In the past, work ethic was a bit different from what most of us are used to today. This was a time before instant messages, emails going through cyberspace and meetings that happen more in virtual rooms than actual ones. And even though technology has moved on, the way people would work back then has stood the test of time. Here are thirteen old-fashioned work ethic practices that could really give us a leg up if we brought them back. Get ready to be more productive!
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Rise and Shine with the Sun
Back then, people often started their workday at dawn. It makes sense since there’s something about being up with the birds that gets you in the right headspace to tackle the day ahead. Waking up early also means you’re likely to catch that magical morning light. It makes your first cup of coffee taste even better! It’s also quite nice knowing you’ve accomplished so much while the rest of the world is still hitting snooze!
Real Breaks, Not Just Screen Switches
Once upon a time, taking a break actually involved stepping away from work, maybe even going outside for some fresh air. Nowadays, a “break” just means switching from one screen to another. But real breaks recharge your batteries and that’s good for improving your productivity. Stepping outside to feel the sun feels like hitting the reset button on your brain, so when you come back to your desk, you’re more focused & ready to crush it.
Being Your Own Taskmaster
Before all the productivity apps, people had to rely on good old self-discipline to stay on track. They had the right idea! Setting your own goals & holding yourself accountable is rather rewarding, mostly because it helps you develop a strong sense of pride in your work. You know what needs to get done—so you’ll push yourself to do it. No reminders from your phone needed!
Dressing the Part
People used to dress in formal clothes and the idea of casual clothes in the workplace was a foreign concept to them. Even if you’re not meeting clients or bosses in person, dressing for success puts you in the right mindset for work. Choose outfits that make you feel confident and ready to deal with whatever comes your way. When you look good, you feel good. That confidence spills over into your work to make you more productive and assertive.
One Thing at a Time
While multitasking might seem efficient, it often leads to half-baked results. In the past, people focused on one task at a time because it allowed for better concentration and higher quality work—even if it felt slower at first! Just think about it as a way of giving each task the attention it deserves. It’s a lot better than spreading yourself too thin.
Hard Work Beats Shortcuts
Looking for the easy way out might save time now—but putting in the hard work pays off in the long run. It builds resilience and, best of all, gives you a sense of achievement that no shortcut can match. Take pride in the process like people did before! They knew that the effort they put in shaped them into a more determined person. You can do the same.
Walking or Biking to Work
In those days, people had no option but to walk or bike to work. And that’s a good thing because it helps you squeeze in some exercise and shake off stress after being cooped up in the office all day. It’s your chance to turn commute time into “me time.” As you walk or bike, you can clear your head and get your blood pumping. You won’t need another cup of coffee to wake up in the morning!
Using Snail Mail for Important Documents
Even though email is quick, sending stuff by snail mail still has its perks. For example, important documents feel more secure when you have them physically. It also shows a level of effort & consideration that emails just can’t match. When you send something by mail, you’re essentially telling the receiver that this is important enough for you to take the extra step. Really, it makes all the difference in how they receive your message.
Taking the Time to Learn New Skills Hands-on
Forget about zooming through online tutorials because learning something new by actually doing it sticks with you way longer. It’s even better when you do it with someone who knows their stuff! The hands-on approach gets your hands—and you make some real connections while you’re at it. You’ll also get to ask questions to get immediate feedback in real time.
Personalizing Your Workspace with Physical Photos
Before everything went digital, people used to deck out their desks with actual photos. We could try doing that! Snapshots of loved ones are great for improving your mood when the going gets tough at work and surrounding yourself with happy memories makes your workspace feel more personal. It’s a simple way to keep those important to you close, even when you’re buried in deadlines. Simply look over and you’ll remember why you’re there in the first place!
Setting Up In-Person Coffee Meetings Instead of Virtual Catch-Ups
There’s no denying that hopping on a virtual call is easy but meeting up for a real-life coffee chat beats it hands down. You have the chance to really connect to someone staring at a screen. It’s also the perfect excuse to step away from your desk—what more could you want?! You can’t put a price on being able to have a change of scenery every so often.
Following Strict Daily Schedules
Back in the day, workers stuck to strict schedules and made a clear line between work & downtime. It’s still possible today—you just need to map out your day to prevent work spilling over into your relaxation time. You should carve out specific times for work, breaks & play. In doing so, you’re more likely to stay on track and less likely to burn out.
Practicing Diligent Correspondence
Since people had to physically respond to letters and memos, rather than send a quick test, they’d be more considerate with what they’d write. If we did the same today, it’d be great for our professional relationships and communication skills. Take the time to create a meaningful reply. Don’t forget to stay on top of your inbox, too! It’s a sign of respect for your colleagues’ and clients’ time. Isn’t that exactly what you want?
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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