Self-Defeating Work Habits

The following habits are like weights on wings. Imagine how high you could soar without them.

1. Procrastination. Putting off tasks produces anxiety that’s often worse than the original task. Do first thing in the morning the things you most want to put off.
   
   
2. Defensiveness. Breathe! Consider critiques as simply information. When you take responsibility for your part in any given situation, people trust and respect you more.
   
   
3. Doing it all yourself. This is the surest way to limit your progress. Focus on your strengths and create a team around you to handle the rest.
   
   
4. Over-promising. Make sure your promises are realistic and attainable. And then over-deliver.
   
   
5. Perfectionism. "Perfect" doesn't usually get you any closer to your goals. Learn to focus on the details that really matter.
   
   
6. Over-work. Exhaustion and burnout can make your work, your attitude, your relationships and your health suffer. Ease up between bursts of intensity.
   
   
7. Disorganization. Ever spent 45 minutes looking for a single document? Enough said.
   
   
8. Poor communication. Strong communication skills create options, connections and clarity.
   
   
9. Not following through. How many dollars have you left on the table by not following through?
   
   
10. Thinking small. This serves no one, least of all you.

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