Your work self might be capable, high-achieving, and organised, but your personal life is a mess.
The fact is no one wants to work with someone who has ambitious goals but none of the everyday business skills that actually get things done. Next, add more detail. According to psychology professor at New York University, Peter Gollwitzer, the more detailed our plans, the more likely we are to succeed. So, if you’ve written ‘On Tuesdays and Thursdays after work, I’ll go to the gym.’ that’s good. But ‘On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I’ll stop work at 5.30pm and catch the 5.
Seek out those who already seem to have it sorted and study what they do. According to psychologist and author Katy Milkman: ‘You’re likely to go further faster if you find the person who’s already achieving what you want to achieve and copy and paste their tactics.’Spreadsheets crammed with numbers whizz around most workplaces. Sales figures, profit margins, targets and the like show us exactly what we need to know – and can be just as useful outside the office.
Katy Milkman also advises people to have a set number of ‘emergency passes’, say two per week, for when you fail to meet your steps target, stick to your diet, or complete your meditation. ‘This strategy can help you stay confident and on track even when you face the occasional, inevitable setback,’ she tells Metro.co.uk.Remember the old mantra ‘Dress for the job you want’?
If you’re striving for a better work-life balance, but your wardrobe consists of either ‘smart professional’ or ‘off-duty slob’, then try investing in some comfortable, attractive non-work clothes that better support your life goals.In the words of legendary Hollywood costume designer Edith Head: ‘You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.’Performing well at work can mean a host of lovely rewards – from pay rises, to peer approval – head your way.