Success at Work

It's our thinking that either motivates us or doesn't.  There are ways of thinking that create self motivation.  Know that you are a genius!  Use your imagination to create and achieve things that worriers never dream of achieving.  Use it to create reality.

Have a central purpose of life.  Create a vision of who you want to be and live in that picture as if it were already true.  Be clear and specific.  Don't let your goal be too small or vague.  It will not be reached if it fails to excite your imagination.  Set a large and specific power goal a dream that drives you to achieve all the smaller goals or steps along the way.  A goal without action is a daydream.  Break your power goal down to smaller goals.  Making small attainable goals and keeping a record of when you attain them will build your self-confidence and reassure you that you are making progress.

Make each day a masterpiece!  Today is your whole life.  Life is now, and is not later on.  Most of us do not focus because we are constantly trying to think of too many things at once.  Focus on what you want and it will come into your life.  Focus each day on what you are doing, not on the past or on the future. Focus on now.

Don't give in to fear!  Fear kills us over and over again. 

After you have successfully completed those critical steps to finding your job (whether paid or volunteer), ensure that it will be a pleasant experience.  During your first few weeks or months you will go through an orientation and probation period.  If you are not getting feedback from your employer, request it.  Ask your supervisor or team leader about your strengths and your weaknesses.  Take advantage of the feedback to learn how you can improve your performance on the job.  You are showing that you would like to meet their needs and are eager to fit into the organization.  As you become more comfortable, any initial nervousness will subside.  You will also be developing the good work habits that future employers want.

Interpersonal Skills
Try to work well with others and maintain a good relationship with your boss and co-worker;  avoid confrontations.  Do not make criticisms about the job or other employers in public; don't complain, be patient not only with your co-workers and boss but also with the tasks associated with your job.  Learn to listen properly to those around you; take the time to comprehend fully and assimilate their requests or instructions.  Be sensitive to others, do not gossip,  keep a sense of humor, but make sure it's appropriate humor and avoid profanity. 

Competence
Create a positive first impression.  Set rigorous standards for yourself and improve your skills, especially in oral and written communication.  Ask questions or research answers if you're not sure so as not to proceed in error; admit and learn from mistakes and accept suggestions for improvement.  Ensure your training program is relevant and in sufficient depth to enable you to perform up to expectations in your position; take extra courses or training outside of work on your own time.  Master technology; keep skills current.  Show initiative, such as arriving early and leaving late, making suggestions, working extra hard.  Volunteer for committees or projects to become noticed and  recognized.

Dependability
Arrive on time for work, meetings and appointments and be prompt in getting reports or assignments finished. 

Time Management
Identify your best time for working on challenging tasks i.e., a.m., p.m. and do not procrastinate. 
Master the flood of information you will get every day by prioritizing your tasks.   Use commuting time for learning activities.

Compatibility
Participate in social activities so that others can get to know you better but keep your actions and reputation in mind avoid internal office politics.  Maintain discretion in amount of socializing on work time and do not talk too much about your previous jobs or activities.  Wear appropriate clothing and value your role as an effective team player.  Remember to ask for help when you need it and most importantly, have realistic expectations about the job before you start.

Wortman, T. (1999).  Success Skills