9 ways to be better at what you do!
So you’re looking for ways yo be better at what you do. Every job, good or bad, teaches us something valuable. It is almost ingrained in us that we work simply to make money so we can live our lives But hey, majority of our life is spent working, so it’s important for general wellbeing and happiness that we enjoy what we do!
Step 1 is liking what you do; now step 2 is being better at what you love doing!
Here are 9 ways to be better at what you do!
1. Plan ahead
When you get a spare moment, whether that’s each morning, each evening, on your way home from work or before you slip into bed, make a list and prioritise your work for the day ahead. If you’re coming to work without a plan, you’re already a step behind.
2. Buy yourself a Journal
The same way people journal about their life, you should journal about your work. Putting what’s in your mind onto paper allows you to identify opportunities and ideas which could be leveraged and gaps which need to be filled. The Resilience Project have a great mindfulness journal to start you off!
3. Learn to say no
To avoid having a mountain of work dumped on you, diverging your attention away from the work you need to be doing, learn to set boundaries and say ‘I wish I could help, but I can’t’. No one will respect your boundaries if you don’t make them clear.
4. Don’t ignore the future
It’s easy to focus on nothing else but what is in front of our noses. People can fall into the easy thought process that ‘I’ll sort that out when I come to it!’ Preparation is key! The most successful people are the ones who consistently think about the future, whether it’s months, or years ahead.
5. Ask for Advice
Work can be a competitive place. It can be hard to be vulnerable and let your guard down and ask for advice. However doing so can assist you to build deeper, more valuable relationships with your colleagues and may encourage them to also turn to you for assistance and advice.
6. Respect your to-do-list, but remember it’s not the be-all and end-all.
Your to-do list is a great guide to keep you on track, on a day-to-day basis. It’s important to understand that priorities can change by a single phone call, email or conversation. Re-evaluate your to-do list, multiple times a day, to ensure you are doing the most important thing at every moment.
7. Frequently communicate & keep your boss up-to-date.
It’s easy to assume that your superior is well aware of your activities and priorities, but this is not always true! Every couple of weeks, or monthly, book in a time to sit down with your boss to discuss your projects and priorities. Talk through with them about where you are struggling, where you are stuck, new ideas and new projects. This doesn’t look needy; it simply demonstrates to your superior how on-top of things you are. It also stops you from wasting energy and working on things no one cares about!
8. Take Breaks
Smashing through your to-do list is obviously great! But doing it without taking breaks and slowing down every now and again, is a great way to get sick and make mistakes. Take a break! Whether its taking a 10 minute walk, stepping away from your desk for 5 minutes, or making yourself a coffee, ensure you get up and remove yourself frequently.
9. Give yourself credit for your hard work
Don’t wait for your annual performance review to pat yourself on your back. When you master a new skill, solve a tricky problem, speak up about a topical debate or do something great for the company. Smile and acknowledge your efforts! You deserve to feel good!
Good Better Best, never let it rest, till your good is better and your better is BEST!
Good luck from Gallant Plumbing!