Let’s face it: We can sometimes get so wrapped up in our day-to-day duties at work that we forget how important it can be to love our jobs and feel great while being there. Since we spend so much time at our places of employment, a little inspiration to be the best version of ourselves can be enough to spark a positive change. If you’re starting a new job, or feeling in a little bit of a professional rut, here are a few things you can do to look and feel your best:
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Elevate Your Style
Depending on your office’s dress code, this may mean different things, but putting a little more effort into your style is one small change that can certainly make you feel better about going into the office, and is often the catalyst for some great change.
For ladies in a casual or business casual work environment, consider swapping out your denim for some stylish patterned pants that can be paired with flats, loafers, or work-appropriate heels. Although many workplaces are shifting to a more casual dress code, that doesn’t mean you can’t dress above it. For men, trading your polo shirts for a button-down can give you an elevated look. Wearing well-fitting clothes is key in this case, as it can bring you from sloppy to chic with a few small tweaks. Even trying out a fashionable suit that fits just right can bring you to a new level in your wardrobe.
Whether you’re in the entry level position, or working your way up the ladder, you’d be amazed at how much better you feel when you dress for the job you want!
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Keep Your Desk Clean
Nothing is more satisfying than walking in and leaving your office with an organized desk; when you know where everything is, you won’t be spending time trying to catch up and dig around for files, paperwork, or other information. All in all, being organized is the key to success. If you’re not feeling quite there yet, the solution is simple: if you have a lot of files to manage, ask your employer if you can have access to a file drawer. If it’s in your personal budget, getting a few desk organizers doesn’t hurt, either. Plus, some of them look stylish and can add a little flare to your desk.
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Chat With Your Co-workers
Being friendly with co-workers in the office should not be taboo. In fact, being antisocial can really ruin your workplace experience. Consider making small steps to contribute to a positive office culture by engaging in some friendly water cooler chat or Friday meeting conversation. You don’t have to share everything about your life, but being social and emulating a team-player spirit can create a better environment, and it might even help you score some points with your boss.
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Take on Extra Work
If you’re experiencing a rut at work, why not offer to take on more responsibility? Showing some initiative and asking how you can better support your team and supervisors is a great way to get your hands on some fresh work, and also can help to position yourself for a promotion down the line. It can feel refreshing to have different work in front of you and communicate with others in your company, and you’ll feel successful when you accomplish a new task successfully. Just make sure you are effectively handling the work that is already on your plate, so you’re not drowning in it when you take on more.
