Whether you’re working in an office, a hospital or a warehouse, some general career advice tips will see you succeed anywhere. It’s about making the most of opportunities that come your way, taking time to reflect and finding a balance between your professional and personal life. But arguably most important of all, our number one for a reason, never stop learning in life!

So, how do you stay happy and become successful at work? We think the following ten tips will see you challenge yourself while maintaining a happy and healthy personal life.

1. Never stop learning

You’ll never know everything there is to know about your industry ­­– but you can try. If you have a passion for what you do, you’ll always find new ways of learning how to do it. Whether reading trade journals and cutting-edge research, attending workshops or enrolling in professional development courses, being a lifelong learner will help you achieve your career goals.

2. Set SMART goals

You’ve probably heard the expression, ‘fail to plan, plan to fail’! It’s true because, without a plan, you have a wish, not a goal that will help you succeed. But how you set your goal matters, so make sure they’re SMART goals.

3. Stay organised

Staying organised comes easily for some, but it’s a real struggle for others. But organisational skills are at the heart of productivity and success in every area of your professional (and personal) life. If you’re in the disorganisation camp, try a short professional development course in time management to gain the skills you need to stay on top of your workload while balancing your personal life.

4. Build your network

Many people think that networking is about gaining connections to help them advance in their careers or business. But that’s not exactly right. It’s only half the story because instead of networking for professional gain, try connecting to ‘make friends.’ Friendship is the key to all genuine and mutually beneficial relationships. So, next time you’re at a workshop or conference, try shifting your focus and see what happens – you might find it takes the pressure off.

5. Stay healthy

Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial to well-being and productivity at work. Setting goals for your health is important, even if it’s just a power walk for 30 minutes daily. It’s about making it achievable and fun, so choose something you enjoy. Take time to mentally check in with yourself and employ coping strategies or seek help when struggling with mental health and wellbeing. You can find information on mental health via online resources like Beyond Blue, through your company’s human resources department or by making an appointment with your GP.

6. Find balance

You’ll discover that there is no perfect work-life balance at some point. It’s about feeling fulfilled in work and your personal life, not so much a 50-50 split between the two. If you’re in a job that makes finding that balance impossible and impacts your physical and mental wellbeing, it might be time to consider alternatives. Check out the 6 Careers for the Best Work/Life Balance.

7. Start your day early

If you’re not an early riser, there are plenty of reasons to set your alarm clock to wake with the birds (no, not with the night owls!). Studies indicate that students who rise earlier get better grades than those who burn the midnight oil.  You’ll also have more time for exercise (see point 5), which increases your energy levels throughout the day. It’s also easier to find calm when you give yourself enough time in the morning to prepare for the day.

8. Challenge yourself

If you feel too comfortable in a role, shake things up with a challenge. Creating your own challenges, if they’re not provided, is an ideal way to improve your career performance and boost your confidence. Are there new skills you’d like to learn? Any skill gaps you need to fill? If so, look for a workshop or online course that allows you the flexibility to work and study.

9. Stay calm, ask questions

Are you afraid to ask questions at work? If so, be brave because asking questions is good for your brain health. Research shows that being curious leads to higher levels of positive emotions, less anxiety, greater satisfaction with life and better overall satisfaction with life. Asking questions also encourages a more positive work environment as it promotes collaboration and trust.

 

Your success in life is limited only by the limits you set yourself. If these tips help you stay motivated and successful at work, great! But if you’re unhappy despite your best efforts to succeed in your current role, it may be time to change your career. Take a look at the hundreds of professional development courses we offer in almost all industries to discover what you’re passionate about today. It’s a great way to sample your future career of choice.