What does pride mean to you? For some, that’s that feeling of accomplishment as they cross items off their to-do-lists or achieving their goals. Others may take pride in the fact that their performance has helped others in some way. Regardless of how you define pride, we should all strive to achieve a great feeling about our work. Here is how to take pride in your productivity performance.

As it keeps us committed and motivated. But, how can you take pride in your performance productivity? Well, here are twelve areas to focus on.

1. Begin your day with daily affirmations.

“Daily affirmations are simple, positive statements declaring specific goals in their completed states,” explains Jack Canfield, the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul(r) series. “Although they sound rather basic at that level, these empowering mantras have profound effects on the conscious and unconscious mind.”

“Repeating affirmations helps to reprogram the unconscious mind for success,” adds Canfield. They can also “eliminate negative and limiting beliefs and transforms your comfort zone from a limited one keeping you trapped in mediocrity to a more expanded one where anything is possible.” In short, they can help “replace your ‘I cant’s’ with ‘I cans,’ and your fears and doubts with confidence and certainty.”

What’s more, daily affirmations can keep you focused. And, they “can also create higher vibrations for happiness, joy, appreciation, and gratitude that then, through the law of attraction, magnetize people, resources, and opportunities to come to you to help you achieve your goals.”

Canfield states that there are eight guidelines for creating affirmations:

  • Start with “I am.”
  • Use the present tense.
  • Affirm what you want.
  • Keep it brief.
  • Make it specific.
  • Include an action word that ends withing.
  • Include at least one dynamic emotion word.
  • Make sure that it’s for you and no one else.

Practice your affirmations and then kick off each day with a positive statement to get you in the right mindset.

2. Remember your “why.”

Yes. You’re working because you need to make money to live. But, that’s a result of doing what you do and not the main purpose.

As Simon Sinek describes in his book “Start With Why,” there’s a Golden Circle that we can use to inspire and motivate not just ourselves, but those around us. It includes:

  • Why: Why does your company exist? What gets you out of bed? Why should other’s care?
  • How: Your Process. What is your “differentiating value proposition” or a “unique selling proposition?”
  • What: “What do you do?” Hint, it’s the result of your “why.”

“When you start with WHY, those who believe what you believe are drawn to you for very personal reasons,” wrote Sinek. “It is those who share your values and beliefs, not the quality of your products, that will cause the system to tip.”

Your “why” can guide you when you feel lost and can help ignite your drive. As a result, you’ll become more motivated and proud of what you’ve accomplished and what you will.

3. Put your name on it.

There are several reasons why artists sign their work. It’s a tradition, can increase the value, and is used to claim ownership of it. But, I would also like to think that it’s them letting the world know that they’re pleased with their art.

When applicable, you should also put your name on your work. It could be a signature, initials, watermarks, or passwords. If you create content, then publish what you’ve created under your byline.

4. Give a damn about your bad reputation.

Joan Jett may not care about her reputation. But you certainly should. Be known as someone who is reliable and always delivers quality work on a consistent level. It’s a sure sign of someone who takes pride in their work and performance and doesn’t want to tarnish the credibility that they’ve built.

5. Make improvements, not excuses.

“He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” — Benjamin Franklin

When you’re satisfied with your performance, you don’t just pat yourself on the back. You also don’t make excuses for any missteps that you’ve made along the way. And, you definitely don’t point fingers or pass the buck to someone else.

You learn from your mistakes and use that knowledge to improve. But, even if you didn’t make a mistake, you’re still frequently exploring ways to become better, faster, and stronger.

6. Understand the value of time.

“You may have never thought about this before,” states Calendar Co-Founder John Hall. “But, 100% true. Time is the only thing in life that you can never get back once it’s gone.”

Additionally, valuing time over money will make you happier, more successful, and help build your stellar reputation. Also, when you arrive on time and meet deadlines, you’re showing others, as well as yourself, that you respect and value this precious resource. As such, you’ll do what you can to protect it, such as eliminating unproductive activities that you can give 100% of your energy and focus on your performance.

7. Keep your workplace clean.

Psychologists have found that cleaning can help manage anxiety and stress. Also, clutter is also linked to negative emotions like confusion and tension, while clean spaces are associated with positive emotions like calm and a sense of well-being. And it also saves us time since we aren’t frequently looking for misplaced items.

But, cleanliness also breeds satisfaction. As the folks over at Buildingstars Commercial Cleaning Services perfectly put it, “As space is kept clean, people have more pride in their workplace, and in turn, have more pride in their work.”

8. Your appearance matters.

I’m a firm believer in not judging a book by its cover. But, there’s no denying that how you present yourself matters. For example, you’re attending a meeting or industry event. The person leading the event or giving the keynote stands in front of the audience wearing sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt. It also looks like they haven’t taken a shower today. Are you honestly going to take what they’re saying seriously?

As Dr. Kurt Smith is the Clinical Director of Guy Stuff Counseling & Coaching, explains, your appearance plays a major role in your relationships. It “says a lot about who you are and how you feel about yourself.” Moreover, it shows that you care about health and well-being. And it can give your self-esteem a boost.

In short, dress for success. If your appearance is sloppy, then it’s a safe assumption that your work is as well.

9. Think done, not perfect.

When you take pride in your productivity performance, you think done instead of perfect. That doesn’t mean that you aren’t giving it your all. It’s that you realize that perfection doesn’t exist, and you’re comfortable and happy with the final product.

As Henry Van Dyke once said, “Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except the best.”

10. Be a part of the team.

You don’t have to the leader of your organization’s very own spirit squad. However, being a team player can increase everyone’s productivity and create a more positive culture.

It also shows that you’re proud to be a team member and that you’re engaged. Most importantly, it lets others know that you want everyone to progress and achieve their goals.

You can do this by asking and giving feedback. You could also try team building activities, celebrating accomplishments, or volunteering together. And don’t forget to use tools that promote collaboration and teamwork.

11. Show off your skills and work.

I’m not talking about being a braggart. Instead, I’m suggesting that you find ways to highlight your skills and accomplishments. It could be as easy as updating your resume or LinkedIn profile. You could also have your own website or portfolio that displays your work. And, without only shameless self-promotion, share your work with others on social media.

If you don’t want to sound like you’re only bragging, talk about your process and struggles. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, then you could stream a live drawing session on Behance or discuss the obstacles you’ve had to overcome.

The point is, strategize, set your goals and put them on your Calendar — and achieve your goals.

12. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Finally, take the time to celebrate your accomplishments. It could be something small like taking a deep breath to treat yourself to a nice dinner to skipping work for the day to do something you truly enjoy. If you’re leading a team, then make sure to recognize their accomplishments through thank notes and celebrations, like a team outing or in-office party.