They say it takes 21 days to form a habit and ninety days to form a lifestyle. While we all want to be our best selves, we don’t always have the time or the patience to take up yoga or learn a second language. However, there are a few little steps we can all take to be our best and most successful selves in 2019.
Start your day with a job done
‘If you want to change the world, start by making your bed’ is US Admiral William McRaven’s number one tip for being your most successful self. He reasons that when you make your bed, you have completed your first job of the day. This motivates you to do another job, and another. By the end of the day your first job done will have become many jobs done and if you have had a miserable day involving long commutes and deadlines, angry bosses and terrible weather; you will at least come back to a bed which is made.
Team up!
You might make the assumption that the only way to succeed is to tread on toes and go it alone. While there might be some truth in being someone of action rather than being reliant on the actions of others, success does not come from making enemies. You are going to need to get along with people. Team up with others, join in the office chat and make tea for everyone when you go to the kitchen. If people like you, they will want to help you. One of the biggest misconceptions is that other people don’t want you to succeed. Honestly, the vast majority of people will want to help you to get to where you want to go. Asking for help and not being afraid of doing so is key to being successful.
Spend time not wasting time
A fast track way to success is knowing when to spend time and when to waste it. During the working day, strive to measure your success by your engagement rather than achievement. Success rarely happens overnight. But also recognise your need to spend time doing things you want to do. Spend weekends doing hobbies and dedicate time during the week to doing things you love and are passionate about. Allow yourself to look forward to these things and get excited. Be enthusiastic to be successful. A lazy day is no bad thing either, recharge your batteries with pyjamas and movies once in a while to stop yourself from burning out.
Get organised
Become a lover of lists and making notes. Own lots of calendars and make use of them. Breaking habits of not prioritising big jobs can lead to stressing out trying to get large amounts of work done at the last minute. Save yourself from unnecessary headaches and get organised. You will find yourself getting more done every day and being sure of your own plans will give you a clear head, allowing you to be more focused on short and long-term goals. Realising that you need to figure what can wait and what cannot will give you that edge in the new year.
Own your voice
Maybe you do this already, but maybe you don’t. You have opinions and views on how things could be done. You might have things you would like to say or have a good suggestion at a staff meeting. Own your voice and speak up. Be the one who makes the suggestions, solves the problems and comes up with solutions. While this means you shouldn’t press to make sure every ear in the room hears nothing but your voice (and we don’t suggest you go out of your way to disagree and be confrontational) if you do have a good point. Say it. From this you will be noticed by peers and managers as someone who contributes rather than shying away in the corner.
If you're looking to kick off the New Year with a new job, one of our consultants at your local branch will be able to talk you through what roles we have available.
