What to do when you’re new

The first few days at your new job can be quite terrifying, especially when it’s your first. Luckily, your co-workers know this feeling all too well (everyone has to start somewhere, right?). Here are a few things to keep in mind to keep your mind at ease.

1. Work on that handshake.

When you walk through the door, the first thing you’re going to be doing is shaking a lot of hands. That’s why it’s best to practice (unless you’ve got the gift of the perfect handshake). Make the shake a part of your daily routine. Do it with your kids, your pets, your friends, or anyone willing to lend a hand. Train those muscles. Nobody likes a limp shake. Express your confidence by giving a firm shake.

2. Display the right amount of confidence.

Too much of anything and you’ll start resenting it. The same applies to confidence. Being overconfident is often considered a bad thing. Being unconfident however, gives your co-workers the wrong idea. Embrace the fact that you were selected for this position with a reason.

3. Don’t be high maintenance.

One thing you don’t want to do is immediately put your co-workers to work. Try to blend in with the crowd, and find out what the general vibe is like. Focus on your job instead of trying to satisfy your ego. Once the dust has settled, you can ease into establishing your sphere of influence.

4. Failure happens.

Everybody fails sometimes. Whether it’s the CEO, the office-veterans, the entrepreneurial spirits, or even the sanitary department, everybody’s bound to make mistakes. The important part is taking those mistakes, and becoming better because of them. Remember this: failure breeds success.

5. Face your fears.

Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. Fear is the path to the dark side. The same applies to your job. If you keep procrastinating because you’re afraid to take on a difficult task, you’ll end up hating your job and quitting soon before long.

6. Have fun.

No matter how cliché it may sound, the most important part of all is to have fun. It’s as simple as that. If your new job does not provide the necessary laughs and excitement to get you through the day, you may have some difficult times ahead.

But hey, Rome wasn’t built in a single day, right?