Here at Dish-y we think being your best self is important. We’re constantly striving to better ourselves. In doing so we’ve noticed some habits that we as a people are slowing losing and why they’re important in our daily lives. Listed are 8 habits you need to focus on to take you from effectiveness to greatness.

1. Greeting People with Pleasantries-Do you walk right past your co-workers without saying “Good Morning”? Do you greet the Starbucks barista with a “Good Afternoon”? People like to feel like you notice them. When you walk up to the counter to order your latte and just spit out your order it makes the barista feel like you think you’re better than them and less likely to make your drink correctly.

 

 

2. Arriving on Time-Let me just say…I HATE being late. It drives me crazy and yet I’m married to a perpetually late man. I have friends who couldn’t make it on time to their own funeral. However, when you’re to an appointment it comes across as disrespectful, disorganized and unreliable even if you’re not. When you’re habitually late to meet your friends it say you don’t respect their time. I mean, don’t we all have crazy lives and lots on our plate? Sure, we do but lots of people still show up on time.

3. Handwritten Thank You Cards-Thank You cards aren’t just for wedding and baby shower gifts. I think people seem to have forgotten that in recent years. Have you had someone go above and beyond for you at work? If so, thank that person with a handwritten thank you card. You can show your appreciation for the time they’ve given you by giving them some time of your own.

 

 

4. Eating Dinner Together-I think maybe I should re-phrase this to say…eating dinner together without any interruptions such as television, phones or computers. In a time when we’re all available 24/7 it can be easy to get caught up in checking your emails while eating dinner. Family is the most important thing we have in this short life. Do you really want to spend your time on your email or spending time with your family?

5. Using Proper Grammar-In the digital age of texting and emails, we’ve lost our sense of the proper use of the English language. Sure, abbreviating words and phrases to “YAW” (You Are Welcome) or “BTW” (By the Way) is quick and easy in a text message, however, they have no place in a business email. When you show attention to detail by using proper grammar, it tells your employer you will show attention to all of your work.

 

 

6. Welcoming New Neighbors to the Neighborhood-Typically, when a new neighbor moves into the neighborhood you should, at the very least, knock on the door and introduce yourself. I was shocked when we moved last June. We received pies, bottles of wine and cards on our doorstep. Our previous neighbors never once stopped by, waved or ever brought over food! Now, I like to meet the new neighbors first and then put together a basket based on my guess of their likes.

7. Please and Thank You-It sounds silly but you can never use please and thank you too much. You should be using please and thank you in your day-to-day conversations with your spouse or parent. Using these words shows respect for the person to whom you’re speaking.

8. Actually Speaking to Your Friends-I’m guilty of this habit. I admit. All too often, I will text a friend rather than picking up the phone and calling. It’s true there are certain times when texting is more appropriate…while you’re at work, for example. If you’re intent is to catch up with a friend then pick up the phone and call them!

Choose one of these 8 habits each day you’ll be on your way from effectivess to greatness in no time!