How to Get Rid Of Unhealthy Work Habits
Posted in Workplace Issues
The New Year is always a good time to make changes. We always see the New Year as an opportunity to start anew, to improve and become better individuals in all aspects of our lives. This includes becoming better at your chosen profession.
To do this however, you must get rid of your unhealthy work habits that keeps you - and your coworkers - from working optimally.
Make a list
List down of all of your bad work habits or mannerisms that distract your coworkers and which keep you from doing your best. Know what could be causing these bad habits. Determining these sources makes it easier for you to eliminate them.
One at a time
Start changing or getting rid of the easiest bad habits first. Once you succeed, you can proceed to the harder bad habits to break.
Be realistic
Set realistic and attainable goals. Do not aim to be nominated for employee of the year just yet. Instead, aim to improve yourself in the following areas:
1. Attendance - If you are constantly late or absent, or if you are often late for meetings and appointments, set your alarm clock earlier and allot time for traffic.
2. Grooming - Mind you personal hygiene. Bathe thoroughly and use deodorant after. Brush your teeth thoroughly and use breath mints especially if your job requires you to do a lot of talking. Pay close attention to your face, hair and fingernails as these are the most visible parts of your body.
3. Personal phone calls - If you receive a lot of personal phone calls in the office, tell your family and friends to call you on your cellphone instead and only during break time to limit distractions. Put your phone on silent mode to avoid distracting your fellow employees. Or better yet, turn it off to keep you yourself from getting distracted.
4. Achieving goals and meeting deadlines - If you're the type who is very hands-on and eager at the beginning of a task, but slacks off in the middle of things, you need to improve your follow-through. Commit to finishing a task and meet your deadlines.
5. Avoid picking up new bad habits - Once you have corrected or improved on your unhealthy and distracting work habits, stick to it. And finally, make sure that you do not pick up any new ones from your colleagues.
