hours.
Get to work on time.
How many people have been told that if they’re on time they’re late? Successful people make a point of arriving to work a few minutes early every morning, making sure they can be prepared to start work at the stroke of 9 a.m. (or whenever their workday starts). If you like to take a little time to get yourself situated — maybe write that list of priorities for the day — try to get in even five or 10 minutes before you start. You’ll probably have time for an extra cup of coffee too!
Manage your time — don’t get distracted.
It’s so easy to see an email notification pop up and suddenly divert your attention. Instead, try muting your email notifications and blocking on a few segments of time — maybe three or four 10-minute intervals each day — to address emails, send and respond to texts, etc. This will help keep you focused and on task and you’ll have some breaks to look forward to help divide your day.
Keep stress in check.
We all have rough days where things can be overwhelming and stressful. It can be really difficult to keep your cool when everything feels like a garbage fire. But that’s ok! There are ways to manage stress and keep your head about you. Try journaling each night to help work through your thoughts. If the weather’s nice, go for a walk on your lunch break, or take a few minutes during the day to go outside for some fresh air. It’s also really important to take breaks throughout the day, to get some water or coffee, stretch your legs and allow your brain to take a rest for a moment. This helps improve concentration too! Addressing your stressors can help keep you refreshed and keep burnout at bay.
Set new goals.
Some people go into each new job with a clear vision of what they want to accomplish in the first six months, or year, or five years. Maybe that’s not how you operate — that’s fine! But it also helps keep your focus sharp if you do set some goals. It can be as simple as finishing a report or meeting a deadline. Start small if you’re not used to setting and tracking goals (tracking is key because how do you know if you’re making progress if you’re not paying attention?). Once you’ve achieved a goal, no matter how small, take a moment to celebrate it! Then set the next goal. They don’t have to be massive, but they help to drive you forward and keep you moving in the right direction.
Looking to make a change? Sterling Personnel can help!
It doesn’t take a radical change to make a positive impact in your career and in your workplace. A focused, refreshed, non-stressed, driven worker with clear priorities can help not just your own professional vision advance, it can make you a better coworker and a happier person overall. Worth a try!
If you’re looking for more advice, or think a change in your career might be in order, contact Sterling Personnel. Take a look at the jobs currently open, then give us a call to see how we can put you in the best position to succeed! Sterling Personnel is ready to help you meet all your professional goals.
