13 Dec 10 THINGS WINNING EXECUTIVES NEVER DO
RESET YOUR THINKING IN 2014
Remember how your Mother told you that attitude is everything? Well, turns out she was right. Author Bob Urichuck has found that not only is attitude key to success in both business and life, it’s one of the few things you can control completely. Whether you’re a CEO or aspiring to greater success in 2014, making a goal to change your attitude could set your New Year’s Resolutions on the right track.
Here are many habits that the world’s most-successful executives and entrepreneurs avoid every day:
1. MAKE EXCUSES
It’s easy, and probably even automatic, to make excuses when things don’t go as planned. A far more productive approach to these scenarios is to treat them as “lessons learned,” and do your best to objectively analyze what could be improved in the future.
2. DWELL ON MISTAKES
Many of the world’s most productive and powerful people are perfectionists. However, they’ve learned to harness this tendency by moving on from mistakes when they happen. It’s not a good use of your time to dwell on things in the past. It’s much better to view your career and work as a continual improvement cycle, apply feedback, and keep charging forward.
3. SETTLE FOR “GOOD ENOUGH.”
It’s no secret that successful people drive themselves pretty hard. They never settle for second-best in their work, efforts to improve themselves, or expectations for their department’s outputs. If it feels like settling, it probably is.
4. NEGLECT PERSONAL CONNECTIONS
All too often, we find ourselves drowning in our day jobs and neglecting personal connections. These friendships matter, and it’s crucial to put time into your interpersonal relationships. Take a colleague out for coffee, or have a friend over for dinner. You’ll be glad you did.
5. IGNORE PERSONAL GROWTH
Professional certifications, graduate degrees, ongoing educational seminars, and conferences are key to professional success. However, expert Chad Howse reports that highly successful people view maintaining mental acuity as an ongoing exercise. Even a crossword puzzle or 30 minutes of reading each day can make you significantly smarter.
6. SKIP SLEEP
Not everyone has the luxury of 8 hours of sleep each night, but your smartest peers do everything they can to make this happen. In fact, there’s some health benefit to waking up at the same time each day to maintain a schedule.
7. IGNORE METRICS
The only reliable indicator you have of the success of your organization, your initiatives, or progress to your personal goals is data. Adopt the habit of breaking your plans down into measurable goals. You’ll be far more productive as a result.
8. WORK LESS HARD THAN THEIR COMPETITORS
Smart people watch their competition closely, and ensure they’re always working at least 10% harder. As Howse points out, you’re bound to find success with this methodology.
9. SURROUND THEMSELVES WITH NEGATIVE PEOPLE
The old adage that you should never be the smartest person in the room is a partial truth. Actively work to surround yourself with positive, motivated, and intelligent people at work and in your personal life. Your growth as a professional and individual will speed up accordingly.
10. FAIL TO KEEP NOTES
There’s a tremendous amount of science behind the art of journaling, believe it or not. Documenting your small wins as a professional and individual can allow you to view your accomplishments, and reflect on the progress you’ve made at a later date. Make a point of writing and reflecting for at least 15 minutes every day.
What are the personal and professional habits you hope to adopt in the New Year?
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