When it comes to setting goals for the New Year, careers are often up there as one of your main objectives for changing the path or reaching new achievements. Whether you’re finding yourself ready to make a big change and head to a new company or you’re looking to make that next big move at your current job, breaking bad habits is a great place to start. From running late all of the time to gossiping way too much, here’s a look at bad work habits to break this year to set the tone for success.
BAD WORK HABITS TO BREAK THIS YEAR
You’re late 99% of the time. Doesn’t really matter if you’re talking late to meetings or late to arrive at the office each morning, being late in general just doesn’t fly in a professional environment. At the end of the day, do you really want to be known as the team member who’s always later or would you rather be the one who everyone knows they can rely on?
You’re gossiping more than you’re actually working. Not only is gossiping totally unprofessional, it’s actually just downright mean and totally unnecessary. How would you feel if the tables were turned? Rather than getting caught up in the office gossip, how about showing your killer leadership skills by being the person who doesn’t participate in office gossip?
You refuse to be a team player. Sometimes you really have to step up your game at work and put away those feelings of not wanting to help out with a project just because it isn’t part of your job description. Leading the way by being willing to pitch in – for even the most mundane tasks – goes a long way when leadership teams are assessing your potential for a next-level position. Sometime life is just about putting your complaints aside and pitching in.
You’re getting a bit too relaxed about your appearance. There’s business casual and then there’s those times when you show up looking like you just rolled out of bed. No matter what type of business you’re involved in, looking your best shows your enthusiasm, energy and your commitment to the job. Try to step up your style game in the new year and rotate out some of those tired items that could use a refresh.
You miss deadlines consistently. Things happen – that’s for sure – and every once-in-a-while, you may have to miss a deadline. But when you become so accustom to missing deadlines that they almost don’t have any bearing on your project timeline, it’s time to make a change. This comes right back to being a team player – deadlines are created so that everyone can work together to get the job done, on time. If poor planning or procrastination is driving this problem, then you know exactly what you need to do to make a change.
You have a laissez–faire attitude. When you start to slack on the effort and contributions you’re making to projects at work, it not only makes you appear lazy, but it makes the work that much harder for your colleagues. While you might have a laid back boss or relaxed work environment, continuing to stay on top of your responsibilities is absolutely essential. Why not give every project your best – the reflection of your contribution is all on you, so you might as well showcase your stuff.
Have you found yourself getting caught up in some bad habits at work? Any thoughts on how you can make a change and put the focus back on your own success and career growth?
