Successful people typically show more self-discipline than others. They have formed good habits like punctuality, organisation and persistence.

The good news is that you can learn bet-ter work habits within three to four weeks, says time-management authority Merrill Douglass. “A habit is simply behaviour done so often that it becomes automatic,” he explains.

“Force yourself to keep good records and you will see the day when you keep them as inevitably and efficiently as you bathe,” agrees management expert Ted Pollock, in SUPERVISION.

“Drive yourself to be punctual and you will soon keep your appointments on time as naturally as you eat three times a day. Make yourself plan your days and weeks in advance, and planning will become second nature,” he adds.

Deliberately training yourself into good habits requires you to exercise stern self-discipline at first, says Pollock. But once those habits become second nature, the payoff is considerable: “Good habits save effort, ease routine, increase efficiency and release power.”

SOURCENOTE: Supervision,Vol. 59, and ABC Time Tips, by Merrill Douglass