Habits That Can Get You Promoted

We all have talents that can give us an edge, but the biggest reason some people are high performers is because they’ve formed good habits. In a recent survey of more than 1,800 workers by leadership training company VitalSmarts, 46% of respondents chalk up their career success to having the right habits, as opposed to those who credited natural talents or even wise decisions.

“When it comes to success, nothing trumps good habits,” says Emily Gregory, VitalSmarts lead researcher and vice president of development. “No amount of luck, talent, brains, or good decisions can compensate for your habits and your routines."

Writing in Fast Company, Stephanie Vozza cites several habits Gregory found that could help you move ahead:

• Hesitate Before Saying “No”:  Be open to opportunities to grow and expand outside of your comfort zone, and take a moment to think “yes” before saying “no,” suggests Gregory. Try to avoid the knee-jerk “no” that occur when you feel stressed or overwhelmed.
• Tackle the Hard Stuff First:  Some of the most common habits are around our morning routines. “There are so many flavors,” says Gregory. “They can all be powerful, and there is not one best way to form a morning routine.” Those who achieved success, however, said having discipline to do the difficult things on their list at the beginning of the day was a powerful habit.
• Trust Your Gut: “There is a point of diminishing return,” Gregory says. “When you keep putting energy into something and you’re not getting a bang out of it, know when you get good enough, it’s good enough. Then do other things with your energy.” Knowing when to quit will limit bouts of analysis paralysis.
  
  

Habits can seem small and basic, but the more you do them, the more their positive results compound. 
 
What do you consider your most beneficial work habits? To join the conversation, click "comments" just under the picture above -- we'd love to get your feedback!

---