7 work habits that signal you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving

There’s a subtle distinction between just getting by in your work life and truly thriving.

Surviving means you’re just staying afloat, doing the minimum to keep things going. Thriving, however, is a whole different ball game. It means you’re not just meeting expectations, but exceeding them, and finding real joy and fulfillment in what you do.

Thriving at work is all about knowing the right habits to cultivate. And lucky for you, I’ve got some insights to share.

Let’s uncover the 7 work habits that signal you’re not merely surviving—you’re thriving. These habits will not only help transform your work performance but also leverage technology to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit. So, buckle up and get ready to take notes!

1) Embracing change

Let’s face it, the business landscape today is all about evolution.

In this ever-changing digital world, those who cling to old patterns and resist change are often the ones who find themselves merely surviving. They do enough to meet the status quo but fail to grow or innovate.

However, those who embrace change, who see it as an opportunity to learn and evolve, are the ones who truly thrive.

Adapting to new technologies, learning new skills, or adjusting your business strategy based on market trends all signify a thriving work habit. It shows you’re not afraid of change but rather see it as a chance to improve and excel.

Remember, it’s not about being reckless or impulsive. It’s about being open-minded and flexible, willing to take calculated risks and make necessary changes for the sake of progress.

So don’t shy away from change. Embrace it. It’s your ticket from mere survival to absolute thriving.

2) Prioritizing work-life balance

Here’s a personal story. I used to be one of those people who thought burning the midnight oil was a sign of dedication and hard work. I was convinced that working late into the night, sacrificing weekends and personal time was the way to succeed.

But what I didn’t realize was that this approach was leading me to burnout. I was surviving, not thriving.

Then I made a conscious decision to prioritize work-life balance. I began to set boundaries, ensuring that my personal time was respected. I started taking breaks when needed, spending time with loved ones, practicing hobbies, and even just taking a moment for a cup of tea.

This didn’t mean my work suffered. In fact, it improved. I was more focused during my working hours, my productivity improved and most importantly, I was happier in my work.

That’s when I realized: work-life balance isn’t just about preventing burnout; it’s a key habit of those who are thriving in their careers. It’s about understanding that personal well-being is as important as professional success, and one can’t flourish without the other.

3) Continual learning

In the ever-evolving world of business, staying stagnant is a surefire way to fall behind. But those who are truly thriving know the importance of continual learning.

Did you know that the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2022, over 54% of all employees will require significant re-skilling and upskilling? This highlights the need for each one of us to stay ahead of the curve.

Whether it’s taking up a new course, attending webinars, reading the latest industry research, or even just learning from colleagues and peers, continual learning keeps you relevant and capable in your field.

It provides you with new perspectives, helps you adapt to change better and empowers you to take on new challenges with confidence. So make learning a priority—it’s a sure sign you’re not just surviving, but thriving.

4) Cultivating a positive attitude

When things get tough at work, it’s easy to fall into a spiral of negativity. However, those who are truly thriving understand the immense power of maintaining a positive attitude.

A positive attitude doesn’t mean ignoring problems or challenges. Instead, it’s about facing them head-on with optimism and resilience. It’s about learning from setbacks instead of being overwhelmed by them.

Having a positive attitude also reflects in how you interact with others. It can foster a healthier work environment, motivate your team, and even improve relationships with clients or customers.

So remember, while you can’t always control what happens around you, you can control your response to it. Cultivate positivity—it’s a clear sign that you’re not just surviving in your work life, but thriving.

5) Setting clear goals

I’ve always been a planner. From major projects to daily tasks, having clear goals has been my guiding star. But it wasn’t always the case. There was a time when I used to dive headfirst into my work without a clear path or objective.

The result? I found myself lost in the whirlwind of tasks, often working hard but not necessarily smart.

Then, I decided to change my approach. I started setting clear, attainable goals—for the day, the week, the month, even the year. And it made all the difference.

Having clear goals gave my work a direction. It helped me focus on what truly mattered and track my progress. It also provided a sense of achievement whenever a goal was reached, motivating me to aim for the next one.

So whether it’s for your overall career or daily tasks, setting clear goals is a habit that signals you’re not just surviving in your work life—you’re thriving.

6) Practicing mindfulness

In the digital age, distractions are just a click away. Emails, social media, instant messages – they all compete for our attention. And amidst this noise, it’s easy to lose focus on the task at hand.

That’s where practicing mindfulness comes in.

Mindfulness is the act of being fully present and engaged in the moment. It’s about focusing on the task at hand rather than getting lost in distractions or worrying about the future.

It might sound simple, but it’s a powerful habit that can significantly improve productivity and work quality. Plus, it can reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.

So whether it’s through meditation, mindful breaks, or just conscious effort to stay focused, practicing mindfulness can signal that you’re not just surviving in your work life—you’re thriving.

7) Building strong relationships

At the end of the day, business is all about people. Whether it’s your team members, clients, or partners, building strong relationships is the bedrock of a thriving work life.

This goes beyond just networking for the sake of business. It’s about truly connecting with people, understanding their needs, and building trust. It’s about being a good listener and communicator, respecting diversity, and fostering a culture of collaboration.

Strong relationships lead to better teamwork, customer satisfaction, and ultimately business success. So if you want to signal that you’re not just surviving but thriving in your work life, focus on building strong relationships. It’s not just good business—it’s good humanity.

Final thoughts

The beauty of our work life is that it’s not set in stone. It morphs and evolves, mirroring our own personal growth and adaptation.

Thriving in your work isn’t a destination, but a journey. It’s not about ticking off a checklist but about constantly learning, improving, and adapting.

Remember, each one of us has the capacity to thrive in our work life. It doesn’t require extraordinary talent or luck, but the right mindset and habits.

So, take these habits to heart. Embrace change, prioritize balance, never stop learning, cultivate positivity, set clear goals, practice mindfulness, and build strong relationships.

And along this journey of thriving, don’t forget to pause and reflect. Revel in your growth, celebrate your victories, learn from your setbacks, and most importantly—enjoy the ride.

After all, to quote Confucius, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” So, let’s not just survive our work life—let’s thrive.