7 Simple Habit Changes That Will GUARANTEE Professional Success In 2017

Habits. The biggest difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is that successful people challenge themselves to make simple habit changes (and actually follow through).

At the beginning of every year, all of us think, “This is going to be MY year. I’m going to set goals for myself and get what I want — finally.”

But how many of us ACTUALLY follow through with those goals?

If you have some career goals for 2017, you need to make some habit changes in order to actually get stuff done.

These simple habit changes will help you succeed in 2017…

Whether you want to earn a higher salary, find a job that gives you purpose, or make a career change, you can get what you want in 2017 by making a few, very simple changes to your life and mindset.

Are you ready to show 2017 who’s boss? Let’s talk about what simple habit changes you need to make in order to get ahead this year.

1. Stop being reactive.

If you want to take ownership of your career, you need to stop being reactive and start being proactive.

Reactive activities include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

  • Waiting for your boss to give you a promotion
  • Waiting for recruiters to reach out to you with new opportunities
  • Waiting for employers to email you back about your resume

Notice that all of these activities started with the word “waiting.”

Waiting doesn’t get results. Taking action does.

2. Stop limiting yourself to the familiar.

Part of your new, proactive approach is to step out of your comfort zone.

Don’t hold yourself back because you’re afraid of what people think. And definitely don’t hold yourself back because you’re afraid to fail.

Remember, nothing will change if you don’t!

3. Start challenging yourself daily.

In order to grow as a professional, gain confidence, and build resilience, you must challenge yourself daily.

Whether that’s taking on a failing project at work or working up the courage to talk to a stranger at a networking event, push your boundaries.

4. Start surrounding yourself with supportive people.

Having a support system is an integral part of success. Who wants you to succeed?

In 2017, make a habit of surrounding yourself with successful, positive influencers who push you to achieve your goals.

Make an effort this year to meet new career friends who inspire you to keep moving forward and build stronger relationships with those who’ve always been there for you.

5. Stop complaining and start changing.

No matter who you are or what your situation, there’s always going to be something that *could* keep you from achieving your goals.

Miserable at your job? Find a new one.

Can’t find a job? Adjust your strategy.

Can’t get a promotion? Figure out why.

Complaining about your situation isn’t going to change anything for you. It only sends you into a vicious cycle of frustration that can seem impossible to get out of at times.

Focus on change. Avoid dwelling on your problems. Focus on moving forward.

6. Start working with what you have available.

Everyone’s situation is different. You might not have the same resources available to you that someone else has, but you do have the same desire to succeed. In many cases, that’s all you need to start getting what you want.

Think about what’s available to you and use it to your advantage. Can’t hire an expensive career coach? Find an inexpensive alternative like an online course or a free webinar to help you get ahead. Or, go out and find someone who’s willing to mentor you through your journey.

7. Start allowing yourself to succeed.

You have one life — this is it. You don’t have time to waste being unhappy, underpaid, or unsatisfied with your career. Now is the time to get what you want.

Stop allowing yourself to feel sorry for yourself. You are stronger and better than that. You can achieve anything you want to achieve with the right attitude, tools, and support.

These aren’t hard habits to incorporate into your lifestyle. In fact, they’re all quite simple. The most important part is to follow through with them.

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