The top performers at their job tend to take a higher-altitude view of their work. They know what they need to get done, but they also know how to make it enjoyable for themselves and those around them. These workers are able to focus on the most critical goals every day and make sure they stay on track, no matter what obstacles they are presented with. I recently came across this article, presenting the best things that top performers do every day.
1) Plan The Day
You should try to avoid jumping right into tasks the minute one hits your eyes. It is important for you to plan your day. This can be done before leaving the office each night, on the way home from work the night before, or right when you arrive in the morning. Have a plan and follow through with it.
2) Set Intention
In addition to having a plan, top performers also have a goal every day. The have intention behind the work they do. They will have plenty to take care of aside from these goals, but they commit to handling the most important issues on their plates before turning to these other action items.
3) Stay Awake And Alert
A workplace is like an energy field, and the top performers are always aware of what is going on around them. Even when you are zoned into your daily tasks, you should still be alert to your surroundings. Never get so focused in on your small, personal details at the expensive of the bigger picture stuff.
4) Reshuffle Priorities As Needed
If something comes up, preventing you from tackling a certain task that day, you should approach this extra time not as free time, but as time to tackle a different task that you know you would have to get to in the near future. Make the most of each situation. Do not dig yourself in a hole because you are unable to roll with the punches.
5) Plan Ahead
It is easy to reshuffle priorities when you have planned ahead. If you know that there is a big presentation due in three weeks, do not wait until the day before to start building your presentation. You can easily schedule time to work on small chunks of the presentation over the course of those three weeks. Almost every job has a planning aspect to it. The top performers at the job are the ones that plan and execute these longer term goals.
6) Stay Cool
The workplace is a human place, therefore there will be emotions involved. The top performers, however, are able to stay cool and not take anything to personally. If you make a mistake, there is no need to rush into defense mode, just use it as a moment to learn.
7) Keep Breathing When Things Go Wrong
In the world of business, mistakes are bound to happen. There will be challenges that arise and you will be forced to overcome then if we wish to succeed. When an obstacle presents itself, top performers are excellent at breaking down the situation and staying calm. Take a few deep breathes, you are more than capable of figuring it out.
8) Put People Ahead Of Process
Top performers understand that incidents are temporary situations, but relationships are long-lasting. People will remember how they have been treated, long after your team has accomplished their goal. The top performers understand the human element involved; they put people ahead of things, processes, schedules, and deadlines.