If A Job's Worth Doing, It's Worth Doing Well

From a very young age, my mum has always told me that if a job is worth doing, it's worth doing well. Whether you work for yourself, within a team or organisation, or maybe you're a student; giving every task and job that comes your way 100% is the difference between the people who dream of success and the people who actually achieve it. Talent and natural ability are of course one part of it, but I really do believe that your work ethic makes just as much (if not more) of a difference.

I didn't always have the grit that I have now - it's taken me a few years to really develop the mentality I have today of determination and my focus on always moving forward and personal development. For anyone else who wants to give every job they tackle 100%, here are some things I've learned about doing a job well:

Don’t take shortcuts Some shortcuts are good - for example if you're a freelancer I shared some awesome apps that can help streamline the more tedious parts your work can entail. In general though, shortcuts can usually lead to rushed and half finished work - and ultimately that can lead to bigger issues along the way. Even if it means you will finish half a day early, or that you don't have to take the longer more tedious road, choosing to avoid shortcuts and follow through 100% usually leads to stronger, more focused work that you can be really proud of.

Go the extra mile Leading on from not taking shortcuts, going to extra mile usually takes a job done well to a job done really well. Whether it's putting in the extra hours to really have a project ready to launch or hand in, or maybe adding in an extra service at no cost when working with freelance clients, going above and beyond what's expected is really worth the extra time sometimes. Whether it's because you'll get an awesome referral for new clients, or standout amongst your colleagues or peers - I said it at the weekend but I really believe in always raising the bar when and where you can.

Attitude makes all the difference Especially if you work within a team, the way you approach your work and any obstacles that may come your way in the process really defines you and your work ethic. Not every task we face in our jobs is going to be something we love, even as a self employed entrepreneur I'm faced with weekly tasks that don't really excite me (admin and bookkeeping, I'm looking at you). Staying positive, motivated, and engaged throughout the process - whether you're in an office environment, or maybe with a difficult freelance client - can really affect the overall outcome of your work. Even if a job is done well and has met all initial expectations, if done with a negative attitude that resents having to tackle the job in the first place, then no one involved will feel fulfilled come the end.

What about you, would you add any points to these?

Jen

Background image via June Letters

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