The internet teems with ideas on how to improve your performance at work, but most of the time, the advice focuses on big changes: taking a class or an entire degree, adopting an entirely new system for dealing with emails or tasks, or just plain changing your nature. Fortunately, there are plenty of little things you can do to be better at what you.
(Photo Credit: Greg Riegler Photography/Flickr)
1. Get up 10 minutes earlier.
Sure, you keep meaning to get up at 6 a.m. and hit the gym, just like the world’s most successful people. But that’s way earlier when the alarm goes off than it seems like it will be when you make the plan (usually in the afternoon, when you’re behind at work). Get up just 10 minutes earlier, and you can get into the office earlier, which will help you get set up for your day.
2. Do one thing at a time.
Slow down. You’ll get more done. Forbes quotes a Stanford study that showed “people who do heavy multitasking, keeping up several email conversations at once while texting, jumping from one website to the next and trying to work at the same time, do not pay attention as well as those who maintain a more streamlined work flow.”
3. Drink more water.
Unsurprisingly, dehydrated people are not productive people. Drink more water, and give yourself a caffeine-free boost of energy.
4. Go outside.
OK, a quick walk around the block isn’t CrossFit, but it’s better than sitting in your chair all day. And it’s a great way to avoid firing off an angry response to an email that you’ll regret later.
5. Practice active listening techniques.
Don’t wait to speak; listen. It will help your relationships with your co-workers, as well as upping the chances that you’ll remember what the boss said after you’re done with your conversation.
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Which small changes have helped your career the most? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment or join the discussion on Twitter.
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