Some people find success at work difficult. It doesn’t have to be. VitalSmarts research shows that it is possible to stop wishing for success and instead create it. According to a research study of more than 1,800 employees, the most crucial factor leading to professional success isn’t luck, natural talent, or even decision-making–it’s habits. When it comes to influencing achievement, your everyday behavior is more important than anything else. Nearly 46% of respondents said that having the proper practices was responsible for their success at work. Surprisingly, many routines that people attribute to their success are simple.
Instead of thinking you’re not as talented as your colleagues, take action. These five habits can help you be more successful at work if you’re committed.
Remove distractions
It’s easy for people to become distracted, whether they work from home or at work. You can focus more on your task and complete it in less time if you learn to avoid interruptions. A productivity tip known as eating the fog identifies one crucial task and meets it first. Another distraction is email. It’s like having your email open throughout the day. You should check your email only at designated times throughout the day, even if it is on your calendar.
Set healthy boundaries
Blocking time in your calendar is one of the best habits to achieve deep work. This will allow you to focus on the task and shift gears quickly. You can also learn to say no to set healthy boundaries at work. You can start by practicing saying no in low-risk, easy situations. Say no to the waitress offering you dessert. You should not be approached by a street vendor who offers to sell you something. You can go into a room alone and say no several times. Although it sounds absurd, it can help you build your “no” muscle.
Allies
You can also build relationships to be more productive at work. Meet other people and get to know your leadership team. Find mentors who can give you new perspectives. Being able to count on someone to support you can increase your resilience and confidence. Your friends can offer advice and be a valuable resource as a team member. You will also be more attractive when you recommend people for promotions.
Hone your listening skills
It is an essential communication skill that is often forgotten in the workplace. Emtrain found that one in ten employees do not believe their leaders will listen to them if they make a complaint. Employees don’t feel supported, which can impact their productivity and performance. A third of respondents said their leaders are not empathic and show little interest in their direct reports. Active listening is key to being more productive at work. This can be done by paying attention to nonverbal cues and body language. This builds trust and sets a good example that will help you make better decisions.
Document and communicate achievements
Do you see your LinkedIn profile and resume as a list of job duties? Instead, please keep track of your achievements and communicate them regularly. Focus on tangible results to be more successful at work. These are just a few examples:
- The number of members you have managed or hired.
- Number of units sold
- Number of customers served
- Process improvement percentages
- Where do you grade in terms of performance
- Market share increases
- The amount of money that you have saved
- You’ve managed your monetary budgets
- You’ve received awards
To illustrate your achievements, even if you aren’t able to be as precise, you might consider using less specific descriptors such as “top,” “best,” or “highest.”
Great work habits will help you stand out in the crowd, no matter if you are working for a large company or a small startup. Start with one or two and see what happens. Don’t forget about rewarding yourself along the journey. You’ll see a significant increase in your professional success if you have a strong work ethic and are consistent.
