Being professional each and every workday can be tough, but hidden within your personality are attributes that can translate as strengths in the office. Reflect on those moments at the office where you feel "in the zone" and see if they match with these important habits to making your professional life a better one.
Confidence
Backing up your confidence with successful results will lead to positive things in your career. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, so be careful.
Follow-Through
Clear, simple goals don’t mean much if they are left unfinished. If you say you’ll do something, do it!
Enthusiasm
Smart enthusiasm is a very positive quality. On the other hand, unrealistic enthusiasm will reflect poorly on your leadership skills.
Candor
Truly professional people are straight shooters. They review the situation and give their honest opinions.
Dilligence
See every project through to the end. Be persistent and comb through every detail personally.
Strategic Thinking
Professionals get to where they are in life by breaking down their goals. They set their goals, then work backward to complete them.
Discretion
The ability to be candid without giving offense will greatly benefit your professional appearance. This shows that people can be confident in telling you what’s on their mind with no fears of repercussion.
Self-Awareness
Being self-aware ties together with your confidence. The ability to own your strengths and weaknesses greatly improve how others view you in the professional world.
Performance
Performance is a key factor in improving your professionalism. There’s no better way to show this than having steady, repeated success.
Anticipation
Being able to anticipate a problem oozes confidence. This means knowing where problems may occur, and being able to anticipate how to correct them.
Curiosity
No one is ever finished learning. Showing that you are willing to learn new skill will prove your worth to the company.
Caring
Caring is more than just sharing. Learning the goals and fears of others is the only way to really help.
Risk-Taking
Risk-taking isn’t always about putting everything on the line and hoping for the best. All great business moves require a level of risk. Knowing this allows you to weigh the given options for better or worse.
Realism
It’s great to want to come up with an idea that will save the company millions, but don’t promise things you can’t follow through on. Consistently show your ability to deliver with what you can. Nothing is more unprofessional than failing to live up to something.
Humor
Humor demonstrates perspective. There’s no need to try an be the funniest one in the room, but a little friendly humor goes a long way.
Fitness
If you don’t care about your health, then what do you care about? Neglecting your physical health shows that you aren’t on top of everything and could be detrimental to your ability to work.
Authenticity
Everyone can tell when you are trying to be someone you aren’t. Being yourself will boost your professionalism way more than trying to “fake it till you make it.”