How well are you succeeding?  I'm not talking about how you do your job -  you do it great.  Despite staying at the forefront of your industry, have you ever been taught how to succeed?  Don't shoot yourself in the foot - identify habits that could be getting in your way!

Bad Habit #1 - Lack of Enthusiasm.
Most successful people achieve what they do because they bring the right passion and level of enthusiasm to everything they do.  Try breaking your morning routine by adding something that will invigorate you for the rest of the day.  Tickle your kids, sing in the shower, listen to upbeat music, etc.  You'll be amazed what can be accomplished with a little enthusiasm.

Bad Habit #2 - Career Goals without a Plan
The phrase "A goal is just a dream if it is not written down" has been around for years.  How are you going to achieve your goal if you haven't identified how you're going to get there?  Put together a plan for what you will need to achieve your goal and be sure to include a deadline.  Schedule the steps into your daytimer or alternative method that will assist you to stick to the plan.  Get on the path, no matter what it is, and take the first step(s).

Bad Habit #3 - Poor Self-Marketing
No one else is responsible for your success.  You have the sole responsibility to market yourself.   Become the person in charge of your career.  Ensure all your career marketing documents (resume & cover letter) are top-notch and current.  If you need to take a course to improve on a skill - do it!  Learn what it takes to sell yourself and then make certain the right people know who you are, what you've done, and what you can bring to an organization.

Bad Habit #4 - Doing It All Alone
Somewhere we've developed the concept that we have to get a successful and rewarding career on our own.  Your professional success is not a solitary journey.  Most successful people have a supportive team helping them achieve their goals.  Surround yourself with a positive professional mentor, coach, recruiter, or group of colleagues and get assistance when you need it.  Build your Winning Career Team and include Smarthire at www.smarthire.ca.

Bad Habit #5 - Letting Fear Rule
Self-imposed fears are often the reason talented people don't achieve their goals.  The fears and doubts won't go away unless you ignore them.  Start thinking about what could happen if you DIDN'T do something instead of if you DID.  Fear NOT trying instead of trying.  Be strong and courageous, be willing to learn from mistakes, and be ready to enjoy your successes - positively focus on them and boldly move in the direction of your career dreams.