In contrast to the best-selling title written by Stephen R. Covey the ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’, there are actions and thought patterns which lead to ineffective behavior. Here are 7 habits to watch out for to avoid becoming ineffective at any point in your career.
The reactive approach
Watch out for when you are tempted to react to a conflicting situation and are unwilling to foresee a long-term strategy. If you are unable to think of innovative ways to accomplish a task when you are faced with a failure, your effectiveness at work is at stake.
Expecting instant rewards
If you want to achieve everything in life instantly, you are likely to get stuck in a vicious cycle. Nothing in life comes easy or without a plan. If you are unable to evaluate or devise a plan for your goals, chances are you will be disillusioned and demotivated when something does not go right.
No sense of priorities
A lack of understanding about important tasks and not-so-important assignments is a waste of productivity, time and energy. This confusion leads to the lack of a clear plan to proceed in life.
To overcome this, always list down your goals and prioritize them to make your progression through life a smooth ride.
Taking shortcuts
It is most common to see people trying to take shortcuts to make money or gain in business. Everything takes time, experience and understanding.
It’s important to think everything through, to be patient and to be willing to commit to a goal before you expect it to yield results.
The know-it-all attitude
There is a lot to be learned from the experiences of your peers and colleagues. Even the most successful people in the world are open to learning, to active listening and sharing experiences.
Be positive about other people’s experiences and make use of their insight and knowledge to drive your own growth and learning.
I don’t need to work hard
Every task, job, assignment requires a plan, hard work and focus. You have to earn the respect of your peers through showing commitment and dedication.
Develop patience, focus and a strategic approach towards your work, which will help you achieve the respect that you desire. Desire when you have deserved it.
Lack of self understanding
A good professional always has a sound idea of what they are worth. If you are unaware of your strength, weakness, interest and other traits of your personality, you are unlikely to achieve the best of your potential.
Self-understanding and development is crucial for success. Remember to watch out for the 7 habits that make you ineffective and you are sure to head towards positive change.
Everyone has shortcomings that can be overcome and balanced. What we need to know is whether we are willing to make that change.


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