4 Small Daily Habits that will have a Big Impact on Your Career

It starts with you

It is easy to think big in your career by wanting to achieve job related jobs, wanting to develop 100 new skills and wanting to reach the top level in your field. But the problem we face is that reaching those big goals feels impossible from where we stand today.

Want to know how? Here are four things to do every day to improve your career this year. They are so simple; you will be surprised you do not do them more often.

1. Read

Smart people know that by keeping up with industry news or downloading the latest professional development book, they are always one step ahead of the game. They are constantly learning, and constantly engaging with new ideas, new voices, and new perspectives.

These further shape and support the decisions they make. Plus, the only way you are going to become a better communicator is by witnessing good written communication first hand.

So, make a vow to read something every day. Maybe you settle for five pages a night then increase that number over time. Or, maybe you subscribe to popular publications in your field and spend your commute reading as much as you can.

2. Connect

Chances are you check social media daily, if not more often. However, there is something called keeping your networking warm, and it is just as important—things like commenting when someone changes their job status on LinkedIn, sending a private Facebook to a colleague who just got engaged. While they may not directly impact your career now, they keep the door open for when you may need something later on.

3. Write

It is so important to practice writing regularly, in no matter what fashion. Find ways to express yourself, your thoughts, and your ideas through writing. Start a blog, write a LinkedIn article, take on a freelancing project, track your accomplishments, write for your company’s website, post on Facebook, contribute to a discussion group and create an idea journal.

4. Ask Questions

This is the easiest advice you will get all day. Ask your boss how they got where they are today, ask your colleague what they are working on, ask friends to explain a foreign concept to you, ask for help when you need it. Be curious in meetings, while sitting at your desk, at events, over drinks. Always strive to learn more and understand what you do not know.

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