At work, we often believe that working harder is the key to getting ahead—put in more hours, take on more tasks, and push ourselves to the limit.
But here’s the truth: it’s not just the effort that gets you noticed—it’s your habits.
The behaviors you consistently display are what truly catch the attention of your boss, colleagues, and everyone who plays a role in your professional growth.
While hard work is important, it’s the subtle shifts in your actions, mindset, and approach that can set you apart and accelerate your success.
In this article, we’ll explore the eight habits you need to say goodbye to if you really want to climb the ladder and make an impact at work.
1) Procrastination
There’s one thing that I’ve noticed among successful individuals, and it’s their proactive approach to tasks.
Procrastination, on the other hand, is a notorious career killer. It’s that deceptive little monster that convinces you there’s always a ‘later’ or a ‘tomorrow’ to complete your tasks.
Why is this crucial at work?
In the professional world, deadlines and time frames matter. And constantly pushing things off can lead you down a slippery slope of missed opportunities and unmet goals.
The constant delay not only affects your productivity but also creates a negative impression among your colleagues and superiors. It signals:
- Unreliability
- Lack of commitment
- Poor time management
So, if you find yourself often procrastinating at work, it’s time to nip this behavior in the bud. Start by breaking down larger tasks into manageable parts, setting realistic goals, and most importantly, sticking to them.
2) Negativity
Negative attitudes are contagious and can quickly bring down an entire team. This includes:
- Constant complaining
- Criticizing
- Always expecting the worst outcomes
No one likes to work with a pessimist. It’s draining and discourages others around you.
If you find yourself trapped in a cycle of negativity, try to shift your focus on the positives instead.
- Practice gratitude
- Celebrate your small victories
- Learn to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks
Breaking free from negativity not only improves your work environment but also opens up a path for positive growth and progress in your career.
3) Resistance to feedback
Early on in my entrepreneurial journey, I made the mistake of seeing feedback as criticism.
But over time, I’ve learned that feedback, whether positive or negative, is an invaluable tool for personal growth.
If you’re the kind who shies away from feedback or gets defensive when provided with one, it’s time to let go of this behavior.
Feedback is an opportunity for improvement. It provides insights into areas you might not have noticed and helps you better understand how your actions are perceived by others.
So next time you receive feedback, embrace it. Consider it a stepping stone towards becoming a better professional and a more rounded individual.
4) Lack of mental toughness
In the professional world, mental toughness is critical. It’s the resilience to keep going despite setbacks, the ability to stay focused amidst distractions, and the strength to take on challenges head-on.
If you find yourself crumbling under pressure or avoiding difficult situations, it might be time to work on building your mental toughness.
In my book, The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness, I dive into practical strategies to hone this skill.
Building mental toughness is not an overnight process, but with persistent effort, you can cultivate a mindset that helps you navigate the ups and downs of your professional life with grace and determination. This shift in mindset can be a game-changer for your career trajectory.
5) Overworking
In our hustle culture, working long hours is often glorified. But here’s a counter-intuitive truth: Overworking doesn’t necessarily lead to success.
Burning the midnight oil regularly might make you look dedicated, but it can lead to burnout, decreased productivity and even impact your health.
To truly excel, it’s essential to find a balance:
- Recognize when it’s time to push hard and when to step back
- Work smart, not just hard
- Prioritize your tasks, delegate where possible
- Make time for rest and rejuvenation
Taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and having time to recharge are all essential parts of maintaining peak performance in the long run.
6) Avoiding networking
Networking often gets a bad rap. But the truth is, building connections and fostering professional relationships can open doors to opportunities that you might not even know exist.
If you’re someone who avoids networking, considering it unnecessary or superficial, it’s time to rethink.
Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards. It’s about connecting with others on a personal level, learning from their experiences, and exploring ways you can help each other.
Your network is your net worth. So step out of your comfort zone and start building meaningful connections. It could be as simple as starting a conversation in the break room or attending industry events—every interaction counts.
7) Fear of taking risks
I’ll be honest. As the founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve had to take my fair share of risks. And not all of them have paid off.
But the ones that did?
They’ve taken me places I could’ve never reached by playing it safe.
Fear of taking risks can hold you back from exploring new opportunities or innovating in your field. This fear could stem from a fear of failure or the uncertainty associated with stepping out of your comfort zone.
But remember that growth often happens outside our comfort zones.
Be open to taking calculated risks, embrace the possibility of failure as a learning opportunity, and you might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
8) Not setting personal goals
Without clear, personal goals, it’s easy to lose focus and get swept away by the tide of everyday tasks and responsibilities.
If you’re not in the habit of setting personal goals at work, it’s time to start. These goals:
- Give you a sense of direction
- Help you stay focused and motivated
- Provide a benchmark against which you can measure your progress
Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking on more responsibility, or aiming for a promotion, having clear personal goals can be the driving force that propels you forward in your career.
Final thoughts
Getting ahead at work isn’t just about putting in the hours or pushing yourself beyond your limits. It’s about adopting the right habits that elevate your performance, relationships, and overall well-being.
By saying goodbye to behaviors like overworking and procrastination, you can create a work routine that’s more effective and fulfilling.
Focus on building habits that align with your goals, prioritize self-care, and continuously develop your skills. The results will speak for themselves—setting you up for success in both the short and long term.
For those interested in building mental toughness—a key ingredient for professional success—I invite you to check out my book The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness. It’s a comprehensive guide filled with practical strategies to help you navigate through challenges with grace and determination.
