How to be the Best Version of Yourself at Work

Do you sit back and wait for an annual performance review to think about your work performance? It does feel easier to wait for another person to tell you about how you can improve yourself. But how can you do a better job every day without waiting for annual feedback? The trick here is to work on yourself, not the job. Your work reflects you, so begin by making yourself better, and success will follow.

Here are eight ways to help you get better at what you do and become the best version of yourself.

1) Turn weaknesses into strengths. 

Research shows that 97% of people can readily identify a career-limiting habit they have. However, managers reported only 10% of employees showed a change a year after a performance review. Most of us assess our weaknesses but don’t always take steps to rectify our career-limiting behaviors.

2) Set goals and track them. 

Setting goals for yourself doesn’t just give you a sense of purpose in life but also makes you accountable for your decisions and actions. To set realistic goals, follow this 4-step process:

Figure out what you can want to accomplish in a day, a week, and a year. If possible, write it down somewhere or keep a digital diary. Keep your goals SMART and focused. The key is to avoid setting too many goals for yourself.

Prioritize your goals and focus on the most critical ones first. Motivate yourself to stick to the plan. Finally, make sure you track your goals religiously.

3) Find opportunities to learn. 

Learning should always be a top priority while factoring in your day-to-day activities. Spare 10 minutes each day to read, listen or watch something that can help you work smarter.

4) Believe in the power of asking questions. 

Don’t be afraid to ask the questions that matter at work. Asking the right questions can impact the outcomes of our decisions. It shows that you are present and participative.

5) Don’t ignore your health. 

If your work demands your constant and undivided attention, you could feel overwhelmed and feel like most of your worth resides in your work. Re-prioritize your work-life and find ways to get help without burning out. Get a good night’s sleep and avoid spending the wee hours of the night on a work email.

6) Dig critical or negative feedback. 

While receiving negative feedback well can be a hard skill to master, it is an important component to advance your career. The key to dealing with negative or harsh feedback is to emotionally detach from the information and then take action. Avoid being reactive and take a pause while you’re in the moment. Later, break down the feedback into specifics.

7) Avoid distraction. 

To get better at the work you do, find simple ways to overcome everyday self-sabotaging practices. If you’re having a hard time getting some data sorted, leave the work for some time and take a walk. Or, move to a different space. Similarly, put your phone face-down so you don’t get distracted with constant notifications.

8) Don’t overcommit. Before you take on additional work, pause and check if you’re able to take on that work. Learn to say “no” at work more frequently, delegate the work to your team members if possible, and don’t shy away from asking for help, when it’s needed.