By Helen Godfrey, MA, NCC, BCC, LPC
I didn’t come up with this list, but I’ve seen it floating around LinkedIn as a photo of a whiteboard, and it stuck with me. The list outlines ten simple traits that, while not dependent on natural talent, can really make a difference in how you’re perceived both personally and professionally.
These aren’t about perfection—they’re about effort, awareness, and intention. With a little practice, anyone can bring more of these into their day-to-day life. As Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Let’s walk through each one, with some ideas for how to make them part of your daily rhythm.
1. Being on Time
“Arriving late is a way of saying that your own time is more valuable than the time of the person who waited for you.” – Karen Joy Fowler
Being on time communicates respect, reliability, and professionalism. In many workplace cultures, showing up 5–10 minutes early is standard. If punctuality is something you’re working on, take inventory of your routine. Factor in time for your morning tasks, commute, parking, and any other variables. Build in a buffer—those extra 10–15 minutes can lower stress and increase consistency. If you’re ever unsure about expectations, just ask your supervisor. Also, find out the best way to communicate if you are running late. Phone? Email? Text?
Keep in mind that cultural norms around time can vary, especially in international settings. When in doubt, clarify what ‘on time’ means in your environment.
2. Work Ethic
“Don’t be upset with the results you didn’t get from the work you didn’t do.” – Unknown
Work ethic isn’t just about hours—it’s about integrity and follow-through. A strong work ethic shows up as accountability, reliability, and a willingness to see things through. If you’re finding yourself disengaged, it’s worth pausing to reflect:
– Is the work aligned with your strengths and values?
– Do you feel supported and resourced?
– Are you overwhelmed, underchallenged, or unclear on expectations?
Self-awareness is key. If you identify a gap in resources or your skill set, talk to your supervisor. Come to him/her with solutions in hand. This will show initiative, not weakness.
3. Effort
“Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential.” – Winston Churchill
Effort is about showing up, trying again, and continuing even when it’s tough. It’s easy to be motivated when things are going well—real growth happens in the persistence through plateaus. When you choose work that energizes you, the effort becomes easier to sustain. That doesn’t mean you’ll always love the grind; we all have good and bad days, no matter how much we enjoy our jobs, but it will mean that you will have a reason to keep going.
4. Body Language
“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” – Peter Drucker
Your posture, facial expressions, and gestures often speak louder than your words. Make eye contact, smile, and nod to show engagement. Bring a notebook to meetings and take notes—it signals that you’re present and prepared.
If you’re having a rough day, that’s okay. Try to maintain professionalism, and save emotionally charged conversations for private, one-on-one moments. Have a trusted group of friends outside of the workplace that you can bounce ideas off of during frustrating times.
5. Energy
“Exhaustion makes wimps out of all of us.” – James Loehr
Energy management is a form of self-leadership. It starts with the basics—sleep, movement, nutrition—and extends into how you structure your day. Notice what tasks light you up and which ones drain you. Schedule high-energy work for your optimal hours, and save more routine tasks for your low-energy windows.
Also, get curious about how your work environment affects your energy. If you’re feeling chronically depleted, it may be time for a different conversation.
6. Attitude
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
A positive attitude isn’t about pretending everything’s great—it’s about staying hopeful, open, and grounded. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned professional, curiosity and willingness go a long way.
Your priorities will shift over time, and that’s natural. The one thing that helps in every phase? A willingness to see problems as solvable and people as capable.
7. Passion
“Working hard for something you don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something you love is called passion.” – Simon Sinek
Passion fuels effort, creativity, and grit. When you care about your work, you tend to go deeper and bounce back faster. To discover your passion, reflect on what you enjoy learning, what types of problems interest you, and where you feel most energized.
Even if your job doesn’t align with your deepest passion right now, you can often find ways to connect it to something meaningful.
8. Being Coachable
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” – Ken Blanchard
Being coachable is about listening, asking questions, and being open to improvement. Negative feedback isn’t always easy to hear, and most people won’t be comfortable providing it to you, but it’s one of the fastest ways to grow. The next time you receive feedback, try to:
– Listen fully before responding
– Ask clarifying questions if needed
– Say thank you, even if it’s tough to hear
If you’re new to a team or stepping into a new industry, being coachable and open to advice will make you stand out.
9. Doing Extra
“There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.” – Roger Staubach
Doing extra doesn’t mean saying yes to everything. It means noticing what could be better and taking initiative when it counts. Want to build trust with your manager and team? Bring solutions rather than problems.
10. Being Prepared
“Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.” – Denis Waitley
Being prepared builds confidence and shows respect for other people’s time. Bring a notebook. Review the agenda. Think through your questions and write them down in advance. Preparation doesn’t mean perfection—it just means you’re ready to engage.
Try keeping a single notebook or document where you track tasks, deadlines, and ideas. Write things down—it frees up mental space, helps you stay organized, and helps you remember.
Final Thoughts
“To change your life, change your habits.” – Unknown
None of these traits requires special talent, but they do require awareness, effort, and practice. Start small. Pick one to focus on this week. These small habits, practiced consistently, can build a foundation not only for professional success but for a more intentional and fulfilling life.
