6 Steps to Develop Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness, simply put, is focused attention on making sure that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. So how do you start building up this kind of focus to the levels that you wish to achieve?
We're glad you asked. Here are 6 steps that can help you to develop conscientiousness so that everyone will know that you possess it!
1. Look Sharp
Attention to the way you dress and personal hygiene is one of the marks of the truly conscientious. After all, a suit even makes a scarecrow look sharper! Pay attention to the image that you are giving the world. People like to judge each other and unfortunately, it is simply our natures. Give them the first impression that you are professional and that you care how the world sees you.
2. Keep Calm so You can Give Measured Responses
Making rash statements in anger is not very conscientious. If you are prone to such outbursts, try a little bit of breathing or some pre-rehearsed statements to excuse yourself from a situation politely if you feel that your temper is about to make an appearance. Give yourself some time to formulate more conscientious responses and you will surprise yourself by making them.
3. 5-10 Minutes a day of Planning
Conscientious people are planners. However, you don't have to be overly meticulous and plan out every minute of every day. Taking just 5-10 minutes a day in the morning or the evening can help you to get in the habit of building a little structure. This is definitely a conscientious trait. After all, spending 5-10 minutes of planning can increase your efficiently and maybe earn you another hour or more of leisure. Just something to think about.
4. Create a Budget
Conscientious people don't spend past their limits. It's not a good habit to get into for anyone, really. Take a little time each month when you are paying the bills to make a budget for yourself and stick to it. Set up a savings account and have a portion of your paycheck, even if a small one, deposited each month where you won't look at it.
Just as a little time management will help you each day, a little money management will help you in the long run. The choices that you will have in the future are dependent on this.
5. Clean Your Home
Unclutter your space and unclutter your mind! For you creative types, it's okay to leave your desk or your computer room in such a state that your friends will think that your Muse is a whirlwind which hangs out with you daily. As for the rest of the house... Keep it tidy. Try it for just a couple of weeks if you don't believe us. You'd be amazed at the clarity of mind that results from having an ordered living space at home.
6. Always Meet Your Deadlines
The most important trait of a conscientious person is, of course, reliability. You are striving to always be doing what you are supposed to be doing. That means that you need to keep your word. If you said you would have something done by a particular time then you need to get it done. Make sure that your boss and coworkers know that when it comes to reliability, you always give 100%.
There are times in life when things occur that we cannot control, of course, but if these things seem to happen to you often, then it is time to take a hard look at your life and ask yourself just how much of it is chance and how much of it is coming from you. Be reliable, be conscientious, and ALWAYS meet your deadlines.
These 6 steps will help you to be conscientious. Why not get started today? Putting it off until tomorrow really isn't a conscientious approach, you know.
