Can we be honest and admit that our twenties can be a hard time? We are adjusting to life post college, working in a field that you may or may not love, and attempting to find happiness in this new phase of life.
For some of us, this time is filled with additional commitments like graduate school, marriage, children or volunteer leadership roles. While work is important for many of us, it can sometimes be hard to make sure we are doing a good job and setting ourselves up for long-term success.
Over the past few years of working and learning from every great leader I can, I have learned a few ways to make sure we are always killing it at work. Here are a few of my tips:
1. Have silent mentors:
I recently attended a work event and one of the panelists introduced the idea of silent mentors. Silent mentors are people you admire and emulate. Instead of seeking them out as a mentor, watch them and learn from them. This allows you to learn on your terms and creates a scenario in which the learning doesn’t have to end.
Read more: 5 Questions to Tell If Your Mentor Is a Good Fit For You
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2. Seek out feedback:
Everyone is different, but I don’t always take feedback well. Regardless, I seek it out. Improvement cannot happen if we don’t know what needs to improve. Make it a priority to seek out feedback from your supervisors, trusted colleagues, and mentors.
A mentor of mine says if you don’t get some sort of critical feedback from your supervisor they are doing you a disservice. Everyone has areas to improve upon, so seek those out to be a better employee and leader.
Read more: When (and Why) to Seek Feedback From Your Boss
[clickToTweet tweet=”Seek feedback. Improvement cannot happen if we don’t know what needs to improve. ” quote=”Seek feedback. Improvement cannot happen if we don’t know what needs to improve. “]
3. Embrace learning:
Learn as much as you can! For me, this comes in the form of reading, listening to podcasts, and going to professional development events. I love learning about leadership, diversity, and inclusion (the field I work in). Learn about your career, but also things you enjoy.
Read more: 4 Ways To Keep Learning Once You’ve Graduated
4. Find your career tribe:
Outside of mentors and your supervisor, it is nice to have peers that to talk to about work challenges. They can challenge, encourage, and support you. Make it a goal to have coffee at least once a month with a peer in your industry.
Read more: How To Build Your Tribe in Your 20s
5. Prioritize your health and wellbeing:
I don’t care how great you are at your job, if you aren’t living a healthy lifestyle, you will eventually hit a wall. We only have one body, so I have tried to use this time of my life to incorporate and build healthy habits.
Try to eat well and incorporate fitness (ideally that you enjoy) into your life. Think about things life mindfulness, yoga, and meditation. Regardless of what you do, find ways to take care of yourself so that you can give your all at work. Oh, and get enough sleep!
Read more: 3 Tips For Better Sleep To Help You Reach Your Goals
What are your tips for making sure you are going above and beyond at work? Have you tried any of the things above? Let us know what you think!
About the Author
Jessica Sharp is passionate about empowering underserved and minority communities, diverse representation, and brain education. Jessica is the Founder and Chief Educator of Sharp Brain Consulting which works with public service agencies to provide education about the brain and its effect on organizational outcomes. Additionally, she is on the leadership team of Meals on Wheels in her town of Greenville, SC. She is completing a Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Missouri. Upon her completion, she will attend William James College to obtain a Doctorate of Psychology. Follow her on twitter at @sharpjes.
Website: www.sharpbrainconsulting.com