At some point, most people wish work was easier and we didn’t have to work so hard at working at it. But it is important to stay motivated and not give up in the face of challenges at work.

Leaders become better leaders when they learn from experience. They become effective problem solvers, mentors and role models.

It is important to achieve your self-development goals and success in your career, and there are many lessons to be learnt along the way.

Gain the trust of your superiors

Say yes to taking on bigger and more daunting tasks when the opportunity arises, provided they fall within your job scope or are in an area you are keen to explore. Otherwise, it could backfire.

You do not want to underperform. But when bosses see your interest in learning and taking on a new project, they will value your presence.

Show them how you can use your talent and skills to elevate your department’s performance or create a better work environment for your organisation. Embrace the mission, take note of your boss’s goals and do your job well.

Lastly, be mindful of and respect your superior’s time. As busy as they are, if they set aside time for you, make sure you prepare properly.

Know your value

Stop telling yourself you are not good enough. It is important to be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses. A “woe is me” mentality can lead to excuses that can do more harm than good.

To identify your strengths and weaknesses objectively, refer to past appraisals or ask your superior for feedback with an interest in self-improvement.

Pay attention to your patterns. What do people normally say to you when you complete a task or handle responsibility? Do they praise you for your execution and timeliness, and methods and strategies? Do they comment on your crisis management skills or people management?

Recognising your patterns will help you determine your best qualities and those you can improve on.

Another way to lift your spirits is to build up your belief in yourself. Convince yourself you have what it takes by believing you will succeed. As the human brain anticipates an outcome, it draws the result it wants to achieve.

To be successful, you must believe whole-heartedly that you are good enough and capable of reaching the goals set by your leaders.

Let go of the things you cannot control

Don’t sweat the small stuff and control your temper. “It’s just work” is a good piece of advice.

Rather than getting frustrated over a situation or a mistake, just move on and focus on the next big thing.

It may be easier said than done, but not managing your frustrations could be detrimental to your health and those around you. With that said, it is important not to gloss over mistakes.

Do your best and concentrate on the job.

Being true to yourself also helps. Learn to pick out the tasks that matter most and prioritise the ones given by your direct superior.

In the earlier stages, it may be hard to differentiate between ruminating and problem-solving, but in time you will learn and be able to handle it.

Be nice and kind

Being nice and kind to people is a better way to live and work. Be gracious and exude positivity in the workplace. Being nice is a form of respect and everyone deserves to be treated well.

Bring flowers for a colleague who’s celebrating a birthday or help a colleague out when they want to learn a new technical skill you are familiar with.

Communication also improves with a good attitude. Stress levels drop and even a hectic work schedule remains bearable, facilitating stress management.

But being nice does not mean forgetting to be assertive. Make your boundaries clear, but with a pleasant attitude. Studies have shown that relationships strengthen and trust exists with proper communication.

When people trust you, interactions are better, there is minimal disruption to your workflow and you may even get paid better. So, go ahead, be that thoughtful colleague!

Your career will take you places and can be a roller coaster ride of experiences. There will be good days and bad days, but with a mindset that is ready to learn and improve, you will become a good and influential leader.

This article first appeared in jobstore.com.

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