List: How to be more successful in your professional life.

The past couple of months have been so hectic that my work ethic started to hinder.  I may not excel at everything in my life, but I am real good at my chosen career.  That truth is reflected in how much I am valued by management and coworkers.  In less than seven years, I have went from an administrative assistant role to a regional management position that's only 3 steps from the top of one of the world's largest corporations.  Totally not bragging, just stating my credentials..

A few days ago, I had to stop and think of the real reason why my work was backing up.  The truth is, I am not focused and I’m putting future opportunities at risk.    While I was sitting at in my office (2) hours past go home time, I decided to take my own advice for working towards success.

Related:  Ten things you need to be productive while working from home.

10 effective strategies to be successful At work.

1.  Limit your internet activity for personal use.

Everybody deserves a lunch break and 2 smaller breaks throughout the day.  Not only does it help you focus, but it helps create a good work and life balance.  Limit your internet activity for personal use to these designated time slots.

2.  Be a person who keeps their word.

A work day doesn’t go by without someone asking me to do something for them.  It could be a customer making a request, a manager, or even a coworker in need of help.  Make you sure do what you said you would do when you promised you would.  ..aka, being reliable.

3.  Never push your work onto someone else.

Some people are afraid to learn how to handle a new task and others are just plain lazy.  This is real annoying to coworkers and managers will notice the poor job performance.  Never dump your work onto someone else’s lap.  Instead ask for help and really learn.  This goes for tasks outside of your scope of work.  Know your limits, but don't roadblock new learning opportunities.  It's all about balance.

4.  Dress for your dream position.

Fill your wardrobe with versatile and stylish work appropriate pieces.  Management notices when you look disheveled, untidy, or just completely inappropriate.  Always give off the impression that you care and that you’re serious about your career.

5.  Stay out of the gossip.

I would think every job is full of certain people buzzing around gossip.  Don’t give yourself a bad rep among coworkers or management.  It won’t go unnoticed.  It’s important to steer clear of being the gossip topic and to not spread other rumors.  While I love some good juice, the workplace isn't the place to squeeze the fruit.

6.  Don’t complain about your work load.

Managers have always told me that I’m favored because I get stuff done without complaining.  You’re hired to do a task, and as long as you’re not being taken advantage of, just do it.  Don’t waste company time complaining and just do what needs to be done.  Be that path of lease resistance, within reason, of course.

7.  Keep your personal life personal.

If you are having a bad day or just got into a fight with the hubby, don’t let it affect your job.  On the same note, you don’t want your life turned into the office novella.  Keep details to yourself!  Always work like you’re having a perfect day and keep your business to yourself.

8.  Always take opportunities to learn or grow.

If a company offers a webinar or offsite training, take advantage of it.  The more you learn and grow, the more valuable you become to the company.  When it comes to growth and knowledge, always volunteer for the opportunity.  Become a notary.  Get licensed for something within your field.  Go back to school for a degree.  Take an excel training course.  Whatever it is, just do it on the company’s dime.

9.  Be approachable and nice.

This may sound like a simple tip, but there are way too many people that walk by with their head down.  Don’t let the pressure of life or work make you rude or unapproachable.  Always be pleasant and courteous to coworkers.  People that are liked are more likely to succeed.

10.  Communicate your work goals with management.

If management doesn’t know where you want to be, how can they help you get there?  It’s been pointed out to me that managers could be blind to our goals.  We need to open their eyes.  Think about your work goal and communicate it to management in a formal atmosphere.

What are your career goals?

Related:  Ten things you need to be productive while working from home.