Have you ever looked at successful individuals and thought, “I wonder what their day-to-day routine is like? Do they eat certain foods on a daily basis? Do their sleeping habits differ from mine? What is it about these professionals that make them so successful?”

If so, you might not be surprised to find out just how much your routine and daily rituals can affect your productivity and career success.

What you do before work, during work, and after work will have a major impact on how you perform professionally.

Here are 6 daily habits that will enable you to see a big improvement in your work performance (and ultimately in your chances of career success):

  1. Focus on your strengths

Many of us want to be perfect — a perfect parent, a perfect friend, a perfect colleague — and we want to be perfect in our professional positions.

Trying to be perfect takes a lot of time and energy, and doesn’t usually achieve the desired results. So instead of spending unnecessary time and energy trying to become ‘perfect’ in all aspects of your life, focus on your strengths, and see how much more likely you are to succeed.

  1. Eat healthy food throughout the day

It is important to fuel your body with the correct nutrients, so that you are able to perform at your best. Keep hydrated, eat fresh fruit and vegetables, and try to cut out the sugar and caffeine during working hours.

Also make a point of eating regular, balanced meals, as this will keep your blood sugar stable, and prevent your energy (and concentration) levels from fluctuating too much throughout the day.

Healthy snacks - apples and bananas and other fruit

  1. Exercise regularly

Exercise is important. It will not only make you feel good about yourself, but it will also keep your mind alert and help you to stay disciplined. If you cannot find the time to fit in an hour session at the gym, consider making a few small changes in your daily routine, for example:

  • Take the stairs instead of the lift
  • Carry your groceries in your hands instead of using a trolley
  • Walk over to a colleague’s desk instead of sending an email every time you have a question at work
  • Go for a quick walk during your lunch and tea breaks

Even a few minutes of exercise can help you feel more refreshed and energised.

  1. Control your mindset

The mood that you bring to your working environment won’t only affect your own performance, but also the performance and attitude of those around you. You can improve your performance by maintaining a positive mood and cultivating a positive mindset.

A positive attitude will also encourage others to respond more positively to you — this will not only improve your work performance, but also your professional relationships, and your overall career success.

Also read: Why Empathy in the Workplace Matters More than You Think

  1. Work hard

Whatever you do on a daily basis, make sure that you do it to the best of your ability. Always deliver high-quality work within the given deadlines — this will show that you are willing to put in the effort that it takes to meet high standards.

  1. Reward yourself at the end of a work day

When you go home in the evening, reflect on the day, and remind yourself of the work you have done, or the tasks you have completed. This will help you to feel good about yourself, and as though you deserve a chance to relax. Remember that focusing on the positive is important when striving for success.

Remember that your daily habits are only a part of achieving success. Education and other factors also play an important role.

Click here to find out how you can improve your chances of success through education with Oxbridge Academy.

 Do you think your daily habits are setting you up for success? Let us know in the comments box below!