Habits for Success: How To Work Smarter

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing over 400 women from around the world about work and career for my book: ‘This Is Not The Career I Ordered’ and my forthcoming book: ‘Thrive Where You Are’.

Whether entrepreneurial in spirit or working in more corporate environments, many of the women I spoke with had similar ‘habits for success’.  Here are five that rose to the top – helping these successful women work smarter and achieve their career goals.

Network before you need it.  Successful professional women know the power of positive relationships when it comes to generating new business, gathering information, and building a supportive community. Regular networking, whether you have a job or not, sharpens your communication skills and keeps you visible and accessible. It also gives you the chance to ‘pay-it-forward’ by acting as a connection for others.

Cultivate your organizational skills to achieve your goals. Writing To-Do lists, and keeping work and living spaces (including the car) organized and clutter free, are common practices for the successful women I interviewed. Choose an organizational system that’s right for you – that can help manage the many facets of your life. The more organized you are, the more you can get done, and the more you can spend your non-working hours doing the things that really matter to you.

Keep learning. Take advantage of certificates, online classes, webinars, and short-term courses that can expand your knowledge and can give you a competitive edge in your field. Professional development can be an enjoyable pursuit that keeps you sharp and marketable for years to come.

Use Your Creativity.  Creativity and innovation are among the most desirable skills in the workplace. Many of us take the creative problem-solving strategies we use at home for granted, but being innovative is valuable on the job as well. Adapting to change and dealing with unexpected challenges with a level head can help you stand out in the professional arena – so get those creative juices flowing on the job.

Relax and reflect to gain perspective and improve productivity. A ‘time out’ in the form of a lunchtime walk, an off-site coffee break or a weekend away may be exactly what’s needed to ‘reboot’ and gain insight into any challenges you may face at work.

Giving yourself a structure in the form of these ‘habits for success’ can help you find more balance, control and greater fulfillment in your work – as they did for many of the women I interviewed. Cheers to you!