Winning daily habits for tech careers

Want to take your career to the next level? Start with your daily habits. Think of each and every day as a building block of your eventual success.

Whatever your role and your experience level, your success in the fast-paced digital and tech industries often hinges on what you every day to bring you closer to achieving your goals. Your daily routines do more than help you have a good day at work or at home – they also help you to shape a sustainable and fulfilling career long-term.

What is success in the AI-driven and digital age?

There are lots of definitions of success – and that goes for every industry and every role. It varies from person to person. With technology and artificial intelligence evolving at lightning speed, success doesn’t mean you know everything. It means that you’re committed to continually listening and learning, updating skills and innovating in your approach to problem-solving.

Success also involves the ability to drive change and lead transformation – and with tech, digital and AI roles involving specialist skill sets this can apply at every level of a team.

Morning routines of successful people

The daily habits of successful people tends to begin with the moning routine. So how do leaders kickstart their day?

Barack Obama’s morning workout

Former US President Barack Obama is known for his disciplined, strategic use of time. His mornings typically began early with a workout session. He once said, “You have to exercise, or at some point, you’ll just break down.” This commitment to physical fitness energised him for the day’s challenges, and is an inportant part of his approach to self-care and resilience.

Oprah Winfrey’s reflective start

Media mogul Oprah Winfrey begins her day with gratitude and reflection. Oprah’s morning habit aligns with her broader life philosophy, which she encapsulates in the quote, “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” 

These leaders have a structured morning routine that goes beyond task setting and time management; it is about setting intentions, nurturing both body and mind and preparing for the day’s challenges. Emulating such routines in your own life doesn’t necessarily mean copying them exactly but finding what resonates with you.

Tech tools you can use to build your daily habits:

Habitica – gamifying habit tracking

Habitica is a unique habit tracker app that turns your daily goals and tasks into a fun, RPG-style game. It’s especially effective for those who respond well to gamification and need that extra bit of motivation to stay on track.

Todoist – task management tool

This helps you organise and prioritise daily tasks more effectively. You can create to-do lists, set deadlines and categorise tasks, by project. It’s quite a versatile tool that integrates with other apps, tools and platforms. 

Headspace – meditation and mindfulness app

Headspace offers guided meditation sessions and is an excellent tool to help bring calm and balance into your life, especially if you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. It provides overall well-being and helps improve your focus. 

Forest – productivity and focus app

This is quite a unique concept where users can plant virtual trees while working. If you happen to become distracted, your tree can die. The tool is a great way to encourage productivity and enhance focus, both personally and professionally. 

Continuous learning and adaptability

Incorporating learning into daily routines – be it through industry podcasts, online courses, or regular reading – can keep you at the forefront of industry developments.

Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, is credited with leading a significant transformation within the company by embracing a mindset of continued growth and learning. He has successfully driven the transition from a company primarily focussed on Windows and Office software to one that also incorporates Cloud Computing and other cutting-edge technologies, ensuring Microsoft’s longevity by staying abreast of market trends and customer’s expectations. 

Practical ways to incorporate learning into your daily habits:

Podcasts for career insight

Podcasts are a great way to stay informed and inspired, especially for professionals who are constantly on the go. They offer insights into the latest tech trends, advice from industry leaders, and discussions on cutting-edge innovations. 

Regular reading: stay informed and inspired

Regular reading, whether industry publications, blogs, or books, is crucial for keeping up with the latest industry trends and gaining deeper insights into various topics. 

Work-life balance and self-care

Maintaining a balance between professional demands and personal well-being is vital to long-term success. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and pursuing hobbies can significantly contribute to mental and physical health, thus enhancing overall work performance.

Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook and author of the bestselling book “Lean In”, is a keen advocate of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially for those in leadership roles. She has led by example, opening advocating the importance of spending time with her family and making including personal interests outside of work.

Here are some sustainable and achievable habits and behaviours that can help maintain this vital balance:

Here’s how you can effectively set and review goals:

1. Identify your long-term career aspirations

2. Break down long-term goals into smaller, achievable milestones

3. Set SMART goals – specific, measurable, achievable and time-bound

4. Regularly review and adjust your goals

5. Adapt to industry changes

6. Celebrate achievements and learn from setbacks

Practical example:

Emily, an aspiring Digital Marketing Manager who has recently completed a content marketing course, applies the SMART Goals criteria for her career progression. Initially, she sets a ‘Specific’ goal to assist in the development of a LLM search strategy for a new website, gaining practical experience in the process. She then establishes a ‘Measurable’ target by proposing specific key performance indicators, including an increase in website traffic and user engagement. She does this by integrating her new content marketing skills, which makes the goal ‘Achievable.’ Finally, the goal is ‘Time-bound’ because Emily commits to a six-month deadline with her capability lead. 

Exploring new habits

Exploring these habits becomes a journey in understanding what success means in the dynamic realm of tech and digital innovation. It’s not a rigid prescription, but rather a potpourri of inspirational possibilities. Balancing your time, managing your interests and building your confidence are key ingredients for development in your career journey.

As you reflect on these habits, see them as personal choices that contribute to your unique definition of success. It’s about experimenting with options and deciding what’s best for you. Just as your priorities evolve, so does your definition of success. Reflect on these habits and consider how to incorporate them into your daily routine for better career growth and development.