1. Being too busy for breaks (you’re better at everything when you’re rested).
2. Replying to email instantly (if they’re really waiting, they’ll call you).
3. Getting caught up in politics (it’s rarely worth it and never fun).
4. Pretending you’re saving lives (if you actually are, no need to pretend).
5. Refusing to give yourself uninterrupted time for work (they don’t need you that much).
6. Complaining about how little money you make (the people you’re complaining to can’t change it).
7. Forgetting to laugh and have fun (this can take work some days but is always worth it).
Bonus round: Stop eating lunch at your desk. You really deserve a walk, conversation with a friend, or a quiet hour away from your desk.
How did you know I do all those things at work?
I have to agree. I found myself sending an email to schedule a phone call. I wasn’t even in a corporate setting. I realized I should have just called and left a voice mail instead so an actual conversation can happen.
Though I do prefer email so you can have a record of the conversation most of the time. Though it isn’t the best form of communication.
Simple yet profound.
I tend to have the mentality to respond right away to people’s emails and requests since I like to get answers in a reasonable time myself. I can see how this can cause you to lose focus however.
Another tip; stop going out to lunch, the time and money you spend to eat out for your breaks will really add up over time.
[...] 7 Things you should stop doing at work [...]
[...] 7 Things you should stop doing at work from lifehack.org by Seth Simonds [...]
Excellent advice
Well all these things which you have written is 100% correct. even i have seen these things in my surrounding. I really like this posting. i thing this will help me a lot
thank Seth Simonds.
Bonus round tip about getting out for lunch is my favorite. I am one of the longest surviving employees – now managers at my company.
I consider this mostly due to the fact that I allow myself an hour every day.
I know way too many former co-workers who burned themselves out and had to leave or worse, were asked to leave because the QUALITY of work they were putting in during that hour they spent hunched over their monitors ended up being low grade.
Too me it doesn’t matter that it is frowned upon in my company to do so either. The quality of the work is what matters in the end.
Plus – here in Canada you are allowed this under the law, so frowns or now – I suggest all Cannucks take that break.
I’ve often said, if you don’t think you are paid what you are worth, than QUIT!! and go somewhere where the value you create is properly recognized and rewarded. Otherwise, stop complaining and gratefully accept what you are given.
Note sure I understand #4 “Pretending you’re saving lives”. You mean taking your work too seriously?
Precisely so!
unfortunately I’m doing all these things in my life.I’m guessing 50% of the people is the case.
So true~ and I totally agree with No.2. I avoid to reply to emails or send my artwork for review instantly even I’ve finish it because the clients will only bombard you with more emails even they are not urgent. I will seize the time to complete other projects. :)
Yes, no matter waht we meet with, we shall have an active attitude on our work.
like the one about complaining about how little money you make
No, ask for more money. Money is the motivation.