Most of us start the New Year hoping to be better versions of ourselves.<\/p>\n
Our work lives, especially, are an easily quantified place to improve: We’re rewarded for jobs well done in promotions or raises, and given formal reviews.<\/p>\n
But what about the more vague aspects of your career\u2014like why you’re always showing up exhausted, or can’t seem to focus deeply on what’s most fulfilling? In the last year, we’ve tried to get to the bottom of those areas for improvement, too.<\/p>\n
The interpersonal soft skills and self-care are what make the more tangible successes shine.<\/p>\n
We’re starting 2015 by sharing 10 ways you can be better at your job this year:<\/p>\n
Make a better to-do list<\/strong><\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re jotting a list on sticky notes like Jim Koch, or in a typed and well-annotated creation like Barbara McCann, your to-do game can ramp up in 2015. Get out your pen and paper and start practicing your list-making skills by writing these tips down.<\/p>\n Stop glorifying “busy”<\/strong><\/p>\n Buying into the “culture of busy” is not only making you dumber, it\u2019s keeping you from your best work. If 2014 felt like it flew by in a constant state of overwork, change that this year\u2014and start bragging about how efficient you are, instead of how many hours you spent chained to a desk.<\/p>\n Change your bedtime routine<\/strong><\/p>\n You can\u2019t be a better employee if you\u2019re still dragging into the office an hour late and half-asleep. If you find what makes you bound out of bed like it\u2019s Christmas morning,. But that\u2019s only part of the solution. Starting a better bedtime routine\u2014like reading an inspiring book or writing down question that need answers\u2014can make you more creative, and less drowsy come 7 a.m.<\/p>\n End your procrastination habit<\/strong><\/p>\n Show up, do the smallest possible step, just get started. We\u2019ve covered procrastination extensively, from reasons why you\u2019re afraid to fail, or setting a too-high bar. Start knocking out that to-do list by simply doing.<\/p>\n But if you must, procrastinate wisely<\/strong><\/p>\n Distractions happen. Sometimes, distraction can even be productive. It sounds counterintuitive, but procrastination and productivity can work together, when you\u2019re trying to solve a difficult problem or coax your creativity out of its hiding place. A little busywork, and even Internet surfing, could do the trick. If your boss asks why you\u2019re on Facebook, send her this article.<\/p>\n Take more lunch breaks<\/strong><\/p>\n Your midday break is another unexpected place to get better at your job: By stepping away from it for an hour. Studies show that walking, socializing, and getting fresh air all help you return to your desk refreshed and more ready to work than if you\u2019d powered through.<\/p>\n Be open about what you need<\/strong><\/p>\n The negotiation skill-honing doesn\u2019t end once you\u2019ve landed the job. Become the best communicator in your office this year, by being confident about what you want, and direct when asking questions. Your clients will appreciate it, and your boss will wonder what happened to your former small-talking self.<\/p>\n Take on new roles<\/strong><\/p>\n Ready to move up in the company, or just shake up your current role? “If all you do is what is listed in your job description, it\u2019s impossible to get ahead,” says career author Dan Schawbel. Keep an open mind about what you\u2019re saying yes to\u2014and what to turn down when it isn\u2019t furthering your own vision\u2014and see where the new attitude takes you.<\/p>\n Give (and get) feedback gracefully<\/strong><\/p>\n The end of the year is a time to reflect on your personal and professional progress\u2014and to get dragged into performance reviews that might hold a few less-positive notes on your work. Embrace the failures as learning opportunities, and take the criticism as a chance to grow. But at the very least, don\u2019t let feedback build up for a whole year, or wait for your boss to dole it out annually.<\/p>\n Stop trying to be perfect<\/strong><\/p>\n The “I\u2019m a perfectionist” excuse doesn\u2019t cut it when your reputation for timely quality work is on the line. And you\u2019re killing yourself with overachiever mind-set, paralyzing progress with your hang-ups. Put yourself and your mental well-being first in the coming year, and the rest will follow suit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Source:\u00a0fastcompany.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Most of us start the New Year hoping to be better versions of ourselves. Our work lives, especially, are an easily quantified place to improve: We’re rewarded for jobs well done in promotions or raises, and given formal reviews. But what about the more vague aspects of your career\u2014like why you’re always showing up exhausted, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":45034,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2],"tags":[36,38],"yoast_head":"\n