7 Ways to get ahead in your work life

Some people are fairly content in what they do and that’s great, it’s a lovely position to be in. As time goes on though, you may feel you should be progressing…whether you actually want to or think it’s what you should be doing, that’s for another day.

But how do you progress? If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut and not sure what to do, the below 7 tips will help you get on the right path.

1. Turn up 10 minutes early for work.

You are starting work at 9AM. I see so many people stroll in at 8:59AM, or even worse, 9AM.

Technically not late, but definitely not setting the world alight either. If you really want to impress and progress, get in there early. It shows:

a desire to actually want to be there!
self motivation.
leadership.
commitment.
discipline.

These are all great traits in people and won’t go unnoticed. Lindsey Schlegel wrote:

”a study showed even when accounting for total work hours, objective job performance, and employees’ self-ratings of conscientiousness . . . a later start time leads supervisors to perceive employees as less conscientious,” and thus as lower performers”.

Perception counts, so go to work early!

2. Be grateful for what you have.

Wanting to do well and be happy in your workplace is important. Just as important is being grateful for what you have already.

Appreciating what you have will mean you are giving off a positive vibe. This is far more attractive to potential promotions or new positions than if you were in ‘poor me’ mode and surrounding yourself in negativity.

Feeling entitled to progress is a sure way of stopping you from progressing. Be happy for what you have and good things will follow if you want them to and continue to do the right things.

3. Be willing to learn every day.

I am working in retail for over 17 years and I’m nowhere near the finished article. It’s important to be willing to listen and learn no matter what stage you are in your career.

If you want to progress yourself, the likelihood is you will be stepping into roles you don’t understand yet. There is no shame in asking questions about things to make sure you understand.

Too many people fake their job, thinking asking questions would be a sign of weakness or failure. The opposite is true. Willing to learn in an ever changing work environment is key to long term progression and happiness.

4. Work hard always.

We all hear these lines from time to time.

oh I’m having one of those days.
I’m not feeling it today.
God, I’m so bored.
heading home in an hour so I’ll take it easy.

If you’re not feeling it on any given day for whatever reason, do your best to work through it. Work your way through the day, do your best and you will feel all the better at the end of it. Taking it easy will only cheat yourself, no one else.

When the time comes for progression, who do you think will be top of the queue? The person who mumbles and groans every so often or the person with the great attitude who always does their best? I know who I would rather work with.

5. Do more without expecting more.

Unfortunately, some people have a ‘what’s in it for me’ mentality. They are only willing to do more work, or something outside their remit if they are rewarded straight away.

Here’s the thing. We are not entitled to anything. It’s fine to think you can be earning/doing more, but you will have to show your best time and again. Even then it may not be enough.

Going above and beyond your line of duties will show lots of things.

team player.
willing to learn new things.
positive energy.
not afraid of hard work.
ability to handle responsibility.

‘That’s not my job’ is a line no one should use if they want to progress in their work life.

6. If you don't ask you don't get.

One of the biggest things holding people back from progression is asking for it. Wandering Aimfully say people don’t ask for things because of fear of rejection and failure.

No one has ever come and asked me if I would like a promotion or a pay rise, ever.

I’m very thankful I have the mentality to go ask for things. Hearing no isn’t nice (I have heard no countless times!), but asking for something opens up many avenues. If you are asking for something (a raise, more learning opportunities, a promotion) take the following into consideration.

be realistic in what you ask for.
have reasons for why you want what you ask for.
have reasons why you deserve it.
ask in the right setting (not standing up on the work floor).
be ready for a no.
if it’s a no, ask politely why not so you can learn.

It’s so important not to let ‘NO’ affect you too much. It’s only a word and doesn’t hurt! If you fear the rejection, you will never get what you feel you deserve.

7. Understand it can take time.

It’s what nobody really wants to hear, but you must understand, things can take time, especially in your work life.

Simon Sinek says “in a world of instant gratification, two things take time to develop. Meaningful relationships and job satisfaction”.

We want things now, there is no time for waiting anymore. Waiting is exactly what you need to do in the working world. Progressing in your career may not even bring you that happiness you are looking for, and that could mean you need to start again, and that’s fine. Starting again with the right goal in mind will be the right thing to do.

Like everything worthwhile in life, working hard and accepting it can take time will allow you enjoy the journey even more.

To conclude.

Some people say they would like more from their work life. If you are one of those people, are you doing enough to achieve that?

Waiting for ‘that one opportunity’ or for your boss to give you more money will more than likely end in disappointment for you. If you start introducing the 7 steps talked about above into your work, you will be ahead of your peers and well on your journey to work satisfaction!

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