You may think you can excel in business with talent, skills and knowledge alone, but it is your day-to-day work habits that are the key to maximising these traits.
Often, the “magic bullet” that separates a good employee from a great one is personal motivation and in this market, employers have may have to choose between goodness and greatness. People who perform at the top of their game each day share some specific attributes that keep them motivated.
Here are some of the secrets of their success to help you advance your own career.
Become passionate about your mission
Enthusiasm can be a powerful motivator because it keeps you energised. The more passion and commitment you feel about any objective, the more likely you will strive continuously to achieve it. If you are not already doing work that you love, find ways to incorporate aspects of it into your daily life.
Improve your time management skills
Organise yourself and prioritise your daily tasks. Make a to-do list. Write things down so you don’t forget. To avoid phone tag, leave detailed voice messages. All of these practices will go a long way toward enhancing your effectiveness on the job.
Take pride in your work
Approach every project with a high level of integrity, enthusiasm and professionalism. You will feel a sense of satisfaction with the results, your colleagues will be positively influenced by your behaviour, and your superiors will respect and reward you for your efforts.
Avoid negative experiences
Workplace political struggles, pessimistic colleagues and other emotionally draining situations should be avoided whenever possible. They are unnecessary setbacks that cause you to lose ground in your professional pursuits.
Take a break
Go to lunch with a good friend. When it is a nice day, enjoy a leisurely walk. Even go shopping if it is in your budget. The whole idea is to give your mind a rest. Remember, while you are not battery-powered, you still need to re-charge on a regular basis.
Rely on others
If you are struggling with a particular problem on a project, don’t work yourself into a frenzy trying to figure it out alone. Reach out to others for help. You may pick up a new approach to an issue that can bring you closer to a solution.
Go easy on yourself
If you make a mistake, don’t let it get you down. Learn from it and identify ways to do a better job the next time. Taking a constructive approach leaves you less vulnerable to making the same mistake and helps you conserve the energy you will need to remain personally motivated. Also realise that certain events may take you off course, but you can decide to limit their effects on you and your overall attitude. Be determined to brush them off and stay the course – and you will be successful doing so.
Keep a record of your success
Write down every accomplishment on a piece of paper and put it in a folder. Call it your “feel good folder.” This provides a history of achievements on which you can draw when negative thoughts take hold.
Finish on a positive note
Sit back in your chair and relish the satisfaction of your day’s accomplishments. Next, create a rough plan for tomorrow. Clean up your office. The next day you will get off to a good start with a list of goals to achieve and an organised desk.
Consider extracurricular activity after work
Find a hobby, whether it is a new sport or taking a class at your local adult education centre. You might also consider volunteering for a local charity. You will be surprised how these experiences can have a positive effect on your job when you return to it.
Enjoy your weekends
Sure, you probably have errands to run and other personal responsibilities on Saturday and Sunday. But carve out some free time for your own enjoyment. Doing so greatly increases the odds that you will return to work on Monday with a smile … and a desire to keep yourself personally motivated.
-ends-
Ken Harbourne is the Managing Director of the recruitment agency Robert Half. Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialised recruitment consultancy with a global network of more than 360 offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Find out more on www.roberthalf.ie
-ends-
IrishJobs.ie has been helping people find the job they want for over 20 years. Our team is delighted to share our job hunting tips and advice with you.