10 Work Habits That Will Make A Lasting Impact In Your Career

Our habits shape our identities, whether for better or worse. At the workplace, these habits can take on a life of their own, sometimes magnifying the impact they have on our professional relationships. In fact, your working habits alone can transform you into either the enchanting colleague who brightens the office atmosphere or the typical Karen who tests everyone’s patience. 

Let’s face one thing though—we’ve all encountered that extraordinary colleague at our workplace who leaves us in awe with their impeccable work habits. They effortlessly tackle every task with brilliance, and their productivity seems to be ingrained in their DNA. We can’t help but ponder: are these people even real? 

If you’re tired of being stuck in the tiresome cycle of mediocrity and yearn to cultivate a superior work habit, fear not! We’re here to lend a helping hand. Within the confines of this article, we shall illuminate ten remarkable work habits that are fervently embraced by the most triumphant individuals. So are you prepared to embrace the transformative power of a stellar work habit?

No need for gratitude now; save it for later.

Being Punctual: Yes, That’s A No-Brainer

Overcoming the habit of tardiness can be one of the most challenging tasks. And trust us when we say that nothing drives a boss crazier than a consistently late employee.

To ensure you’re not on their bad side, make it a point to clock in ten minutes early. This small buffer will allow you to organise your day, ensuring you’re prepared when official hours commence. While remote work may present additional obstacles, such as the tempting distraction of your neighbour’s adorable cat, it’s still crucial to log in on time and be available for team calls and meetings.

Flexibility in your work routine is important as well. Sometimes, a pressing task might require you to stay late, as long as it doesn’t disrupt your work-life balance. Punctuality and commitment to your work speak volumes about your professionalism, and incorporating this valuable work habit starts with effective planning.

Here’s what you can do:

• Rise, shine, and beat the alarm—start your day like a pro.
• Be the first to arrive and enjoy a peaceful office moment.
• Set your clocks ahead for a magical head start on time.
• Let energising beats propel you forward and crush your commute.
• Find a buddy to hold you accountable with playful (yet serious) reminders.

Stick Deadlines On Your Forehead

The ability to consistently deliver work on time not only reflects your sense of responsibility, but also demonstrates your remarkable efficiency in tackling tasks with precision and finesse. When you consistently deliver work on time, you don’t just impress your boss or clients; you practically become the Chuck Norris of accountability. You show up, tackle tasks with the precision of a surgeon, and nail them efficiently like a pro. It’s like you have a personal time-travel device that allows you to bend the fabric of time and space to your will. Impressive, right?

Here’s what you can do:

• Divide and conquer your deadline with smaller tasks.
• Set milestones and stick to a schedule for steady progress.
• Create a focused work environment to maximise productivity.
• Set rewards to fuel your enthusiasm along the way.
• Delegate tasks or ask for help to meet your deadline smoothly.

Just Like You’re Always Told: Manage Time

If you find yourself taking extended lunch breaks, engaging in gossip, or sharing personal problems at work, you’re essentially throwing valuable office hours out the window. And beware of the social media trap! Once it bites you, it’s up to you to rescue yourself from potential workplace disasters. Time magically disappears when you’re engrossed in adorable dog videos, doesn’t it? Not only can you lose your focus, but you may also end up working late, completely tossing your work-life balance out the window.

Here’s what you can do:

• Prioritise wisely: Focus on high-impact tasks that align with your goals.
• Delegate effectively: Share the workload and free up time for important responsibilities.
• Try Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused intervals with short breaks for enhanced productivity.
• Avoid multitasking: Give your full attention to one task at a time for better results.
• Set realistic deadlines: Stick to timelines for a smoother workflow and reduced stress.

Take Criticism Like You’re Supposed To

Don’t let every criticism rain on your parade with a frown.But hey, guess what? Nobody’s perfect!

Criticism is like a secret ingredient for personal growth, a necessary spice you need every now and then. Think of your employer as your very own career coach, dropping truth bombs to help you level up. Detach yourself from the message, take it with a pinch of salt, and learn from it. Consider it a hidden gift, disguised as a tough pill to swallow. Oh, and by the way, your ability to handle criticism also depends on your emotional intelligence. So, let’s show ’em your EQ skills!

Here’s what you can do:

• Embrace feedback as a growth opportunity, not a personal attack.
• Listen actively, seeking to understand and learn from different perspectives.
• Separate emotions from the criticism, focusing on the constructive aspects.
• Take ownership of mistakes, and use criticism as a chance to improve and excel.
• Seek support from trusted colleagues or mentors to gain valuable insights and advice.

Ask What’s Relevant

No matter how talented or experienced you may be, there will inevitably come a time when you encounter a roadblock. In such moments, it’s crucial to embrace the mindset of seeking assistance. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help—it’s not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of maturity and self-awareness.

It’s important to strike a delicate balance between curiosity and becoming a nuisance. Bombarding others with an excessive number of repetitive questions can quickly develop into an unfavourable work habit. It’s not advisable to pester your colleagues with trivial inquiries like “Where’s the coffee machine?” Instead,take up the initiative and let the enticing aroma of coffee guide you to it.

Here’s what you can do:

• Ask deep questions to reveal the core.
• Use ‘why’ and ‘how’ to gain valuable information.
• Craft targeted questions, leaving no ambiguity.
• Ask follow-up questions to understand deeply.
• Pose forward-looking questions for innovative solutions.

Stay Organised

You don’t need to adopt the “go big or go home” mentality when it comes to organising your job. Instead, start by implementing small but impactful changes. Remember, an untidy workspace and a chaotic daily schedule are definite pitfalls to avoid. Don’t let these detrimental work habits steal your spotlight.

To revolutionise your organisation skills, consider leveraging task management tools. These invaluable resources can transform your work habits by assisting you in various ways, such as tracking deadlines and visually organising your tasks. With these tools at your disposal, staying organised will become second nature.   

Here’s what you can do:

• Stay organised: Prioritise, plan, and declutter for efficient work.
• Digital mastery: Utilise calendars and tools to conquer tasks and deadlines.
• Delegate strategically: Optimise efficiency by assigning tasks to team members.
• Recharge for productivity: Take regular breaks to refresh and maintain focus.
• Constantly improve: Review, adapt, and refine your organisational methods.

Communicate: Because It’s 2-Way

Whether you’re working from the office or remotely, effective communication with your employer and colleagues is paramount. No need to rely on a thesaurus to craft your messages, as simplicity can often be more powerful. Keep your boss informed about the progress of your projects on a regular basis; they’ll appreciate being kept in the loop. However, remember that communication is a two-way street. Being a productive individual also entails being an active listener. Cultivating this habit is not only a valuable skill, but it also fosters strong working relationships.

Here’s what you can do:

• Be a listening detective and a diplomatic speaker by paying attention and choosing your words wisely 
• Communicate ideas concisely and clearly to prevent misunderstandings and promote alignment.
• Understand and consider others’ perspectives to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Provide feedback tactfully, focusing on solutions rather than criticism.
• Choose the most suitable channel (in-person, email, or collaboration tools) to convey your message effectively.

Learn A Skill, Take Initiative

If you want to achieve success, simply admiring productive individuals won’t suffice. To swiftly ascend the ladder of success, it is crucial to invest in upskilling.

Identify the areas where your skills are lacking, and actively seek opportunities to enhance your knowledge through workshops or professional certification courses. Strive for managerial positions and consider consulting a career coach if necessary.

Don’t rely on your superiors to assign you tasks, especially in remote work settings. Take the initiative and proactively request projects. By going above and beyond your job description, you’ll illuminate like a radiant diamond among your colleagues. But in the meantime, it’s important to strike a balance and avoid overwhelming yourself if you already have a full plate. Here’s what you can do:

• Immerse yourself fully in the new skill, exploring every aspect and pushing your boundaries to gain mastery.
• Embrace the discomfort that comes with learning something new, as it signifies growth and progress.
• Seek guidance from experts, but take initiative by actively seeking resources, asking questions, and finding solutions independently.
• Consistent practice is the key to honing your new skill. Embrace repetition and dedicate regular time to refine your abilities.
• Step out of your comfort zone and apply your newly acquired skill in real-life situations, taking calculated risks to gain confidence and experience.

Cross Out Procrastination

It’s no secret that during work hours, many of us find ourselves more inclined to mindlessly scroll through social media feeds rather than tackling a dreaded project. Yet, the unfortunate reality is that procrastination only compounds the problem at hand. Before you realise it, time has slipped away, and you find yourself perilously past the deadline, with a looming sense of impending doom. Succumbing to the fear of deadlines is not the solution. Instead, it’s crucial to confront the task head-on and push through any aversion we may have towards it.

Here’s what you can do:

• Don’t wait for the perfect moment; just start and let momentum carry you forward.
• Tackle daunting tasks by breaking them into smaller, manageable chunks.
• Schedule specific blocks of time for each task, and stick to your plan like glue.
• Silence the siren call of social media, turn off notifications, and create a focused environment.
• Discover what drives you—a reward, a sense of accomplishment, or even a catchy theme song—and use it to fuel your productivity.

Keep Your Habits In Check: Find An App That Suits You

Are you finally free from the confusion surrounding the question “What are work habits”? That’s fantastic news!

However, the journey to developing exemplary work habits is not an overnight process. It requires dedicated time and effort, while shedding detrimental habits can prove to be quite challenging. Interestingly, if you were to consult habit coaches, they would likely advise that it takes approximately 21 days to establish a new habit.

So, the pressing question arises: How can you ensure you stay on the right track and maintain your progress? That’s where you can choose from a ton of habit tracking apps out there, like Habitify, Strides, Streaks, HabitShare, ClickUp, and many more! Choose what gels with your pace and lifestyle, and give yourself an ultimate 6-month challenge of growth! 

Like we mentioned before, now would be a good time to thank us.

Let Mentoria Keep Your Career-Oriented

In your pursuit of cultivating effective work habits and staying focused on your career goals, it’s important to have the right guidance and tools by your side. For more insights and expert assistance in habit tracking and building, Mentoria offers a wealth of resources and personalised support to help you navigate the intricate world of professional development. With Mentoria’s assistance, you can unlock your full potential, harness the power of productive habits, and embark on a successful and fulfilling career journey. Don’t hesitate to take that extra step towards achieving your ambitions – visit Mentoria today and discover a world of possibilities awaiting you.